Research reveals the impact accessories can have on boosting workforce productivity and engagement

It found a huge 94 per cent of UK organisations are either planning, about to start or currently undergoing some form of digital transformation. A further 5 per cent claim to have already ‘completed’ digital transformation, which includes employers upgrading the devices provided to their workforce to enable greater levels of productivity, collaboration and agility, as well as improving talent attraction and retention.

While nearly every organisation across the globe is trying to digitally transform, many projects are stalling due to ‘digital deadlock’ – a term coined by IDC, which describes the blockers restricting employers from managing change within their business. Ensuring individuals are educated, engaged and know how to correctly deploy technologies is fundamental to the success of any digital transformation project, according to IDC.

Digital transformation projects are stalling because organisations are failing to manage change and the impact such change will have on their employees. Nathan Budd, Senior Consulting Manager at IDC added, "For organisations serious about delivering transformed working environments, agility, productivity and innovation, it’s time to invest in the right tools for the job. This requires a fundamental shift in the way in which leaders introduce new technology, the way they define customer experience, as well as the way in which they engage employees and stakeholders.”

Tackling the productivity challenge

With organisations always looking for new ways to boost employee productivity levels – 58 per cent admitted to changing their working environment in an effort to do so – it is not surprising workplace accessories are becoming a key productivity driver. In fact, many found that inappropriate, or a lack of, accessories significantly harmed employee productivity.

There is also a stark contrast in the value that businesses that have completed digital transformation projects place on the role of accessories – such as premium bags and cases, docking stations, privacy screens and cable locks – in driving productivity, compared to those that have not yet undergone digital transformation.

Marcus Harvey, Regional Director of Commercial Business EMEA at Targus said, “The findings of this study showcase a clear relationship between getting the right workplace tools in place and improved productivity and employee engagement.

“Yet, getting to this point requires leadership and team consultation. Despite technology being the driver behind digital transformation, people are the true agents of change, so making sure they are engaged and bought into the vision behind such moves is critical to improving the working environment,” he added.

Alongside this, measurement of helpdesk inquiries shows employees reporting higher levels of inquiries or complaints regarding power requirements, peripherals, missing accessories, and damaged devices due to lack of appropriate cases.

However, while four in five (77 per cent) IT managers admitted to receiving complaints relating to missing or unavailable accessories, what makes an interesting observation is that fewer issues are reported to IT than to line managers. These findings suggest IT departments, which could be responsible for accessory deployments, may be in some way detached from the experiences of those using them.

Facilitating collaboration and new ways of working

Three in five (61 per cent) organisations claimed to be making changes to the accessories they offer in order to facilitate greater collaboration, as well as more than half (59 per cent) seeking to adapt to new technology changes.

As an increasing number of employees are now required to work remotely – three in five (61 per cent) claimed their staff have roles that involve some form of travel, and around a quarter (23 per cent) managing more flexible, non-deskbound roles – mobility has changed the way staff achieve results. With many individuals now relying on accessories to create the same working experience they would get when working from the office - when working remotely or from home – it is essential employers are providing the right tools and technologies to make this possible.

“Working outside the office has never been easier and the very concept of work is ever changing,” Harvey added. “Businesses must ensure their accessories support innovation and productivity wherever their teams are working – not only enhancing the quality of work but also attracting and retaining the best talent.”

Providing the best tools for the best people

With technology transcending geographical location, there have never been more opportunities for talented workers to jump ship and move onto alternative employers. Understanding the importance of retaining valuable members of staff, a third (33 per cent) of organisations are changing their working environments to retain talent, while the same number of respondents see the benefits of mobile working environments for talent retention.