As the battleground for talent continues, employers are taking note of increased employee demands. As a result, employers are offering a wide range of employee benefits to their staff but, which of these do employees hail as the most important?
In a recent consumer survey of 1000 respondents across the UK, Jigsaw24 found that a quarter (25 percent) of UK workers chose technology products as the most desirable non-wage benefit that their company could provide them with. This is above those selecting private medical care (23 percent), a pension (16 percent) or a gym membership (9 percent).
However, despite reliance on technology at an all-time high, many companies are operating on outdated internal systems, neglecting the importance that employees place on technology and having a seamless digital working experience. We have seen businesses increasingly invest in technology to better their customer experience, however, some businesses are still falling behind the curve on their internal investments to meet the ever-growing technology needs of their staff.
According to the Battle for Talent survey, 72 per cent of workers are frustrated at least once a week by the poor quality or lack of business technology available to them, and 48 percent say that poor-quality business technology makes them more likely to resign from their jobs within the next six months. With digital modernisation not only offering a more inclusive workplace, it is evident that providing modern purpose-built technology as part of a holistic employee experience also has an important role to play in attracting and retaining the best talent available.
Digital modernisation is not only key to retaining talent, but outdated technology can also have a large impact on the efficiency of the workplace. As many know, glitching laptops, frozen screens and lost documents can all be time consuming disruptions to daily tasks.
Hybrid working has also undeniably put a spotlight on the importance of good technology. Employees are increasingly looking for technology that meets their home-working needs, seamlessly transitions from the workplace to home offices, and is both familiar and compatible with their day-to-day lives. As a result, we have seen Apple adoption grow significantly. Results from Jigsaw24’s survey found that Apple MacBook or iMac topped the poll as the most desirable single technology benefit (selected by 8 percent of UK workers), followed by an iPhone (5 percent), IT support for the home office (5 percent) and a Microsoft PC (4 percent).
The attraction of Apple technology is even more so true for younger generations. Gen Z respondents, aged between 18-25, chose being provided with an Apple MacBook or iMac (15 perent) as the most desirable non-financial benefit alongside a gym membership (15 percent). This was closely followed by an Apple iPhone (12 percent). The desirability of an Apple MacBook gradually increased over the generations, suggesting that the demand for these products in enterprise is not expected to slow.
As a result, companies are progressively recognising the value of investing in Apple technology. While previously Apple products have been limited to creative disciplines or C-Suite Executives, companies are increasingly integrating Macs into the workplace across sectors.
As employers seek to meet worker’s changing demands, understanding which benefits are deemed as most important to employees is a good place to start. With technology demands at the forefront, investment is technology is not to be overlooked. As reliance on technology grows, businesses must understand the importance of fit-for-purpose technology and a seamless digital experience to meet the shifting expectations of a workplace experience.
