New research commissioned by Microsoft reveals 40% of ITDMs feel that their organisation is falling behind in terms of technology, due to a lack of budget. This is despite ITDMs themselves seeing the value of key emerging technologies - 89% of ITDMs who use AI on a daily basis, say they would use it even more if they had the right tools.
The report, ‘The AI + Talent Equation', identifies the urgent need for ITDMs to build a business case for additional technological investment, not least to maintain a competitive edge, but as the report suggest, to also meet the emerging technical and skill demands of the workforce.
Employees demand quality tech
Based on surveys of 602 ITDMs and 1,029 employees, the research reveals concerns as to whether enterprise PC and devices portfolios are AI ready. One in four (25%) workers do not feel that their work PC is powerful enough to operate AI, with this figure rising to more than a third (35%) of Gen Z employees.
29% of employees surveyed believe their current PC or device is slowing them down in their day-to-day job, and more than a quarter (26%) say their work PC regularly crashes or freezes.
Digital skills needs coming to the fore
Yet the findings suggest that employees aren’t being equipped to succeed in an era of AI at large. Less than a quarter (24%) of Gen X feel they have the skills needed to leverage AI in their day-to-day work, with this figure rising to just over a third (36%) for staff generally, and 56% for Gen Z employees.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, 60% of those currently looking to change employer say they would likely stay longer if their current company enabled them to develop more digital skills. The findings show that 1 in 2 Gen Z workers (50%) say they’re taking active steps to future proof their careers, and that Gen Z are twice as likely (41%) to be planning on switching companies, specifically to future proof their career than the average employee (19%).
Alan Slothower, Head of Surface Commercial, Microsoft UK, comments: "The rapid adoption of AI in the workplace necessitates higher specification technology and digital upskilling. For IT decision makers (ITDMs), it is imperative to prioritise and provide AI-ready PCs and effective training. Empowering staff in this way is especially important to younger generations, with these tools is crucial for retention and career engagement."
