13 February 2020 | Prithvi Pandya
Up to two-thirds (65 per cent) of senior decision-makers in the UK think poor workplace technology is having a detrimental effect on their work-life balance, mental health and financial wellbeing, according to research by HIVE360.
Human resources consultant HIVE360 surveyed 1,000 workers in a range of roles from senior decision-makers to support staff and temporary workers to help UK employers better understand the problems workplace technology creates for their staff.
The study found that 30 per cent of workers, including more than a third (39 per cent) of senior decision-makers, believe their technology and digital skills are holding them back at work.
For more than half (59 per cent) of senior decision-makers said that technology has had an adverse effect on their mental health. But more than a quarter (28 per cent) of UK workers said they would be uncomfortable speaking with their employer about their mental health issues.
David McCormack CEO of HIVE360, said: "Growing numbers of staff are looking beyond financial gain from an employer, and we know that more and more people are actively looking for a positive work-life experience. How much employees are engaged with the business and their employer plays a significant role in their overall health and wellbeing. If employers offered actual tangible support on issues such as mental and physical health as well as financial wellbeing, the impacts on employee productivity levels and the overall performance of the business would increase significantly.
"Access to information and support about finances and pensions, and to resources that help maintain good mental health, is key to happier, healthier and more engaged employees. Our survey found that a quarter (26 per cent) of UK workers have no idea what their pension is worth, with the same number saying they would welcome more help and guidance from their employer to access information about their workplace pension."
He adds: "Our survey confirms that workers want an accessible technology platform to see things like salary, benefits and pension information. It found that around 36 per cent of women and 33 per cent of men use their mobile phone for managing their finances, with 12 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women also using their mobiles to keep track of their fitness and activity.
"To enable better employee engagement, it is vital that technology is easy to use and provides information staff want on the platforms and devices they use every day. The vast majority of UK workers have a mobile phone, and it makes sense to utilise this technology and put the tools employees say they need in the palm of their hand."