Despite the increasing efforts of many companies and real estate agencies to return teleworking employees to their offices, it does not seem that workers who can perform their tasks remotely are up to the task. At least, if the return to the office involves going from a 100% remote model to a 100% in-person model or with very little teleworking. This is reflected in the report Deloitte Connected Consumer 2023, which has just seen the light and provides interesting data not only regarding the work modality, but also technology and its use. As the growing interest in data protection.
This combination of data can cause employers and IT departments to take note not only of how they can manage their company’s talent to retain it, but also of changes in behavior related to the consumption and use of technology on a daily basis. For example, greater concern about keeping data safe reflects greater interest in cybersecurity. In another vein, the report also points out that they also want to use updated devices, although they do not necessarily have to be the latest technology.
The preference for teleworking, on the rise
As to the preference for remote worknot only does it not decrease in 2023 compared to 2022, but up 7% year-on-year. Many prefer a hybrid work model, with the week divided into a remote part and a face-to-face part in the office, especially due to the improvement in family relationships and with co-workers that they achieve with this model.
Those who prefer remote work give the reasons for this as having fewer distractions and stress when working remotely. They also prefer it because there are fewer difficulties with communication, and fewer problems with company culture. So much so that two-thirds of people who have worked or studied remotely say they would like to have the option to continue doing so remotely, or at least with a hybrid model, in the future.
Therefore, as Deloitte has revealed, many companies that are asking their employees to return to the office offer hybrid plans to facilitate the transition. At least, they do it in the short term, because it is not known what may happen in the future, and there are already companies that began by returning to their facilities with a hybrid model to move on to others that practically leave teleworking behind.
56% of the workers who participated in the survey for the report telework on some occasions, while 22% do so always, 34% have a hybrid model and 44% always work from the company office. Regarding the hybrid work model, on average, those who work with it spend an average of three days in the office and just over two at home.
But despite workers’ preferences for teleworking, the problems in being able to practice it continue to complicate their situation. Among the main things they have when they telework are technology, connectivity and access to the information they need. Therefore, in order to provide teleworkers with the services they need, companies have to update systems and tools, and have information accessible and well organized.
As for hybrid workers, in addition to problems with technology and connectivity, they have collaboration problems, distractions with activities that are not properly work, and difficulties prioritizing their well-being. Therefore, workers who have a hybrid format are more likely to end up burned out and stressed than those who work with other systems.
Device Use and Safety Concerns
Consumers use fewer devices in 2023 than in 2022. On average, each household has 21 digital devices, up from 25 in 2021. A 63% of consumers surveyed believe that what they will spend on devices will not change next year, 7% believe it will reduce and 9% believe it will increase. The main reasons why devices were discarded were that another device also fulfilled the function of the disposal, or that they were outdated. Also because it was very expensive to maintain them.
One of the main reasons for the reduction in spending on devices is the economy. 49% of consumers postponed purchasing new devices in the last 12 months for financial reasons, and 33% (8% more than in 2022) believe they do not have enough funds to buy the devices they need at home. High inflation, the risk of recession and personal finances affect purchases.
Consumer trust in technology companies charged with keeping their data secure has declined. In 2023, 58% of consumers worry that their devices are vulnerable to security breaches, 8% more than in 2022. And another 58% are worried that people or entities can track them through their devices, compared to 41% who were worried about it in 2022. It is a more than notable increase in just one year . Of course, 50% feel that the benefits of online services outweigh their concerns about data privacy
