Technology proven a core enabler for businesses during new normal: survey

The value and role of an organisation’s technology throughout COVID-19 has been highlighted in a new industry report, but prioritising digital readiness will be crucial to ongoing success.

According to the Michael Page Australia Technology Sentiment Survey 2020, 83.1% of businesses said they have been assured of their technology’s ability to function in a remote setting, amidst the COVID-19 work from home policies.

The report also revealed 83.4% of surveyed participants either agreed or strongly agreed that they are excited to see the role technology and digital will further play in their organisation post-pandemic.

George Kauye, Director, Technology at Michael Page, said technology has enabled success across organisations' internal, cultural and commercial functions.

“During the pandemic, technology and digital have had the advantage of being the enablers of allowing businesses to successfully transition from working in the office to working remotely,” Kauye noted.

“Functions such as infrastructure, Level 1 support, security and cloud have been instrumental in ensuring that this transition was as seamless as possible for employees without significantly disrupting efficiency, communication or productivity.”

This will be critical in driving internal efficiencies, as well as external commercial results. An employee’s ability to effectively work from home is due to the capability and efficiencies of their organisation’s technology function.

From a business culture perspective, technology has and will continue to ensure that employees can communicate and are able to stay connected in a time of isolation, providing the channels to support team culture and morale.

When it came to technology and digital’s impact on commercial factors, the functions have played a key role in developing and driving ecommerce capability, in particular, across the retail, food and beverage and consumer industries, according to Kauye.

“This comes as organisations look to diversify their revenue streams to cater for the changing behaviours of their customers due to the enforced changes to in-store shopping conditions,” he adds.

Prioritise digital readiness for future success

While the sudden reliance of technology has been successful for many Australian businesses, Kauye underlined that it is not merely “a flick of the switch”.

“Most businesses had a 24-hour timeframe to get their workforces ready for remote work – organisations that prioritised a digital workplace 12 to 18 months before the pandemic had transitioned very well,” he underscored.

“Organisations that invested in IT strategies in recent years – across cloud, security and digital enablement in their workforce – were able to quickly support the business in March and April, which allowed technology’s full capabilities to be showcased in a positive light across the rest of the business.

“This demonstrates that being proactive rather than reactive about your technology and digital functions really paid off.”

The report also found 77.3% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that digital readiness will be a top priority for their business going forward.

“This will be critical in driving internal efficiencies, as well as external commercial results. An employee’s ability to effectively work from home is due to the capability and efficiencies of their organisation’s technology function,” Kauye explained.

“The recent months have been a terrific example of how technology can enable a business three-fold: internally through efficiency and communication, culturally through teams staying connected to the business, and commercially, by creating new revenue opportunities and ways to connect with customers.”

The Michael Page Australia Technology Sentiment Survey 2020 was based on an analysis of 236 participants, conducted in July/August.

The full report will be available in October.

George Kauye is Director, Technology at Michael Page. He can be contacted on 0415 435 650 or at [email protected]

You can also visit Our Recruitment Expertise to read more about how we can help you with your technology hiring needs and some of the key positions we have filled.