Survey: Don’t expect employees to settle for outdated tech and “dowdy” workspace.
Your employees may make do with limited or antiquated technology; but according to a new survey, they aren’t happy about it. Of those workers in organizations with state-of-the-art technology and modern aesthetics, nearly three-quarters say they are happy with their jobs and their employers. Of those in “dowdier” workspaces with outdated or older technology, only about half claim job and/or company satisfaction.
What amenities are joy-creating for employees? In the technology arena, the survey suggest that the happiest employees appreciate capabilities such as iPad sign-in, badge-less entry, and other technologies (28%). Elsewhere, respondents love conveniences such as a free beverage station (51%), company cafeteria (33%), the ability to control conference room temperatures (32%), and concierge services (26%).
According to a survey from IBM, 74% of workers want tech tools that enable them to work anyplace, including cutting-edge apps and communication technology (such as Slack). Over three-quarters (74%) say these tools are either “extremely” or “very” influential in their decision to work for a company. Nonetheless, while employees say they appreciate the types of technology that enable remote work, 54% say they are motivated by social, face-to-face engagement with coworkers. Nearly a fourth say that during the interview process, their first impression of an organization comes in part from how employees collaborate and relate to each other.
Elsewhere, the 2019 Work Environment Survey results show a strong relationship between a thoughtful office design and workplace success. Among the key findings:
- 71% of employees say it is important for the workplace design to be flexible, and 73% say changeable furniture arrangements, such as alternative desks, are important.
- 77% say they are more productive if they have spaces for collaboration, and 88% indicate that space for focused work that requires close attention helps their accuracy and performance.
- 89% say they work better when they have access to spaces to take breaks during the day.
- 87% say that it is important for their company to support employee mental health and well-being.
Before investing heavily in any innovations, it is important to get input from employees about what technology and tech features they want and need. People are more likely to use technology that they had a hand in choosing, that has capabilities enabling them to work more efficiently and accurately, and that is integrated into their workflow instead of adding steps that are cumbersome and time-consuming.
