Hybrid Headaches: Just 18% of Workers Say Remote Collaboration Tech Improves Productivity 

A recent report by Doherty Associates has found that just 18 per cent of workers believe that hybrid work collaboration technology has sustainably improved productivity in their company. 

The report, which surveyed 889 employees working in the UK Capital Markets and Legal Industries, revealed that while over three-quarters of workers’ companies have introduced new technology to support hybrid working, just 18 per cent state the tools have improved productivity. 

Almost a quarter of these respondents said these technologies have the opposite effect, warning that the abundance of new tools is compromising their productivity.

“It’s clear that across all levels of an organisation, the technology implemented to support hybrid working is not meeting the needs of the team,” said Terry Doherty, Founder and CEO of Doherty Associates. 

“Business leaders want to support productivity and inspire collaboration in their teams wherever they are, but the reality is that employees are struggling with new tools.” 

Over a third of respondents said they struggled to find the information and data needed to do their daily jobs. Of those that struggle, 15 per cent state that this is on a daily occurrence. 

Hybrid working Isn’t going anywhere

While the limitations and challenges of hybrid-working technology remain clear, the report noted hybrid-working trend shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon.

In fact, the number of organisations switching to the hybrid work model has only increased. Over half of the workers said that firms had changed their hybrid working policy within the last year, with four per cent changing the policy in the last month. 

To read more about Flexible Working, visit our dedicated Business Agility Page. 

The findings match current trends across the enterprise landscape. Gartner predicts that by the end of 2023, 39 per cent of global knowledge workers will work hybrid, rising from 37 per cent in 2022. 

“The research has given us a fascinating insight into the success of initial ventures into hybrid working undertaken by Capital Market firms. We’re seeing its popularity continue.

“With the news that the four-day working week trial is extending in the UK, productivity is firmly back in the spotlight. However, this research shows that if leaders are set to support productive flexible working, and truly make an impact for their team, it’s critical to get the right processes and technology in place.”

The importance of the right collaboration tool 

With only 37 per cent of workers stating that hybrid working and collaboration tools are extremely effective, the survey highlights how crucial it is that leaders review their processes and policies with a critical lens. 

Some organisations are struggling with hybrid working, because they’re still doing things like they’re in an office.

Take meeting culture…

Meetings scheduled in one hour blocks with no agenda, everyone and their dog invited, no real purpose.

We can be working smarter.

— Matt Smith (@InnovationMatt) April 20, 2023

“Technology is ultimately about helping people - the implementation and application need to be people-centric. During the pandemic and after in the world of hybrid working, we’ve seen rapid adoption of various communication and collaboration tools, Doherty said. 

“Every organisation would be wise to audit the technology they are using and gain feedback and insights into what is working and what is not and set out clear processes that focus on people.” 

Over half of the employees working from home have started using workplace collaboration tools more than they were a year ago. About one in five respondents think there is insufficient adoption or change management when a new tool for hybrid working is introduced.