A lack of collaborative digital tools and technology is affecting the productivity of almost half of public sector workers, who are struggling when working from home
New research by the Apogee Corporation finds that nearly four-in-ten public sector workers have noted that the lack of hybrid collaboration due to insufficient technology is influencing them to leave their current job and look for a new position.
With 32% of workers saying they are unable to do their job properly because of a to lack of access to the right technology, feelings of frustration and isolation have become commonplace in the public sector.
Where is the technology that public sector workers need?
Public sector budgets are squeezed due to current economic conditions.
A fifth (20%) of CIOs cite lack of budget to provide the right supporting technology as the main barrier to delivering on employees’ flexibility demands.
The research, which surveyed over 100 office workers, 100 chief information officers (CIOs) and 100 HR directors from across the public sector, finds that most organisations are failing to meet the flexibility and collaboration needs of the workforce – adding pressure to an already tight budget and lack of technological needs.
Would working from home be better with improved technology?
94% employees surveyed agree that they are less productive when working from home compared to working in the office, with 45% citing poor workplace technology at home as the main factor stunting their productivity.
This is affecting nearly half of all CIOs and HR directors, who are recognising that access to better collaborative technology is becoming employees’ top flexibility demand.
Around 70% of workers do not strongly agree that their employer meets their workplace needs, with nearly 20% predicting that poor communication with technology will be the biggest workplace challenge over the next 1-2 years.
However, it isn’t just technology deficits that public sector workers are facing. Workers’ frustrations with tech are growing due to disconnect between the expectations and priorities of employers and a new generation of digitally skilled employees.
Are workforce flexibility demands ‘unrealistic and unreasonable’?
According to 21% of CIOs and HR directors, their workforce’s flexibility demands are unrealistic and unreasonable, with 73% agreeing that some employee expectations are incompatible with the needs of the business.
Many HR directors are claiming how the generational divide is preventing them from feeling more connected to their employees, which is further straining the retention of talent in the public sector.
27% say they would resign if flexibility wasn’t offered
Julian Broster, VP of Strategic Business Development at Apogee, commented: “Employees are sending a clear signal on what they need and expect from their workplace. Public sector leaders must now take heed and invest in the right technology and collaborative digital tools to help their staff effortlessly connect with each other, no matter where they are working.
The research notes that even for organisations with a tight budget, employers must leverage cost-effective solutions to strengthen engagement and productivity across hybrid working environments.
