Nearly three-quarters (72%) of UK businesses are not providing sufficient workforce experiences for young workers, as a result of poor workplace tech and employee experience strategies, according to new research*.
The data, which explores workplace trends post-pandemic, reveals that while some businesses have used new working patterns to create transformative employee experiences, others have struggled to adapt to the needs of today’s young workers.
This is alarming seeing as an increasing number of businesses are seeking young workers to offset labour shortages and skills gaps. Graduate vacancies are 20% higher than before the pandemic, a figure that’s expected to increase as shortages continue.
Yet, as workplace demands change – 86% of Gen-Z and millennials suggest home working is one of the biggest drivers when seeking new roles – Applaud’s data confirms that only a quarter (28%) of UK businesses are actually equipped to attract young workers and accommodate their needs.
Duncan Casemore, Co-founder and CTO, Applaud comments, “To create the ultimate working experience fit for young workers, businesses must think simplicity, accessibility and convenience. This means delivering mobile experiences – similar to Spotify or Amazon – to aid them in their roles. This will keep employees motivated, productive, and most importantly happy.”
Throughout their employee lifecycle, young workers demand consumer-grade workplace technology that mirrors the experiences they have with their tech at home. This means easily accessible, mobile-first workplace systems that enable them to work anywhere, at any time, on any device.
Although, the data reveals that just half (56%) of UK businesses are planning on building consumer-grade experiences this year. If businesses want to win the war for talent, they need to take action now and update their workplace tech before it’s too late.
Casemore continues, “Businesses shouldn’t see this shift in expectations as a challenge. It’s an exciting opportunity to build new experiences that are fit for workers now and in the future.”
Research from Applaud*
