The majority of UK employees feel that HR and IT departments should collaborate more often.
In a survey carried out by VMware, a software company which assists organisations in becoming digital businesses, it was reported that 80 per cent of employees feel that these two departments, should work more closely together. This has come after only 10 per cent of employees report that their HR and IT departments collaborate all the time.
This lack of communication between the two departments has caused significant problems within the workplace.
Almost half of UK workers (45 per cent) are left unsure about which department to approach to discuss their digital experience. Close to one fifth (17 per cent) believe that this lack of clarity has hindered them from achieving a positive digital experience within the office.
An additional problem is that employees do not feel in control of their digital experience at work. There is a clear disparity as 65 per cent of employees feel as though they do not have a say concerning the digital tools implemented in the workplace. This is in direct contrast to almost 80 per cent (79 per cent) of IT decision-makers believing they do give employees a voice in this area.
This is a problem that could pose more severe consequences for businesses. Fewer digital experiences within the workplace, including lack of devices, tools, apps and technology, has been linked to slower rates of growth. Companies with high rates of growth have, on average, 6.3 digital experiences out of 10 in comparison to companies experiencing slow growth which have just over half this number (3.7 digital experiences).
Furthermore, almost two thirds of UK employees (63 per cent) reported that flexibility of digital tools at a company affects their decision to apply for or accept a position. This ultimately means that if better communication between IT and HR departments are addressed, and a more positive digital experience implemented within the workplace, companies could see a higher rate in growth, retain top tier talent, be rated more highly by their employees and attract new workers.
Joddi Ferrer, vice president and general manager UK and Ireland for VMware said:
Every company’s greatest asset – and its key to success – lies in its human capital, thus listening to employees’ voices is critical for success in our digital present and future. These individuals can drive organisations forward by innovating, executing and leading in the marketplace, but only if they have the right digital tools to do so.
Focusing digital transformation on technology only omits a key ingredient to a winning strategy – attracting and retaining the best talent. Businesses must prioritise an employee experience that encompasses technology, workstyle and culture to compete for the best talent.
To obtain these results, in March-April 2019, VMware interviewed 3,600 EMEA employees who use computers/smart devices for work purposes. Each employee had to be working at an organisation which had an employee size of 500 employees or more.
Monica Sharma is an English Literature graduate from the University of Warwick. As Editor for HRreview, her particular interests in HR include issues concerning diversity, employment law and wellbeing in the workplace. Alongside this, she has written for student publications in both England and Canada. Monica has also presented her academic work concerning the relationship between legal systems, sexual harassment and racism at a university conference at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
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