A significant proportion of UK employees are struggling to navigate workplace technology, according to new research from Workspace 365.
The survey of 1,000 UK employees in organisations with more than 250 people underscores an urgent need for simplified and integrated digital environments, particularly as six out of 10 (59%) UK employees would consider leaving their job if they felt internal IT systems were too complicated.
The research also highlights that over half (59%) of employees stated that simplifying the digital workplace should be their organisation’s top priority when it comes to investment in tech.
Almost four in ten (39%) employees aren’t making the most of the software and apps available to them, highlighting the wasted tech resources blighting British businesses.
This is underpinned by nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents calling for more training to unlock the full potential of their workplace tools.
“There is a strong appetite for change in workplace technology. This isn’t just a productivity issue – it’s a critical challenge for talent retention," said Erik Nicolai, CEO and co-founder of Workspace 365.
He continued: "By simplifying the digital workplace and focusing on user-friendly solutions, business can unlock the full potential of their workforce and bring the focus back to high value tasks.”
Hybrid workers want simplified technology
More than one third (34%) of those surveyed say their organisation’s IT investment should focus on better equipping remote or hybrid workers to ensure productivity and well-being. This is further illustrated with the number one challenge for 32% of those working remotely being the reliance on too many apps and software programmes.
Inefficient communication and collaboration with colleagues as a result of switching between email, chat apps, and video calls poses another challenge for 31% of remote or hybrid workers. The youngest cohort seems to have the greatest trouble with this, with 37% of 18-24-year-olds reporting communication inefficiencies, compared with 22% of those aged 45–54.
Receiving too many notifications and distractions from different apps or platforms affects almost a quarter (24%) of those working in a hybrid pattern. Interestingly, this is less of an issue for over-55s (19%) compared with younger employees.
Industry-specific findings
Some sectors are feeling the impact of ineffective or unnecessary technology solutions more than others.
In the legal field, 29% of employees report that many software features are irrelevant to their roles, and only 57% are using the full range of tools available. The legal sector is also the least likely to find their workplace technology simplifies their tasks and enhances productivity, with only 14% agreeing with this statement compared with 45% in the professional (sales, media, marketing) industry.
Receiving too many notifications and distractions from different apps or platforms is the main challenge for hybrid workers in the legal sector (57%), alongside needing to use too many different apps or software programmes (50%). Meanwhile, 43% want access to their digital workplace from any device without losing functionality to making their work life easier and more productive.
More than half (56%) of healthcare professionals want centralised access to all necessary applications, documents, and tools – a change that could allow them to spend more time with patients instead of navigating disparate systems.
Those working in HR want simplified workplace tech that would help them to improve productivity, with 76% saying this should be their organisation’s top priority when it comes to IT investment. Similarly, HR professionals are most interested in better equipping remote or hybrid workers to ensure productivity and well-being (40%).
The rise of generative AI in the workplace
The study also found that younger employees are increasingly using their own tools and technologies in the workplace.
Nearly two-fifths (38%) of 24-35-year-olds report bringing personal tech, such as generative AI apps like ChatGPT, into their work environments – raising concerns around data security and organisational risk.
Nicolai concluded: “The fact that people are using their own tech and would consider leaving a job because of complicated IT systems underscores a critical HR and retention issue for organisations struggling to balance tech adoption with user experience. By prioritising employee-centric, streamlined solutions that simplify the digital employee experience, businesses can foster a more supportive and secure work environment for all.
“This is further supported with the research data pointing to a large majority of employees now demanding more simplified workplace technology.”
