LONDON
,
May 6, 2024
(press release)
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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 other colleagues. The research, conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ricoh Europe, polled 2,000 workers and 300 decision-makers across the UK and Ireland, and found that flexible working remains a top priority for UK and Irish workers. Despite the value employees place upon working flexibly, many still lack the basic tools to do so. Insights show that business leaders recognise the problem, with one in four (25%) admitting that their collaboration tools are not up to industry standard which is making it hard for employees to do their day-to-day jobs. Just under one in six (15%) employees do not have access to essential collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, whilst nearly a third (28%) do not have access to any collaboration hardware/hybrid meeting technology (e.g., AV technology such as video conferencing), despite this being in demand. Paula O’Brien, Director of Sales at Ricoh UK, commented: “The ability to collaborate seamlessly is not just a luxury but a necessity for organisational success. I feel passionately that by embracing innovative solutions that empower flexible working, businesses have enormous opportunity for growth now and in the future.” Surprisingly, only 14% of business decision-makers cited providing an enhanced employee experience as a strategic priority for the year ahead. Paula continues: “These findings highlight a critical gap and a need for technology and robust infrastructure to ensure that teams can thrive regardless of location or time zone. At Ricoh, we believe that empowering organisations with robust, adaptable technology is crucial to facilitate dynamic workplaces and drive both employee productivity and satisfaction.” The research also shines a light on how business leaders should be placing employee satisfaction and experience at the forefront of their agenda this year. This starts with flexible working, as nearly a quarter (25%) of employees said that not being forced to work in the office but being given the right technology to work wherever benefits them would be a key way to increase their fulfilment at work. Nicola Downing, CEO of Ricoh Europe, said: “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." | About the research | Employee research methodology: The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 7,000 respondents who are office workers within companies employing 1-1000+ people across France, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The data was collected between 09.02.2024 and 21.02.2024. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council. Decision makers research methodology: The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 1,800 respondents who are senior management or higher and are purchasing decision makers for IT, facilities management, HR & finance, within companies who employ 1-1000+ employees excl. sole traders (aged 18+) across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy. The data was collected between 09.02.2024 and 23.02.2024. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council. | About Ricoh | Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimize business performance. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2023, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,134 billion yen (approx. 16.0 billion USD). It is Ricoh’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfillment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future. For further information, please visit www.ricoh.co.uk For further information, please contact: Ricoh UK Read our insights at: insights.ricoh.co.uk © 2023 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. All rights reserved. All referenced product namesare the trademarks of their respective companies.
Monika Orolinova
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