Workers surveyed overwhelmingly stated that reliable technology is an essential factor in ensuring they are productive and satisfied in their work. Hyper-connected workers are demanding technology that supports their preferred way of working

Europe’s hyper-connected, increasingly mobile workforce has high expectations regarding the technology they should have access to at work and the impact it could have on their performance.

That’s according to The CloudReady Report – commissioned by workforce management company Kronos and conducted among workers at small and midsize businesses (SMBs). It found respondents to be cloud-savvy and widely aware of the benefits of cloud computing. Now it is up to SMBs to harness this enthusiasm to drive productivity, while maintaining the necessary organisational structure and control.

The report revealed extensive use of cloud applications amongst workers and a desire to integrate cloud into everyday activities and processes that underpin business productivity. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of workers believe cloud applications play an important role in supporting their day-to-day work. 83 per cent report that, given the opportunity, they would prefer to use cloud applications over those deployed on premise. Eight in ten (79 per cent) expect the trend of people using cloud applications for work purposes to increase over the next two years.

Workers surveyed overwhelmingly stated that reliable technology is an essential factor in ensuring they are productive and satisfied in their work. Hyper-connected workers are demanding technology that supports their preferred way of working. This has become a pre-requisite and essential to doing their job.

According to the study, workers today expect their employer to provide the technology they need to do their jobs. This is seen as a fundamental requirement by them, whether this be reliable software (86 per cent) or reliable hardware (84 per cent) and, in a fragile economic climate, something they now expect more than a competitive salary (75 per cent) and other benefits from potential employers. Nearly half (49 per cent) of workers consider the quality of available technology and applications when considering one employer over another; this is more notable amongst those aged 18 to 24 (59 per cent) compared to those aged over 55 (36 per cent).

Brenda Morris, general manager at Kronos UK, said: “Currently workers are freestyling with cloud apps and derive real value from the technology when speed, simplicity, and security are all addressed.

“It’s now essential that more SMBs look at how harnessing the cloud can not only transform productivity, but also deliver a platform for them to compete in an increasingly competitive environment.”