Tablets, faster broadband access to increase workplace flexibility: Report

Greater use of tablet devices and faster broadband will lead to more flexible working practices within the next five years, according to a survey of 320 IT and human resources staff at midsized firms.

The report, titled Future of Work, predicts desktop and laptop usage will fall, as tablet become more popular over the next three to five years. According to reports, the Optus-funded survey shows 84% of IT departments plan to use tablets such as the iPad in the workplace within three to five years, compared to just 37% now.

“Our report found the widespread adoption of mobile technologies, increased use of internal collaboration tools, and greater employee access to social media is changing how we work and creating more workplace flexibility and productivity,” Optus Business director of marketing and strategy, Scott Mason says.

“Gen-X (30-50 year olds) in particular are driving the demand for mobile tools that enable flexible working, while younger Gen-Y workers (up to 29 years old) are driving demand for internal collaboration tools.”

Foad Fadaghi, research director for independent telecommunications research firm Telsyte, says that the increased use of tablet devices such as the iPad will have great benefits on productivity.

“For many businesses it’s effectively part of the upgrade cycle,” Fadaghi told SmartCompany.

“It takes a lot of time to boot up a desktop or tablet compared to a tablet which you just switch on and are automatically online wherever you are. There are natural improvements in productivity from having a device that is easier to use and simpler in design.”

Fadaghi adds the younger generation which has grown up with these technologies would demand devices such iPad’s and smartphones as part of their workplace environment.

The survey also showed that 45% of Generation Y workers from HR wanted to use their personal devices in the workplace. Forty-three percent of workers between 30-50 years also wanted the same privilege.

Fadaghi says the new technologies will spread across different business sectors.

“I think what you’ll see is all sectors impacted by technology advancements,” he says.

“Businesses won’t ignore what’s happening in other sectors and start to adopt technology trends. As with most technology, it is larger businesses with a mobile workforce that are adopting technology trends first.”

Another key finding was 78% of IT staff predicted workers would have access to the office via the internet when at home compared with 67% today.

Acting Managing Director for Optus Business, Robert Parcell told the Australian Financial Review that many younger people don’t traditionally link the office with the concept of being at work.

Fadaghi says flexible working practices will continue to be phased in by businesses.

“We have an ageing population and there are supply constraints in terms of employment,” he says.

“Providing more flexibility for employees to work from home or a coffee shop allows businesses to retain employees longer.”