data survey collaborating

Companies will be able to get more valuable data if they make their customers feel like they’re getting value in return. Source: Shutterstock

Employers struggle to keep up with digitally savvy workforce – study

THE population of Asia Pacific and Japan has long been hailed as fast and aggressive adopters of technologies, but recent research on “workforce transformation” has found businesses in the region are finding it difficult to stay up-to-date with increasingly savvy employees.

A study conducted by Forrester Consulting, on behalf of Dell, found despite there being a pressing need for updated technology to enable workforces, 61 percent of business leaders in the region do not have existing technology sufficient to meet their business goals.

The study found this is because many business leaders lack the understanding that employee experience, customer experience and revenue growth are inherently linked. For all these to thrive, the workforce must be enabled with the right modern technology.

SEE ALSO: Engaging modern workforces with flexible HR solutions

Niloy Mukherjee, vice-president of product marketing and APJ client solutions at Dell, said in a statement: “We are witnessing the digital-first mindset of customers permeate the workplace. This requires IT and business leaders to embark on a workforce transformation strategy and provide employees with the devices and software which enhance their efficiency.”

“In order to stay ahead in this digital era, it is critical organizations view workforce transformation as part of its overall digital transformation strategy,” he said.

Enabling one’s workforce includes taking into account a number of factors, including employee lifestyles. The ability to work remotely is becoming more popular among employees – according to a forecast of employment trends by the World Economic Forum, work flexibility is “one of the biggest drivers of transformation” in companies.

working from home remote worker

More employees globally are putting importance in work flexibility. Source: Shutterstock/Creative Lab

Forrester Consulting found more than half (53 percent) of their study’s respondents would like to have better remote IT support for teleworking. Lack of such support and in-house PC life-cycle management skills are major hindrances within an organization.

These demands put pressure on an organization’s IT capabilities, making it more complex and sophisticated while increasing exposure to risk. Employees’ demand for multiple operating systems, devices and applications, according to the survey, has become a “major security headache” for 71 percent of organizations in the region.

However, the answer to this could be as simple a refresh in hardware. Sixty-three percent of the organizations surveyed believe new PCs are more secure than the older models, thanks to more advanced security technology.

“Organizations will need to find a balance between managing budgetary constraints, delivering efficient IT support, and enabling enhanced productivity and workforce experience,” Mukherjee said.

“Working with experienced industry specialists possessing in-depth vertical experience and wide-ranging geographical presence can result in cost savings, improved security and ultimately, a better employee experience.”