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 colleagues.
“Organisations have had several years to adapt to flexible working practices, so it’s startling that many still lag in providing the basic technologies essential for collaboration and communication,” says Jolene Castelyn, marketing executive, Ricoh South Africa.
“To let people succeed, businesses must put people first by prioritising the tools and technologies that allow their workforce to thrive and retain top talent. When employees are satisfied with their work environment and feel valued, they are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles, leading to increased productivity, better customer service and innovative solutions,” she says.
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,” Castelyn says.
The research, conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ricoh Europe, polled 7 000 workers and 1 800 decision makers across Europe. The results revealed that flexible work continues to be highly valued among European employees, who prioritise the ability to arrange their work schedules and environments in advance, including desk assignments, location and workplace technology. This flexibility is the main factor influencing their decision to stay in their roles for the next 12 months.
Employee satisfaction
Although employees highly value the ability to work flexibly, many still do not have the necessary tools. One in five (20%) of employees do not have access to essential collaboration software like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, while 29% do not have access to any collaboration hardware or hybrid meeting technology, such as audiovisual conferencing equipment, even though there is a high demand for it.
Business leaders acknowledge the problem. Nearly one in four (24%) admit that their collaboration tools do not meet industry standards, making it hard for employees to perform their daily tasks. However, despite technology stacks remaining unchanged, only 17% of business decision makers consider enhancing the employee experience a strategic priority for the year ahead.
The research reveals that business leaders should be placing employee satisfaction and experience at the top of their agendas. This starts with flexible working. Nearly a quarter (24%) of employees stated that the freedom to work outside the office, coupled with access to the appropriate technology to work from anywhere, would significantly enhance their job satisfaction.
“Employee enthusiasm often translates into lower turnover rates, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with recruiting and training new staff,” says Castelyn. “This contributes to a more collaborative and efficient workplace, where the organisation can focus on achieving strategic goals.”
About Ricoh
Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces and workspaces and optimise business performance.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organisational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2024, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of about US$15.5-billion.
It is Ricoh’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfilment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realise a sustainable future. For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com.
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