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One of the findings of a recent
Epson survey, was that UK workers
are positive about the future of
technological innovation and
the workplace. The majority of
respondents (76%) see technology
opening new possibilities for growth
and three-quarters think innovation
will increase profit for organisations.
68% of Brits are optimistic about the
impact of technology over the next decade,
despite the perceived threat to jobs. While
77% believe technology will lead to fewer
employees, more than half (55%) are
willing to retrain and reskill for another
role.
However, the research underlines the
need for British organisations to seize on
opportunities offered by new technology.
16% of UK employees think their companies
are excellent at monitoring for advancements
in technology, and only 12% believe they
are excellent at engaging with employees
to help with the decision-making process.
Epson suggests that failure to address these
shortcomings could result in British industry
missing out on the advantages of adopting
new technology.
Commenting on the findings, Epson
Global President, Minoru Usui said: “The
A survey of 6,000 office workers across
Europe revealed that people in the UK
were the most likely to describe their
working environment as uninspiring, with
some also choosing to describe it as grim,
oppressive and toxic.
The research from Sharp suggests UK
businesses are in the grip of a negativity
epidemic, over two-thirds of office workers feel
negatively about their workplace, with outdated
ways of working causing low morale and low
motivation across the country.
Technology in the workplace was identified
as a major pain point, with just over half of
respondents saying it is restrictive and limiting.
Millennial workers (defined as those born after
1982), were more likely than the other age groups
to say that they would be more motivated if their
office had up to date technology. However, 45
per cent of this age group, despite having no
experience of working life without computers and
the internet, sometimes avoid using the technology
in their office because it is too complicated.
Stuart Sykes, Managing Director, Sharp
UK commented: “Making sure everyone feels
motivated is important for creating a happy
workplace, where people want to and can do their
best work. Technology only improves motivation if
it’s helpful and easy to use, otherwise it becomes
a de-motivator, either not being used, or worse,
causing frustration. Look at the tools you use, the
tools you need and make those improvements that
help people enjoy coming to work.”
He added: “Within the next 10 years,
Millennials will make up the majority of our
workforce, so it’s important that we learn from
the younger workers, welcome new ideas and
new insights, and provide smarter technology that
is as easy to use as consumer devices.”
environments in which we live, work and
play are going to radically change, thanks
to technology as we prevail in a world
where our lives will take on a new purpose.
It is understandable that people today
are concerned by advances in technology,
but we also face great opportunity, if
technology is managed well.”
Disruptive potential of technology
Almost half of respondents agreed
that banking, finance and industrial
manufacturing are likely to be significantly
disrupted by advancements in technology.
New research underlines the need for British organisations to seize on
opportunities offered by new technology
Technology opens new
possibilities for growth
Negativity epidemic in UK offices
In contrast, just 12% felt technological
advancement would affect legal
accounting, and 14% thought professional
services would be disrupted, suggesting UK
employees underestimate the disruptive
potential of technology. Epson argues
that there is clearly a perception that
technological change will affect some
industries more than others, a belief which
is arguably ill-founded considering that
automation can disrupt any repetitive task,
whatever the industry.
Usui continued: “Whatever our current
livelihoods, our futures are going to be
different and as these findings point
out, there is an urgent need for more
conversation between governments,
organisations and society-at-large to
ensure that we are all equipped with the
skills to take on new roles and challenges.
“How we take ownership of this
evolution will define our roles in the next
10 to 20 years. Technology is connecting
us to new possibilities. As a company,
Epson is dedicated to facilitating a
positive technological shift by developing
solutions that will make workforces more
efficient and more productive. Our core
technologies – wearables, robotics, visual
imaging and printing technologies – are
poised to deliver a positive version of this
future,” he said in conclusion.
People today
are concerned
by advances
in technology,
but we also
face great
opportunity, if
technology is
managed well
