Empowered employees can make or break a business. In fact, according to a Virgin Media O2 Business and Samsung Tech Untapped report, almost three-quarters (72%) of companies admit that outdated technology is holding them back from working efficiently.
“Technology is meant to empower employees, create better customer experiences and redefine workplace processes to save time and money. But despite all this, it is still only a tool,” the report states.
“And what happens when that tool is no longer fulfilling its role properly? If tech isn’t creating positive outcomes, it’s not much use to you and your team.”
This isn’t just about having the right devices, though. Indeed, it's about creating an environment where employees feel equipped, valued, and supported.
The skills gap and the rising importance of talent retention
As the cost of recruitment continues to rise, it's clear that keeping skilled employees is no longer a nice to have — it's a critical factor for long-term success. This is especially true in the context of return-to-office (RTO) mandates. According to recent Gartner research, strict RTO mandates can significantly impact employee retention.
The intent to stay among average employees was eight percent lower with strict RTO mandates, while for high-performing employees, it was 16% lower - double the rate of average employees. Moreover, among millennials and women, the intent to stay was 10% and 11% lower respectively when faced with rigid RTO policies. These statistics underscore the importance of flexible work arrangements in retaining valuable talent.
Employee retention isn't solely about work location policies or competitive salaries. Increasingly, it's about the work environment, culture, and the sense of empowerment employees feel within their roles.
Productivity challenges in a resource-constrained world
Many businesses today are expected to deliver more with less while maintaining the same high standards of service. This creates immense pressure on employees to stay productive, and yet, without the right tools, productivity is often stifled. According to Virgin Media O2 Business and Samsung research, 65% of businesses say they are now expected to deliver results faster than they were just six months ago, but outdated technology frequently slows them down.
Imagine providing your team with slow devices or unreliable software - it’s not just frustrating; it actively reduces productivity. Employees need fast, reliable tools that allow them to collaborate effectively and solve problems in real-time.
Inadequate technology is more than an inconvenience; it’s a productivity killer. Businesses that invest in modern, flexible tools are not just boosting productivity; they are also enabling their employees to meet ever-increasing demands without burnout or frustration. For example, early adopters of hybrid working technologies have reported a 13% increase in productivity and a 7% reduction in costs, showing the tangible benefits of equipping employees with the right technology.
What does tech empowerment look like?
True empowerment goes beyond giving employees a laptop and a smartphone. It’s about providing them with the right tools that not only enable them to work but inspire them to excel. As the workplace becomes more flexible and hybrid models of work become the norm, the technology employees use has to keep up. Flexible working environments demand seamless experiences across different devices and locations. Employees need to feel that their tools are working for them, not against them.
Take, for example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, which is designed to enhance productivity no matter where employees are working. With features like automatic transcription and AI-powered assistants, employees can stay focused on what matters most, whether they’re on the road or in a meeting. Tools like these give employees the freedom to collaborate in real-time, from anywhere, without the fear of losing information or falling behind. This kind of empowerment keeps employees engaged and helps them unlock their full potential, leading to better outcomes for the business.
Accessibility, connectivity, and security
While empowering employees through technology is critical, businesses must also address the core concerns of accessibility, connectivity, and security. These elements are foundational to any productive, flexible working environment. Without reliable access to the tools and resources they need, employees cannot do their jobs effectively, no matter how powerful their devices are.
Connectivity is essential for hybrid workers, ensuring they can perform at their best whether they’re at home, in the office, or traveling. With Virgin Media O2 Business’ robust infrastructure, businesses can guarantee fast and reliable connectivity, keeping employees connected and productive across multiple locations. At the same time, security remains a top priority, especially when sensitive data is being accessed remotely. Ensuring that employees have secure, remote access to business-critical systems protects both the company and its employees from potential cyber threats.
Businesses create an environment where employees can thrive by addressing these key concerns and providing employees with the tools and confidence to work from anywhere securely. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and a more satisfied, engaged workforce.
Leveraging partnerships for maximum benefit
Empowering employees with the right technology isn’t just about buying the latest devices; it’s about forming strategic partnerships that bring together expertise from different fields.
The Virgin Media O2 Business and Samsung partnership exemplifies how businesses can benefit from such collaborations. By combining Samsung’s cutting-edge technology with Virgin Media O2 Business’ unparalleled connectivity solutions, businesses can offer their employees the best possible tools to work efficiently in any environment.
“When budgets are tight and deadlines even tighter, you need to know that your teams can get on with their work without worrying about frozen screens, patchy phone lines or unreliable internet access,” the Virgin Media O2 Business states.
“That’s why we’ve partnered with Samsung to help you work smarter. You’ll have access to the best devices and flexible financing offers, all backed up by the UK’s most reliable network.”
Partnerships like this go beyond the provision of technology - they offer transparency, reliability, and innovation that help businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. With both companies prioritizing security, flexibility, and performance, businesses can be confident that they are equipping their teams with solutions that drive productivity and protect data integrity. By leveraging partnerships that focus on long-term success, businesses can unlock new efficiencies and enhance employee satisfaction, ultimately leading to better overall performance.
Empowerment ROI
“Technology is a force to be reckoned with in the hands of an empowered employee. Tech and employee skills are intertwined, each one less effective without the other. To get the most out of your legacy technology, you need your employees to be using the tech as efficiently as possible,” the Virgin Media O2 Business and Samsung report states.
Empowering employees with the right tools and technology isn’t just an investment in the workforce; it’s an investment in the business itself. The return on investment (ROI) is clear. Early adopters of hybrid working technology report a 35% increase in ROI, significant boosts in productivity, and reductions in operational costs. The right tools allow employees to work smarter, not harder, and businesses are seeing the benefits of this every day.
By investing in flexible infrastructure and modern devices, businesses are also future-proofing their operations. As technology continues to evolve, businesses that have already adopted these empowering tools will be in a better position to adapt to new innovations and stay ahead of the competition. Whether it’s through reduced employee turnover, lower operational costs, or increased productivity, the ROI of empowering employees speaks for itself.
Providing the right technology, fostering strong partnerships, and addressing key concerns like accessibility and security can unlock significant productivity gains and improve employee retention. The collaboration between Samsung and Virgin Media O2 demonstrates how strategic partnerships can amplify these efforts, equipping businesses with the tools and confidence to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
“Technology has the power to unlock efficiencies across all our organizational touchpoints, from the way employees work together to how we interact with customers and citizens and how we handle time-consuming admin tasks,” claimed Jo Bertram, Virgin Media O2 Business’ managing director, Business and Wholesale in the Tech Untapped report.
“Times of difficulty are also ones of opportunity and a chance to challenge the status quo. I believe our team is our strongest asset, and I know I’m not alone in this thinking among UK decision-makers. We can’t lose sight of the progress we’ve already made in transforming how we work. We must stay focused on the battle for talent, building digital skills, enhancing employee experiences, and closing the digital divide.
“Together we can help you make the most of what you already have, reach smarter tech investment choices, and create better outcomes for customers, citizens and employees alike.”
For businesses looking to boost their success, the path forward is clear: empower your employees with the right tools, invest in the right partnerships, and watch as productivity, satisfaction, and overall performance reach new heights. This powerful combination will set your business up for success today, tomorrow, and beyond.
To learn more about the VMO2 and Samsung partnership and how it can benefit your business, click here.
