No Tech? No Talent

Don’t underestimate the importance of tech when trying to attract new talent.

From equipment to work perks, you need to be rolling with the times if you want high staff retention rates. But is investing in the latest bits of technology directly related to attracting the best possible workers on the market? Let’s discuss.

When Shakespeare said “expectation is the root of all heartache” he may as well have been talking about the workplace. Back when hiring was the business of the employer, there was less need to impress, at least from the company’s side. But things are wildly different today when it’s not just the bosses making the calls, it’s the talent too - after all, trends change in the blink of an eye.

Here’s a quick look at some of the most important things to consider around the tech - workplace relationship.

The Stats

According to recent research, around 53% of people admitted that the standard of technology at a company plays a key role when deciding whether to accept a job or not. So, if you’re running a business and want top shelf best staff, you need to consider the quality of technology you’ve got on offer.

If you need more proof that your tech matters, you may be surprised to learn that 37% of people from that same research claimed they’d turn down a job offer if they found the tech to be subpar - that’s one in three candidates!

And all this actually boils down to productivity. The general consensus is that workers don’t feel they can be as productive on old technologies. Outdated hardware often means outdated software which can make a task very difficult to do.

Who Cares?

Millennials, that’s who. But if we’re being fair, it’s probably anyone that exists in the 21st century. There’s very little living outside technology, where most people use it in their everyday lives - from traveling to shopping.

And let’s not forget Baby Boomers and Gen X - two generations that are becoming more familiar with social networks, but are hesitant to adapt to new tech. In fact, more than 74% of millennials believe new technology makes their lives easier, compared to 31% of Generation X and just 18% of Baby Boomers. Surprised? We think not.

There are even considerable differences between sectors. People who work in marketing are the most precious about technology and equipment, as are the creatives and those in photography. But on the flipside, those who work in retail or transportation seem to be the least bothered, with 1 in 3 having this as a priority.

Improvement is Important

According to Nielsen, Millennials value, or should we say demand, connectivity, convenience and options that allow them to be in control. With this in mind it would be no overstatement to say that companies that are not yet with the times really need to get their act together.

Yes, it might be a considerable expense, but it’s an investment worth making if a business is interested in dedicated workers. And there are ways of doing it that are cost-effective too.

One way of cutting costs would be to let staff use their own devices at work. The downside would be security issues, but that can be overcome with a good data protection strategy and plan. By increasing flexibility around using personal technology, workers will feel an added sense of comfort and potentially even more productive. And productivity is what EVERY business wants out of its workers.

The Final Word

It looks like the independent gig economy is unstoppable. According to a study that looked at six countries, including the UK and the United States, two-thirds of those working independently do it because they enjoy it. So, it seems that the demand for high- quality technology and added flexibility in the workplace will only continue to grow. The future remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, technology and the workplace ain’t breaking up anytime soon.