The working population also feel that historic technology and old-fashioned working practices hinder growth and they are keen for change and better ways of working that suit flexible lifestyles and situations. Almost one-third of respondents (29%) in the survey said they view the 9-5 start and finish time as outdated, while 32% see micromanaging and use of desktop computers instead of laptops as belonging in the past.  

However, it’s not just inflexible hours and archaic equipment that leaves these significant proportions of the workforce disappointed in their employers; around a quarter of respondents want to be allowed to work from home (24%). 

The research isn’t suggesting that employees are looking to avoid working effectively.  Instead, it reveals that a more flexible environment that offers true choice in when, how and where people work is now a more routine expectation of employers from their employees. 

The data also indicated the need to provide greater choice, with more than three-quarters of workers agreeing to an extent that out-of-date tech and practices are a hindrance to company growth. However, there has been a communication breakdown with workers failing to tell employers how they feel. 66% of respondents say they have never spoken to their bosses about outdated working practices, even though 38% think management and 42% think directors are responsible for implementing these kinds of changes in the workplace.  

“The disconnect between those that believe performance is affected by out-of-date technology and practices, and the willingness to speak to those who can make change should be a significant concern for businesses as they look to attract and retain staff,” says Duncan Ward, Chief Executive Officer at Enreach UK. “Now practices such as hybrid working and flexible hours have been enabled as a result of the pandemic, it’s time for business to improve their offerings and equip workers with the tools they need.”  

Some of the research findings revealed what had been thought a long-gone office era of paper payslips, filing cabinets and landlines still lingered in some SMEs, suggesting little has changed since the 1980s. However, only a few respondents believed their employers lagged a long way behind the times. Just 15% said their employer was very behind the times when it comes to technology, while 40% did not think their employer was behind the times with technology. 

“It’s clear that the world of work has seen accelerated change over the last two years,” adds Ward. “This is a continuation of technological evolution, and the workplace can now be equipped to meet the expectations of workers in terms of collaboration, flexibility and choice. Enreach is here to ensure companies offer their workers a level playing field and access to the apps and equipment they need to power their businesses into a new generation of work.” 

 

 



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