COVID Gives Rise to Era of Digital Tech Experts

Global research and advisory company Gartner conducted a survey among 10,080 full-time employees at companies with 100 or more employees in the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific last November and December 2020 with the goal of understanding workers’ technological and workplace experiences and sentiments.

In general, the survey revealed the altered relationship of workers to technology brought about by the shift to remote work, a lack of in-person IT support, and greater reliance on digital collaboration tools.

The survey found that 18% of full-time employees consider themselves as digital technology experts since Covid-19 began, while over half consider themselves proficient.

In 2020, employees reported an 11% increase in the proportion of their work time spent on laptops, smartphones, or tablets as well as an 8% decrease in time spent on desktops. On the other hand, Gen Z and millennials spent 30% of their time using tablets or smartphones for work while older generations were more likely to use desktops and laptops.

Other trends revealed in the survey include:

1. Workers’ sense of technology mastery has accelerated compared to previous years.
2. Permitted autonomy increases.
3. Portable devices boom for digital workers.
4. IT as problem-solver leaps forward due to a broad choice of contact means.
5. Virtual meetings proved their mettle, and workers increased their preference for them.
6. Productivity rose for many, fell for others, and some of the good effects could endure.
7. Workers intend to enforce the flexibility in time and workplace that 2020 gave them.
   36% reported an increase in productivity, while 35% reported no change. Flexible working hours became the top factor for increased productivity with 43% of respondents selecting this. Moreover, 69% of employees said they were more likely to consider a new role if it allowed them to work in a location of their choice while 64% stated that they would consider a role that offers flexible working hours.
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