The shift to remote work driven by the pandemic has highlighted the need for companies to enhance the employee experience, particularly through technology. One key aspect is offering tech equipment and consumer products through a “choose your own device” (CYOD) reimbursement program.
Research from Lenovo and Intel shows that a significant majority of employees—72 percent—believe their employers should pay more attention to their technology needs. This feedback ranks among the top recommendations for improving employee experience.
Despite the Lenovo and Intel study, “Empowering Employees Through Technology Can Supercharge Returns,” being a year old, companies still face the ongoing challenge of providing adequate technology for remote work. Stefan Engel, Lenovo’s Vice President and General Manager of Visuals Business, emphasizes that while remote work has become more prevalent, the need for effective technical support continues.
TechNewsWorld: How is the shift to remote work impacting companies’ approach to employee technology?
Stefan Engel: Remote work has shifted control over technology devices more into employees’ hands. We’ve found that enhancing the employee experience, beginning with the technology provided, is now more crucial than before. Both IT departments and employees agree that satisfaction with work technology significantly impacts overall employee satisfaction.
This shift has advanced monitor technology, making it central to communication across various devices, including PCs, laptops, mobile phones, and gaming consoles, all of which benefit from improved visual experiences.
TechNewsWorld: How widespread is the demand for remote work?
Engel: According to a recent Gartner survey, about 10 percent of companies that planned to reopen their offices in late 2021 have delayed their reopening to early 2022. Lenovo’s own surveys show that 90 percent of businesses plan to maintain a hybrid model with at least some remote work. Employees have adapted to flexibility and have demonstrated that productivity can be sustained regardless of location.
This increased productivity has led to more screen time. Modern modular technology, such as ergonomic stands and advanced monitor webcams, has become important in providing customizable setups and improving user experience.
TechNewsWorld: Is the rise in remote work driving new technology purchases or just relocating existing equipment?
Engel: Lenovo’s survey with Intel found that 84 percent of employers are investing in upgrades to devices, software, and services to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. The pandemic has underscored the importance of using at-home monitors to extend laptop screens for better productivity, particularly for data and graphics work.
This need for better technology has led to a noticeable increase in PC monitor shipments, as reported by IDC and other industry analysts. Given the rapid evolution of monitor technology, replacing equipment approximately every three years is recommended to maintain high productivity and support talent retention.
TechNewsWorld: What other tech concerns did the survey reveal?
Engel: Despite advancements, half of employees still express frustration with their PC hardware and software. Technologies play a crucial role in driving productivity and engagement, and the adoption of video calling and collaboration software has been a key factor in making remote work effective.
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Can upgrading equipment enhance employee experience?
Upgrading equipment such as monitors and integrating the latest software can potentially improve employee experience and satisfaction. For example, a new external monitor with high refresh rates and HDR 10 support, paired with Windows 11, can enhance color accuracy and overall visual quality, making screen time more pleasant.
What are the data security implications of a remote workforce?
Engel: Data security is a major concern for IT leaders as more employees work remotely. The shift to cloud-based operations has increased the risk of malicious attacks, including phishing and ransomware, which saw notable rises in 2021, according to Verizon.
In addition to deploying security software, employers can take steps to protect remote workers. Encouraging the use of physical camera shutters and features like presence detection sensors, which put monitors to sleep when not in use, can help safeguard privacy and reduce energy consumption.
How are employers supporting remote workers with equipment?
Engel: As remote work becomes more entrenched, companies are offering various support models for home office setups:
- Full reimbursement: Employees are fully reimbursed for equipment purchases, often with a cap per item.
- Flat amount reimbursement: Employees receive a fixed amount to spend on equipment, which may lead to cost-cutting on important features.
- Preferred list: Companies provide a list of approved equipment options, ensuring compatibility with company standards while meeting employees’ needs.
- Equipment delivery: Companies select and ship the equipment directly to employees.
What baseline equipment do remote workers need?
Engel: Effective remote work requires specific technology to facilitate collaboration and manage IT costs. Essential equipment includes high-definition cameras, ergonomic monitors, and solutions for video collaboration. Employees also benefit from technology with low blue light emissions to reduce eye strain.
What are IT decision-makers’ priorities for technology integration?
Engel: To enhance employee engagement and business outcomes, IT decision-makers should focus on investing in PC devices, involving employees in technology decisions, and aligning with their needs. As responsibility for meeting rooms and collaboration spaces increasingly shifts to IT departments, it’s crucial for IT leaders to ensure technology investments support both employee well-being and operational efficiency.
How can OEMs address remote work technology needs?
Engel: OEMs should acknowledge the unique challenges of remote work and provide technology that supports productivity while keeping workspaces organized. Offering flexible, modular technology that adapts to various working styles can significantly improve the remote work experience.
Final thoughts on remote work and employer options
Engel: One key takeaway is the importance of prioritizing technology investments that address employee needs, such as reliable PC devices, robust data security, and user-friendly collaboration tools. Larger organizations often have dedicated advocates to ensure equipment purchases consider employee well-being, but this is less common in smaller companies or with individual reimbursement programs.
It’s also important to consider the impact of blue light emissions from digital displays on eye health. While companies are beginning to address this issue, further education is needed to make eye health a key factor in equipment purchases.