Employees are now handling their own tech issues, no longer requiring IT support.
In a survey conducted by G3 Comms, over 1,500 British office workers were polled, revealing insights into the evolving landscape of technology in the workplace.
One intriguing finding is the increasing reliance on mobile devices, with 62% of workers admitting to using their smartphones at their desks, while a mere 17% prefer desk phones. The use of these devices extends beyond the office, as 17% of workers continue to use them even on holiday.
However, this increased use of technology also brings challenges. Employees struggle with older technology, causing them to lose an average of 14 hours a month. Common problems include connectivity issues, which affect 68% of workers, and system crashes, which are the second most common problem at 44%. Signal problems come in third, accounting for 43% of the issues faced.
As technology becomes more integrated into workflows, the role of IT managers has evolved. They are no longer just gatekeepers and troubleshooters but are now strategic collaborators who facilitate technology adoption and digital transformation. Tech-savvy employees often serve as "super users" or early adopters, helping to advocate and customize new tools, enabling smoother training and rollout within teams.
This shift requires IT managers to focus more on bridging technical solutions with business goals and supporting cross-department collaboration rather than just reactive problem-solving. However, it also presents challenges. Employers and IT departments face significant difficulties balancing the growing demand for advanced technology with shrinking budgets. They must deliver on increasingly complex digital transformation initiatives—such as AI, cloud platforms, and automation—within tighter financial constraints.
Other challenges include maintaining governance and security while encouraging innovation and experimentation with technology, especially as employees bring personal devices into workflows. Human Resources must also navigate the tension between cost-cutting pressures and workforce development to avoid leaving employees behind amid AI adoption and automation trends.
In summary, the survey highlights the growing reliance on mobile devices in the workplace, the challenges faced by employees and IT departments in managing this technology, and the evolving role of IT managers as strategic partners who empower tech-savvy employees. Balancing demand vs. budget requires careful prioritization, leveraging internal expertise, and proactive IT management. Key challenges include security, training, avoiding single points of failure, and managing workforce impacts during rapid technological change.
- The integration of technology into workflows necessitates a shift in the role of IT managers, transforming them from troubleshooters to strategic partners who foster tech adoption, align technical solutions with business goals, and support cross-department collaboration.
- As businesses increasingly adopt advanced technologies like AI, cloud platforms, and automation, employers and IT departments grapple with the challenge of balancing this demand with shrinking budgets, while maintaining security and ensuring employee readiness in the face of rapid technological change.
