ORGANISATIONS HAVE HAD SEVERAL YEARS TO ADAPT TO FLEXIBLE WORKING PRACTICES , SO IT ’ S STARTLING THAT MANY ARE STILL FALLING BEHIND .
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Ricoh Europe research reveals hybrid technology still not up to scratch
collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom , whilst 29 % do not have access to any collaboration hardware / hybrid meeting technology ( e . g . AV technology such as video conferencing ), despite this being in demand .
Business leaders recognise the problem , with just under one in four ( 24 %) admitting that their collaboration tools are not up to industry standard , which is making it hard for employees to do their day-to-day jobs . However , despite technology stacks remaining unchanged , only 17 % of business decision makers cited providing an enhanced employee experience as a strategic priority for the year ahead .
New research from Ricoh Europe reveals that the majority of organisations lack the technology to support flexible working , with only 30 % of European employees saying they have all the technology to collaborate seamlessly when working with other colleagues .
The research , conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ricoh Europe , polled 7,000 workers and 1,800 decision makers across Europe . It finds that flexible working remains a top priority for European workers , with employees citing having more flexible working arrangements , including the ability to plan and schedule to ensure their workplace needs are met in advance of the working day ( desk , location , workplace technology ), as the primary reason to reconsider leaving their role in the next 12 months .
Despite the value employees place upon working flexibly , many still lack the
ORGANISATIONS HAVE HAD SEVERAL YEARS TO ADAPT TO FLEXIBLE WORKING PRACTICES , SO IT ’ S STARTLING THAT MANY ARE STILL FALLING BEHIND .
basic tools to do so . One in five ( 20 %) employees do not have access to essential
The research also shines a light on how business leaders should be placing employee satisfaction and experience at the forefront of their agenda this year . This starts with flexible working , as nearly a quarter ( 24 %) of employees said that not being forced to work in the office but being given the right technology to work wherever benefits them would be a key way to increase their fulfilment at work .
Nicola Downing , CEO of Ricoh Europe , said : “ Organisations have had several years to adapt to flexible working practices , so it ’ s startling that many are still falling behind in providing even the most basic technologies that facilitate collaboration and communication . Given the significant benefits that flexible working offers , businesses must prioritise the necessary tools and technologies to get the best out of their workforce and retain top talent . Yet , embracing these changes isn ’ t just about staying competitive , it ’ s about valuing and investing in the happiness and fulfilment of the people who drive the success of the organisation .” p
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