Ricoh
Europe - European
small businesses are 42% more likely
than enterprises to lose employees because of technology frustrations around
remote working.
As small business owners continue to recover from the effects
of the global pandemic, workers expect their employer to offer a modern blended
approach to how and where they work. New research commissioned by Ricoh Europe, based on a survey of 1,300 European office workers, shows
that 27% of small business employees are considering switching jobs. The study
also reveals that:
1.
69% say they have the skills to work remotely
2.
However, 29% find it difficult to stay motivated and engaged while
remote working because of communication and technology issues
3.
22% also feel less productive due to communication and technology
restraints
4.
48% have had to rely on their own technology to work remotely
during the pandemic because their company didn’t provide equipment
This tech shortfall risks not just talent retention.
Worryingly, at a time when driving growth is critical, 24% say they don't have
the tools needed to deliver the best results for customers or to collaborate
remotely with their team.
Despite remote working issues, small business workers aren’t
returning to the office en masse anytime soon. When asked about their company’s
future remote working policies, 41% believe their company will allow them to
work remotely for the remainder of 2020, while 34% believe it could be indefinitely.
Small business employees certainly expect more from their
employers. Two-thirds (66%) envisage retaining the flexibility gained during
lockdowns and 55% trust their company to invest in technology that will meet
the workplace requirements of the future. This includes making the office
safer, with 40% stating they wouldn’t be comfortable returning unless there are
additional safety measures such as temperature scanners and touchless
equipment.
David Mills, CEO, Ricoh Europe, says: “While digital
transformation may have been on their long-term roadmap, there’s now no time to
waste for small businesses. Without the technology that makes it easy and safe
to work effectively from anywhere, business owners are facing a brain drain of
their top talent. Organisations are driven by the ability and quality of their
people – losing them to the competition often means losing customers, too. Old
ways of working can no longer be the norm. It’s not good enough for businesses
to ‘get by’ with substandard equipment and processes. The next steps for small
businesses will dictate how they overcome disruption and pave the way for
future success.”
Download our dedicated report for small businesses at www.ricoh-europe.com/insights.