Millennials and Centennials worry about their lack of skills

88 per cent of employees don’t feel threatened by the rise of next-generation technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and robotics, and expect these technologies to enhance their jobs in the next ten years, according to The Modern Workplace – How UK businesses are driving workplace transformation through technology, new research from the Cloud team at Ingram Micro UK and Microsoft.

 

However, according to the research, which surveyed 1,000 workers employed by small and mid-size businesses with 50 to 250 employees in the UK, a quarter of Millennials and Centennials are worried about not having the required skills and qualifications to progress in their career as employers adapt advanced technologies.  

 

Speaking about the findings of The Modern Workplace research, Matthew Sanderson, MD UK&I, Ingram Micro, said: 

 

“Despite negative media speculation around machines replacing human jobs, it is interesting to see that most employees are optimistic about the future. Yettheir worries around their lack of skills is justified and should be a wake-up call to company decision makers to them with technologies and training they require.

 

“In recent years, IT skills shortages have been a major topic as companies struggle to attract and retain qualified talent. As businesses continue their digital transformation journeys - actively investing in AI, machine learning and automation - failing to offer employees adequate skills training will be the factor that will either make or break them.” 

 

Sanderson adds: “As the survey reveals, under 35s are more likely to seek employment that would broaden their skills, futureproofing their career prospects by enabling them to develop their ability to operate next-generation technologies. If their employer doesn’t satisfy their desire for skills training and personal development, organisations will risk losing key members of staff to more proactive, innovative businesses.

 

“To ensure companies can remain competitive and retain their valuable talent, they need to adapt to the digital workplace, equipping employees with next-generation technology and relevant skills training that will set them apart from other contenders in the market. 

 

“Although this challenge is becoming increasingly difficult for organisations struggling to meet the demands of the modern workplace, it also creates many new opportunities for businesses, employees and channel partners to work together and strengthen their IT offerings. By investing in the right systems, products and services, businesses can remain competitive and retain valuable talent,” Sanderson concluded.

 

Other key findings from the research include:

 

• 76 per cent of employees want flexible working hours, but almost half of the UK’s workforce don’t have an option to work from home.

 

• A quarter of employees think Big Data will transform the way they work in the next five years, which is expected to enhance productivity across teams.

 

• A quarter of employees find innovation in a workplace easy

 

• 53 per cent of under - 35s cite team dynamics and senior management as a barrier to innovation