Win the talent war – empower employees with the right tech

The war on talent continues in line with the hybrid shift, but where previously employers could lure future workers in with nicely designed office space, or free lunches, now, it’s not so simple. Technology is front and centre of the employee retention debate, it’s not only a case of providing them with the equipment that makes working easier, but also, empowering them with the hardware to work flexibly, seamlessly and collaborate with colleagues hassle-free.

Technology should foster efficiency, creativity, and collaboration. Plus, with hybrid working it should also make it easier for employees to work on the go and achieve a healthy work/life balance. When it doesn’t, employee productivity and experience can suffer, so it makes sense to increase focus on improving employee-facing technology.

The state of play

With hybrid working a now permanent fixture in the lives of most, many businesses have already increased their focus on optimising a work-from-anywhere approach. One of the easiest and most effective ways to enable such an approach is by empowering remote workers with better devices and software. Employee opinion is of paramount importance, they need to be satisfied with the tech as a way of improving their own experience and satisfaction in the workplace.

There is no one-size-fits-all tech for any employee and devices need to be tailored for various requirements and tasks. However, things like interface diversity, expansion options and great connectivity can make all the difference. For example, a drive that enables easy data exchange even when on the move, to adapters for expanding connectivity in meeting rooms. It’s functionalities like these that can really make or break the employee experience.

One of the drawbacks of working from home is desks tend to be makeshift and can therefore be untidy, and uncomfortable. This is why so many employees use docking stations to expand the range of connections without needing too much space. Notebook stands can also improve ergonomics, and wireless mice and keyboards increase comfort. Many employees also need specially designed backpacks that are securely padded to transport equipment, and locks that protect against theft and data theft. Suitable accessories are worthwhile and support the hybrid transition. Not only would such accessories and devices improve the employee experience overall, but they can also help businesses stay competitive.

A more sustainable path

As eco-consciousness among employees increases, sustainability is now key for attracting and retaining talent. As a result, employers need to consider the environmental impact of devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, phones and printers, particularly following a global surge of interest due to need for portable devices during the pandemic. It might be easy to think that remote working is bad for the planet, but with the opportunity to move away from a linear model and towards a circular economy in electronics, it's crucial for businesses to start thinking about improving the life-cycle environmental performance of products. To achieve a circular economy in the IT industry, reducing e-waste, and using schemes such as reusing, recycling and asset recovery have never been so important.

Prioritising employee-facing technology can often seem like an uphill battle against costs and the status quo. But in this new era of hybrid working, there has never been a more crucial time to think about employees’ needs.

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