The power of connectivity in revitalising your business

By Ian Hoddle, Director of Enterprise at Virgin Media O2 Business

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent isn’t just a goal – it’s an imperative for business success. But here’s the kicker: a significant chunk of the UK’s workforce isn’t even on the lookout for jobs. In fact 22% of the UK’s workforce remain disengaged from active job seeking, according to the Office for National Statistics.  This statistic raises a critical question for growing companies: could this indicate a larger issue with employee engagement?

Businesses risk losing access to valuable talent and experiencing decreased productivity if they fail to prioritise employee engagement. One effective strategy to improve engagement is fostering strong connectivity infrastructure and continuous employee digital upskilling in the workplace. 

Imagine a workplace where tech training isn’t a quarterly chore but a regular pulse. Virgin Media O2 Business’ Tech and the Battle for Talent report highlights that 42% of UK employees would be more inclined to stay at a company if their tech skills were kept up to date. Keeping employees tech-savvy not only enhances their efficiency but also boosts their overall satisfaction, creating a healthier work-life balance.

Flexible working is the leading employee motivator

Today’s job seekers, especially Gen Zers, seek opportunities that allow them to integrate work seamlessly into their lives. A recent LinkedIn survey underscores this, revealing that 72% of Gen Zers have either left or considered leaving a job due to a lack of flexible working arrangements. 

Financial pressures, such as rising food expenses and commuting costs, further drive the demand for flexibility. Since 2021, meal deals in the UK have surged by 21%, while the average daily commuting expense stands at £29, amounting to a hefty annual drain of £7,540 for those looking to work in the office five days a week.

Given that younger earners under the age of 30 typically earn around 25% less than workers aged over 40, flexible work setups are no longer just a desirable perk but a necessity. 

Working smarter, not harder

Content and fulfilled employees are not only more likely to be productive but also contribute to a positive workplace culture. However, it’s critical to acknowledge that outdated tech and insufficient training can hinder this virtuous cycle.

Almost three quarters (72%) of UK workers experience tech frustrations weekly, while 67% believe that inadequate technology hampers their performance. By embracing widely available technology and tools to harness employee engagement, businesses can streamline tasks and cultivate a happier workforce.

With the investment in high quality tools and solutions, businesses can improve collaboration across teams. For example, 23% of medium business employees recognise how tech supports them in improving team collaboration. 

Think of robust connectivity infrastructure and the tech it supports as the backbone of effective teamwork. Platforms like Microsoft Office, HubSpot, Monday.com, and NetSuite aren’t just software; they’re collaboration enablers, making teamwork seamless whether you’re working in the office or from the comfort of your living room.

But investing in tools alone isn’t sufficient; proper training is equally crucial. Shockingly, over a third (36%) of workers report a lack of training on digital technology from their organisations. Without adequate training, even the most advanced tech becomes little more than an expensive ornament. 

Building an empowered workforce

Empowering a workforce requires more than just offering perks; it demands creating a well-connected, flexible digital culture supported by continuous digital skills training. 

Forward-thinking organisations that prioritise flexibility and invest in training not only attract top talent but also cultivate an empowered team capable of tackling future challenges with confidence.