- 70% of UK employees satisfied with their current tools, compared with 82% of German, French and Dutch employees
- German workers 50% more likely to have a laptop and 46% more likely to have access to fast internet than those in the UK
Employees in the UK are less likely to be equipped with the latest tools and technology in the workplace than their European counterparts, according to new research released today by ADP, a leading global provider of Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions. While more than eight in ten (82%) French, German and Dutch employees have access to the latest business tools to allow them to do their job effectively, only 70% of UK employees feel this way.
Across Europe, the most commonly used tools include fast internet (75%), a business laptop (59%), conference call capabilities (52%) and a work mobile phone (44%). Despite the high adoption rate, there are clear gaps in technology adoption between countries. German employees are 50% more likely to be provided with a business laptop than those in the UK. Similarly, Germans are 46% more likely to have access to fast internet than UK employees, while French workers are 36% more likely to have a work mobile phone.
Even though companies are constantly under pressure to reduce international travel and encourage remote team work, only 3% of employees say their current working environment is suitable for collaborative work such as online video conferencing. With suggestions for development areas, one in four employees would like to have more quiet zones for detailed thinking, while a third (30%) would like to have access to technologies that enhance collaboration such as file sharing tools.
For organisations, technology offers exciting possibilities for increasing workplace satisfaction. Almost half (44%) of workers feel that technology helps them understand the mission and values of their organisation, whilst 51% believe that technology fosters better relationships with colleagues.
Commenting on the findings, Annabel Jones, UK HR Director at ADP, said: “Even though workers across Europe are generally satisfied with the tools they have been provided with, this shows organisations must consider how they are going to create an environment that meets the requirements of the modern workforce. People feel passionately about access to technology, and companies that fail to take this into account risk losing out in the war for talent.”
For more information on ‘Workplace Technology Insight 2015: UK and European employees' perspective, please visit the ADP website.