Tag: #tech #brands #research #ricoh

One-third of workers fear losing their jobs due to lack of digital skills. #Digital #Jobs #Ricoh

Ricoh Ireland, today has announced the results of a survey of 3,600 European workers, including 250 from Ireland. The major finding is that one-third of workers from Europe and Ireland fear losing their job because of a lack of proficiency in digital skills.

Other interesting results are summarised as follows:

 

  • 70% believe younger employees are better suited to working with new types of technology.
  • Two thirds of employees want more training in digital technologies from their employers.
  • 36% feel that their business will fail within 5 years if the right investments in technology aren’t made.
  • 72% believe that senior management will only introduce new technology if it helps to cut costs, rather than empower employees.

See press release below.

Ricoh Ireland is today announcing the results of a survey which has found that a lack of proficiency in digital skills is a major concern for Irish and European employees, with 33% worrying they will soon be out of a job. Concerns about a growing generational gap are apparent as 70% believe that younger employees are better suited to working with new types of technology.

The survey by Censuswide of 3,600 employees from across Europe, including 250 in Ireland, found that while workers want to use more innovative digital technology, 40% admit that they lack the skills to make it effective. In addition, 67% want employers to put more emphasis on digital skills training so they can do the best job possible with the new tools and services being introduced.

Most workers surveyed are positive about the potential of new technology to empower them to work in smarter ways. This includes more immediate access to data (44%), the ability to work from home more frequently (42%) and the reduction of repetitive tasks (41%).

72% of those surveyed believe that senior management will only introduce new technology if it helps to cut costs, rather than empower employees. Yet there are drastic perceived risks of underinvestment, as 36% of employees think that their business will fail within five years if the right investments in technology aren’t made. What’s more, almost half (46%) feel that their competitors already have a technological edge.

Chas Moloney, director, Ricoh Ireland and UK

Almost two-thirds (65%) of the workers surveyed say automation technology will enable them to be more productive, while 52% believe that artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on their role.

Commenting on the survey results, Chas Moloney, director, Ricoh Ireland and UK, said: “Despite the headlines about robots taking over the workplace, most employees see the benefits of automated technologies, particularly where it frees them up to do more interesting work. Digital empowerment through new technologies has the ability to greatly improve productivity and employee engagement, as menial tasks can be automated and streamlined.

“However, no amount of infrastructure spending will help a business that isn’t encouraging and enabling its staff to develop the right skills. To ensure long term success, staff retention and ongoing competitiveness, business leaders must listen to and embrace the needs of employees from every generation in the workplace.”

Generation consideration: brands must offer more to build loyalty with younger customers.#RicohIreland

The study, which included over 250 Irish respondents, found that third-party reviews and recommendations are of crucial importance to information seeking younger consumers. 43% of 16 to 24-year-olds feel reviews are the most impressive factor influencing their decision to choose a brand, compared to only 20% of over 55s. It was also found that half of the youngest age group surveyed feel frustrated when they are unable to interact with a brand through social media, compared to just over a quarter of over 55s.

A new study from technology specialist Ricoh Ireland has highlighted generational differences in customer service expectations. Older age groups are revealed as being less forgiving of brands, while younger customers expect far more information at the consideration stage, along with deep post-sales interaction to build lasting brand relationships. The survey of 3,600 consumers was conducted by Censuswide across Europe and included more than 250 Irish respondents.

– Ricoh Ireland research shows 43% of 16-24 year-olds view third-party reviews and recommendations as the most important factor in choosing a brand, compared to 20% of over 55s

 – 55% of customers would abandon sales processes that they find difficult, rising to 62% for over 55s and lowering to 43% for 16-24 year-olds

 – 57% of customers spend more with brands that make them feel valued

 – Half of 16-24 year-olds are frustrated when they are unable to contact a brand through social media, while only 26% of over 55s feel likewise

 – Chas Moloney sees “huge opportunities for Irish businesses to connect with, and learn about, their audience”.

 

The research found that added services, such as the inclusion of third-party reviews and recommendations, are vastly more important to younger consumers than older generations. Some 43% of 16 to 24-year-olds rated this as the factor that impresses them most when choosing to buy from a brand, compared to only 20% of over 55s.

Chas Moloney, director, Ricoh Ireland and UK

Customers also seek streamlined user experiences, with the research finding that 62% of over 55s would walk away from brands with laborious sales processes, compared to 43% of 16 to 24-year-olds. Of all age groups, 55% of customers would abandon a purchase if they found the process difficult.

Older customers were also revealed as being less interested in loyalty programmes and incentives for frequent purchases. Only 19% felt this was an impressive factor in brand selection, compared to 38% of 16 to 24-year-olds.

Chas Moloney, director, Ricoh Ireland and UK, said: “Our research highlights a core challenge facing brands today – how they can navigate a varied set of preferences from customers across generations. Understanding why young people build affinity with a brand is a crucial factor in ensuring future success, while continued attention to other age groups’ needs is integral to customer satisfaction and retention. For those that get it right the rewards are there for the taking, shown by the fact that 57% of customers spend more with brands that make them feel valued.” 

Ricoh’s research also found that customers are increasingly going to great lengths to access information pre-purchase. Younger consumers are more frustrated by not being able to interact with a brand via social media, with 50% of 16 to 24-year-olds saying it irritates them, compared to 26% of over 55s.

Moloney continued: “Brands cannot shirk the responsibility of providing lines of communication for their customers. This is now taken for granted by young consumers, leading to frustration in its absence. It’s paramount that Irish businesses are on social media and fully aware of their consumers’ behaviour. Significant numbers of Irish consumers are using social media to interact with brands prior to purchase. This provides huge opportunities for Irish businesses to connect with, and learn about, their audience.”