‘Give us the latest technology or we will quit,’ say digital workers: Report

Prior to the pandemic, digital workers were more bothered about what was ‘right’ in terms of the technology they were using at the workplace. They chose technology that was apt over what was new or most recent. However, a study conducted by the Centre for Generational Kinetics (CGK) in partnership with Adobe, reveals that digital workers today are not willing to compromise on the technology they use at work.

So, what changed in recent times? Well, the work-from-home situation seems to have exposed the fact that limitations, in terms of outdated technology, can make things more difficult for digital workers. They have come to realise that old technology only makes their work harder, which acts as an impediment to employees who are motivated enough to take on more responsibilities. The number of such people has increased in the US.

Clearly, the digital workers of today seek technologies that are new, updated and perfect for the work they are doing.

Those surveyed did state that proper communication, involved and engaged managers, and clear goals were essentials for better productivity. However, they also rated ‘availability of the latest technology’ higher than all of these in these challenging times.

New-age workers expect their employers to put in place all the proper tools and make available all relevant information to bring out the best in them. They seek trust from their companies and want to be empowered with the knowledge of the ways to achieve the right results or outcomes.

Another positive point of remote working is that workers now do not feel as micromanaged as they were before the pandemic. On the other hand, they also feel that they are unsure of whether their work and effort is actually giving the company the support expected of them. They feel they lack the freedom to decide how they can support their company best.

About 22 per cent of those surveyed said they had already given up a job simply because the technology available to them there was making work difficult. Today, almost 32 per cent of digital workers feel they have had to quit a job because outdated technology was hindering their productivity. An alarming 49 per cent of American workers are likely to quit their present jobs if the technology at their disposal is not up to their satisfaction!

The number of people refusing to take up offers due to outdated technology has also risen.

At the same time, the number of digital workers who admitted to applying for a jobs simply because they came to know of the latest technology being provided there has increased too.