In the UK, we think of ourselves as being quite advanced when it comes to technology. There’s certainly no hiding from the benefits that digital brings to the workplace: it allows employees to work remotely, have real-time access to information and save time. So why are employers still selling employees short?
A study by Fujitsu found a disconnect between the needs of our digital-savvy working population and what digital services employers are providing. Less than half (45%) of employees surveyed feel they have access to the technology and applications they need to do their job properly and 29% say their ability to do their job is being hindered due to poor digital services.
So what is the solution to this disconnect? 67% of respondents feel their organisation should invest more in technology services and applications in the next two years. However, only 55% of them believe they get the most value from the technology services and applications currently available to them. Half of respondents say the main barrier is a lack of training, 42% say it’s a lack of awareness of what services are available and 33% agree it is often quicker to bypass altogether technology that isn’t up to scratch.
“Outside of the workplace, [employees] have constant access to high-quality consumer digital services and they therefore have expectations that the digital services they use for work should match this,” commented Michael Keegan, CEO, Fujitsu UK & Ireland. “Employees are comfortable with using digital services but this enthusiasm will only thrive and prove a tool for business growth if it is matched by a continued focus on quality, effectiveness and, crucially, training in the workplace.”
But there is hope. Despite the need to more rapidly adopt digital in the workplace, overall satisfaction is slowly increasing. Satisfaction compared to two years ago has jumped 13% – going from 29% to 42% – while dissatisfaction decreased from 14% to 11% during the same period.
There is no doubt of the benefits technology can bring. But organisations are constantly adapting their digital services to meet the the needs of consumers while employees are seemingly left behind. This needs to change if businesses are to fully capitalise on the opportunities available. 
