Today’s workforce is more united than ever in its demand for a seismic change in the way we all conduct business in the future.
It’s no longer enough to measure just financial success, with employees from across the generations calling on businesses to be a force for good and drive positive change in the world.
The reason? The line between our personal and professional worlds is blurring as technology frees us from the traditional 9-5 office set-up. The choice of our profession and how we decide to work is increasingly becoming a defining factor of who we are as individuals. This is driving employees of all ages to question if their employer is a perfect match in terms of their own vision and values.
David Mills, CEO of Ricoh Europe, who commissioned the research, says: “In an era of otherwise polarised views, our research reveals that employees are united in their demand that businesses be held to higher moral and ethical standards. We’re seeing a greater understanding that no action is too small to contribute to the bigger picture and therefore a realisation that the collective impact businesses can have will be significant to ensuring a better future for generations to come.”
Employees also believe the role of a responsible employer should include upskilling a digital workforce and innovating in their sectors.
Workers see new technologies as vital in driving this change, with 63% agreeing technology should play a central role in helping them work to the best of their abilities. Meanwhile, 69% believe that the best workplaces invest in digital technologies for upskilling staff.
Mills adds: “It’s not just the younger generations who want businesses to act. We’re seeing all age groups coming together with a collective demand to incorporate more sustainable and responsible working practices. This involves operating in harmony with the environment, demonstrating respect for your people as well as the wider societies in which a business operates.”
