Lack of IT support negatively impacting field workers’ attitude to technology

With the nature of their work meaning that they are rarely at the office, digital solutions can be an effective way of improving field workers’ communication with the rest of the business, as well as improving efficiency and productivity.

However, the data, published in WorkMobile’s The Forgotten Workforce report, revealed that although 73% of field service professionals use some form of digital technologies while out in the field, many remain unconvinced of their usefulness.

When asked to describe their feelings towards the roll out of new technologies many seemed apprehensive, with more than a third (35%) saying that they are generally reluctant to embrace them, and the majority (55%) that they think it can cause problems if they’re not implemented carefully.

Some of this may be linked to a lack of support from the business during the roll out, with 41% of those surveyed saying that they don’t feel they are given enough help and support when they are expected to start using a new piece of technology or digital solution. As a result, 32% of field workers also stated that they often struggle to learn how to use new technologies.

Not only is the lack of attention having an impact on employee morale, but it also means that the technologies used are not necessarily having the desired impact on business operations, rendering any attempts at digital transformation within field service less effective than they should be.

Very few field workers (28%) said that technology enhances their day-to-day life, and one in 10 (10%) even said that it prevents them from doing their job to the best of their ability. Less than half believe that it improves efficiency (44%) or productivity (36%) – two of the key benefits of carefully chosen and implemented digital solutions – and just 12% think that it positively impacts customer relationships.

However, the good news is that only 7% of field workers think that the traditional way of operating is more effective, while 45% of respondents said that they appreciate the benefits of new technologies, suggesting that the situation could be improved, provided the right tools are implemented with a good level of support and guidance from elsewhere in the business.

Colin Yates, chief support officer at WorkMobile, commented: “It’s important to remember that while digital transformation should make companies more profitable, enhance the customer experience and enable them to keep up with competitors, it should also always improve the employee experience.

“If a new technology will not ultimately make the daily responsibilities of employees simpler or more efficient (following the appropriate training), then it is not the right technology for that business and will likely not be a success in the long run.”