A significant proportion of UK employees are struggling with workplace technology, according to new research from Workspace 365. The study, which surveyed 1,000 employees in organisations with more than 250 people, found that 59% would consider leaving their job due to overly complicated IT systems.
The research highlights an urgent need for businesses to simplify digital environments. More than half of employees (59%) believe streamlining the digital workplace should be their organisation’s top IT investment priority. However, many are not using the technology already available, with 39% admitting they do not fully utilise company-provided apps and software.
A lack of training is another factor limiting digital efficiency, with nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents calling for better support to make full use of their workplace tools. Erik Nicolai, CEO and co-founder of Workspace 365, warned that the issue extends beyond productivity.
“There is a strong appetite for change in workplace technology. This isn’t just a productivity issue – it’s a critical challenge for talent retention,” he said. “By simplifying the digital workplace and focusing on user-friendly solutions, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce and bring the focus back to high-value tasks.”
Hybrid Workers Struggling with Digital Overload
The research highlights specific challenges faced by remote and hybrid workers. More than a third (34%) say IT investment should focus on improving support for flexible working arrangements to maintain productivity and well-being. However, 32% of hybrid employees cite an over-reliance on too many apps and software programmes as their biggest challenge.
Communication inefficiencies also pose a problem, with 31% of remote workers struggling to switch between multiple email, chat, and video conferencing tools. The issue appears to be most pronounced among younger workers, with 37% of 18-24-year-olds reporting difficulties compared with just 22% of those aged 45-54.
Excessive notifications and digital distractions are affecting nearly a quarter (24%) of hybrid employees. The problem is more common among younger workers, whereas just 19% of those over 55 report the same issue.
Sector-Specific Technology Challenges
The impact of ineffective workplace technology varies by industry. Legal professionals, in particular, report difficulties with software solutions that do not match their needs. Almost 30% say many of the features available to them are irrelevant, and only 57% make full use of their workplace tools. Just 14% of legal workers feel their IT systems genuinely improve productivity, compared with 45% in sales, media, and marketing.
Hybrid workers in the legal sector are particularly affected by digital overload, with 57% citing excessive notifications as their biggest challenge. A further 50% say they have to use too many different apps, while 43% want seamless access to their digital workplace from any device.
In healthcare, 56% of professionals say centralised access to all necessary applications, documents, and tools would allow them to spend more time with patients instead of navigating complex systems. HR professionals are also calling for improvements, with 76% stating that simplifying workplace technology should be their organisation’s top IT priority.
Generative AI Creating New Workplace Risks
The study also highlights concerns around the rise of generative AI in the workplace. Younger employees, in particular, are bringing their own AI tools into work, with 38% of 24-35-year-olds using apps like ChatGPT. This trend raises concerns around data security and compliance, as employees bypass official workplace systems to use technology they find more efficient.
Nicolai emphasised the importance of balancing technological advancement with employee experience. “The fact that people are using their own tech and would consider leaving a job because of complicated IT systems underscores a critical HR and retention issue,” he said. “By prioritising employee-centric, streamlined solutions that simplify the digital employee experience, businesses can foster a more supportive and secure work environment for all.”
