Most Brits think their boss is stuck in the past when it comes to tech, survey reveals
NEARLY a third of workers think their company is stuck in the past when it comes to technology – with some using outdated operating systems and having a limited social presence.
A poll of 2,000 adults in employment found many businesses have been slow to embrace new tech and still depend on manual filing systems, business cards and landline phones.
While some businesses are even getting by without WiFi.
A culture of printing everything out is commonplace in 15 per cent of businesses, as is using Post-Its for reminders (17 per cent) and having bulky CRT monitors rather than flat screens (four per cent).
But rather than being a minor inconvenience, 71 per cent of those who think their employer is stuck in the past admitted it has made them consider their future at the company.
Although 32 per cent tend to struggle to get to grips with new technology when it’s introduced.
READ MORE CONSUMER STORIES
Gregg Pearce, from Media O2 - which commissioned the survey to mark the launch of hyperfast gigabit-speed fibre broadband for small businesses, said: “Whether it’s legacy laptops or slow dial-up, our research shows how too many UK businesses are being held back by outdated tech.
“Being behind the times with tech doesn’t just impact the way businesses serve their customers – old-fashioned work practices are also impacting staff morale and making people think twice about their future at a company.
"It’s time to bring UK businesses up to speed.”
The study also found 10 per cent of workers still submit their holiday requests on paper, while 13 per cent claim their work computer is creakingly slow.
Most read in The Sun
Other archaic business practices include old-school computer mice with balls (11 per cent), while four per cent even said they’re still on dial-up internet.
But 23 per cent claimed their workplace has tried to embrace modern technology – only to go back to the old ways.
Of those, 45 per cent decided their business is still too small to warrant the investment, and 28 per cent felt they weren’t business-critical, according to the OnePoll figures.
However, 71 per cent believe their workplace would be held back if they had a slow and unreliable internet connection.
And 82 per cent said quick, reliable internet is the single most important tool available to their businesses.
Gregg Pearce added: “A fast, reliable, flexible internet connection has become a must-have for small businesses, especially after the past two years.
"Whether it’s a side hustle on social media, video calls from the office, sole traders selling online or guest WiFi on the high street – broadband opens doors to better business.
TOP 30 OLD-FASHIONED BUSINESS PRACTICES:
1. Has a hole punch
2. Instant coffee instead of a coffee machine
3. Uses Post-It note reminders
4. Prints everything out
5. Keeps physical records for all paperwork
6. Has a manual filing system
7. Old and slow laptops/ desktop computers
8. Still uses business cards
9. Uses a holiday wall chart
10. Staples receipts together
11. Uses a mouse with a ball in it
12. Holiday requests have to be submitted on paper
13. Doesn’t use social media effectively
14. Still uses stamps instead of a franking machine
15. Landline phones only
16. No dedicated videoconferencing facilities
17. Uses a dated operating system
18. Printers are decrepit and don’t work properly
19. Expense reports have to be submitted on paper
20. Uses corrective fluid (e.g. Tipp-Ex)
21. Localised intranet is old – slow, dated, doesn’t work very well
22. Has a slow or dated website
23. Lack of Wi-Fi
24. Uses memos
25. Uses fax machines
26. Has not embraced smartphones
27. Don’t have a website
28. Uses CRT monitors rather than flat screen monitors
29. Work needs a binding machine to be put together
30. Uses dial-up internet