Digital technology that helps employees achieve the nirvana like state of optimal performance could increase productivity significantly, according to new research commissioned by Konica Minolta.
The report, released today, outlines how small distractions, aging hardware, clunky software and rigid workplaces all add up to lost productivity for UK businesses.
Dave Jones, enterprise content management marketing manager (ECM) at Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK, said: “We know rows of static desks are going the way of the VHS video recorder. The way people, devices and workspaces interact is changing, fast. And improving the way that these pieces interact together, can bring significant dividends to UK businesses.”
>See also: Digital transformation: an analysis of the potential and the challenges
The findings are based on the results of a survey of 100 senior IT decision makers and 1,000 office workers (conducted at the start and the end of 2016).
According to employees, the main barriers to their maintaining peak performance are interruptions, computer problems and problems accessing data when working away from their desks.
These barriers can be overcome, the report suggests. By investing in digital solutions – sometimes called a digital workplace initiative (DWI) businesses can change how technology, people and the workplace interact.
The research highlights that by the end of last year, finding ways to encourage employees to reach peak productivity, was the single biggest driver to implement DWIs and to do so quickly.
>See also: 10 predictions for digital transformation in 2017
Nearly three quarters of respondents said that the strongest driver for implementing a digital workplace initiative, was increasing employee productivity, both inside (71%) and outside (71%) the office followed by reducing costs (60%).
By the end of 2016, some 89% of businesses surveyed had invested in a digital workplace initiative and – what’s more – the amounts being invested are colossal.
The average amount UK firms invested in DWI tripled between the start and end of 2016, from £958,824 to £3,229,167, and nearly half (47%) of IT decision makers expect to see a return on investment (ROI) within three years.
>See also: The digital transformation of the UK public sector
The top three DWI projects are: enabling effective mobile working (62%); enabling effective remote working (56%) and improving collaborative working technology (49%).
The Business Innovation team at Konica Minolta has been working with technology start-ups, clients and academics to find ways to facilitate digital transformation more often – and for longer periods of time.
Francis Thornhill, head of marketing from Konica Minolta commented: “Improving access to information, integrating systems and using technology as the catalyst for improved performance should be at the top of every CEOs to-do list.”
Nominations are now open for the Tech Leaders Awards 2017, the UK’s flagship celebration of the business, IT and digital leaders driving disruptive innovation and demonstrating value from the application of technology in businesses and organisations. Nominating is free and simply: just click here to enter. Good luck!
