New research conducted by Microsoft has shown that UK IT decision-makers (ITDMs) must invest in emerging technologies and digital skills in order to remain competitive. The study found that two out of five ITDMs believe their organization is falling behind due to insufficient investment in new technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The study, which included responses from over 600 ITDMs and 1,000 employees, also revealed that 89% of ITDMs believe they would be able to use AI more effectively if they had access to the right supportive tools. Workers expressed widespread dissatisfaction with their companies’ stance on artificial intelligence, with a quarter stating that their PCs are not powerful enough to run AI effectively. This percentage increases to 35% among Gen Z employees.
In addition, 29% of employees believe that their computers are slowing down their work, with 26% reporting that their systems regularly crash or freeze. While PC shipments initially suffered following the pandemic, the market has shown signs of resurgence, especially with the emergence of AI-capable devices like Copilot+ PCs.
According to the study, only one in three workers feel they have the right skills to effectively use AI, with older workers feeling less confident in their abilities. As a result, 19% of workers are now considering changing jobs. However, three in five of those looking to change jobs say they would stay longer if their current employer helped them develop more digital skills.
Microsoft UK Head of Surface Commercial, Alan Slothower emphasized the importance of prioritizing AI-ready PCs and effective training for IT decision-makers. He stated that the rapid adoption of AI in the workplace necessitates higher specification technology and digital upskilling to ensure competitiveness.
Overall, it is clear that investing in emerging technologies and digital skills is crucial for UK IT decision-makers who want to remain competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. By prioritizing these areas of development, organizations can unlock new opportunities and drive innovation while also improving employee satisfaction and retention rates.
