(https://www.thehrdirector.com/feed/?

post_type=news)

NEWS
DIGITAL PROMISED MUCH BUT
HALF OF EMPLOYEES MORE FED UP
THAN EVER
CONTRIBUTOR: Mark Sweeney, Regional VP of UK and Ireland -
Citrix | Published: 23 APRIL 2021

(https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/employee-experience/uk-employees-hopeful-about-the-promise-of-digital-but-half-
more-fed-up-with-work-than-ever/)

The majority UK office workers experienced

changes to both their workplace technology and
culture in 2020 but these changes left almost a
/
third of those employees more frustrated at work.

The poll, conducted by 3GEM and quizzing 1,000 UK o ce

workers in large businesses, questioned employees on how

their workplace culture and technology had changed in 2020

and the impact of these changes on productivity and employee

engagement levels. The survey also gauged whether these

COVID-driven changes had in uenced their views on how

technology could a ect the future of work at their

organisation.

Mixed results on digital investments

Major changes were implemented and felt by the UK workforce

in 2020: 78% of respondents stated that their employer

provided funds for new technology or changed the technology

they made available for sta to do their jobs last year. Working
styles also evolved, with over a third (36%) admitting remote or

exible working was not an option before 2020, yet was

encouraged last year.

The poll revealed that for many, these changes brought

welcome improvements. Before COVID-19, two- fths (42%) of

UK o ce workers described their workplace technology set-up

as “adequate” only, as it didn’t let them ful l their potential. Yet,

for those who experienced changes to workplace technology in

2020, six in 10 (59%) agree it improved their work experience.

/
Similarly, of those whose companies enabled and encouraged

remote working during 2020, almost two thirds (64%) feel it

improved their work experience.

However, UK investments to change workplace technology and

culture brought mixed results. While more than half (53%)

describe their workplace technology before COVID-19 as

“premium” – it enabled them to be as productive as possible –

this dropped to 45% when describing their current working

scenario, re ecting a step backward last year. Additionally, 38%

admit that alterations to their workplace technology last year

either didn’t change, or simultaneously improved and

worsened, their work experience.

The ndings suggest that COVID may also have exacerbated the

digital divide between organisations. Those businesses which

already o ered “premium” or “adequate” technology pre-

COVID were able to make changes in 2020 which improved the

work experience for their employees (66% and 53%

respectively). However, only 38% of employees who had

worked with “substandard” technology pre-COVID felt changes

in 2020 improved their work experience.

How tech is in uencing the employee experience

Nearly half (45%) of UK o ce workers agree that despite

changes during the COVID pandemic making them more

productive, they are more fed up with work than ever before.

Two thirds (64%) admit workplace technology is a key factor in

/
their job satisfaction, yet poor workplace technology has left

45% feeling disillusioned with their employer and their future at

the organisation. In total, just 9% believe the digital tools and

technology set-up currently available to them allows them to

reach their full potential.

When asked about the impact of workplace technology that

does not enable them to get their job done e ciently, two

fths (40%) admitted it leaves them feeling frustrated with

their employer. This rose to 74% amongst respondents who

had described their pre-COVID workplace technology as

“substandard”.

Beyond these frustrations, 28% acknowledge that workplace

technology which hinders e ciency stops them wanting to ‘go

the extra mile’ for work, and leaves two fths (18%) considering

looking for an alternative job which o ers a better tech

experience. Additionally, three in 10 (29%) admit it cuts into

their time to think more creatively and innovate.

“Many UK businesses successfully invested in workspace

technology and working policies that enabled truly

collaborative and productive remote working for their sta last

year. Yet, in some cases, COVID-driven changes to workplace

technology clearly fell short,” says Mark Sweeney, regional VP of

UK and Ireland, Citrix. “Deploying exible technology which

delivers a consistent employee experience anywhere and

removes the friction from work is key to boosting sta

/
productivity and engagement. Business leaders must prepare

for a future where hybrid workforces are not reliant on the

o ce on a daily basis, and set sta up for success no matter

where they are working.”

Workforce optimism around the “promise” of digital

tools

While not all digital investments in 2020 led to an improved

employee experience, UK workers remain hopeful about the

“promise” of digital. The majority (89%) are con dent that

their employer’s workplace technology and work culture will

eventually live up to employee expectations, or already does.

Nearly three quarters (70%) agree that the COVID pandemic

forced a revolution in employee experience – requiring

employers to embrace new technology and remote working.

Three quarters (75%) of sta at companies that implemented

changes to both workplace technology and culture in 2020 are

feeling more engaged with the business as a result. Looking

ahead, six in 10 (61%) are excited about how technology will

help to create a better ‘future of work’ at their organisation.

To truly harness the value of digital tools and technology to

enable them to reach their full potential, almost half (47%) of

UK o ce workers say they need faster access to all

information, such as search functions that help them nd

documents quickly – whether in the cloud, in an app or on their

desktop, unrestricted by location or device. Over a third (34%)

/
selected single sign-on, choosing the ability to log in once and
access all their apps, data and desktops in one uni ed

experience. Respondents also agged the importance of exible

technology (30%) and smart technology which automates

repetitive tasks (27%) as key, by respectively o ering the same

work experience from anywhere on any device, or freeing them

up from admin tasks which can be automated.

“Businesses need to act now to create a positive employee

experience. It’s time to deliver on the ‘promise of digital’ and
live up to employee expectations. The pandemic has forever

changed the way that employees view and approach work. If

companies cannot enable this new vision of work through

providing the right digital tools, they risk a disengaged

workforce or, at worse, a wave of talent leaving the business,”

Sweeney said.

Receive more HR related news and content with our monthly

Enewsletter (Ebrief) (https://www.thehrdirector.com/sign-up-
to-our-enewsletter/)

/
Now read
DC schemes urged to reconsider default investment design
(https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/pensions/dc-
schemes-investment-design/)
ARTICLE BY: Viola Lloyd (https://www.thehrdirector.com/author/viola/) |
Published: 9 OCTOBER 2018