The latest findings from the 2024 Everywhere Work report reveal significant challenges in modern workplaces, emphasizing the need for flexibility.
- Flexible work environments are increasingly valued, yet many professionals find their current roles lacking in this aspect.
- The disparity in flexibility preferences between women and men highlights the necessity of inclusive workplace policies.
- A disconnect between leadership and IT/Security needs is causing employee burnout and resignation.
- Data silos are hindering AI and automation effectiveness, impacting productivity and security.
The 2024 Everywhere Work report, a comprehensive study conducted by Ivanti, outlines the expanding scope of modern work environments and underscores flexibility as a critical component. According to the report, 80% of professionals value flexible work arrangements more than the ability to work remotely. However, only a quarter of professionals experience high flexibility in their current roles. This lack of flexibility is prompting at least 40% of employees to consider changing jobs to gain the desired flexibility.
The report also highlights gender disparities in workplace preferences, with 36% of women regarding flexible work as essential, compared to 22% of their male counterparts. Additionally, 28% of women consider the ability to work from any location as crucial, against 18% of men. The findings suggest that organizations with rigid workplace policies could be alienating a vital segment of their workforce.
There is a reported disconnect between business leadership and the IT and security sectors, where over 90% of leaders believe that employees are equipped to work productively in remote settings. Yet, only 46% of IT and security professionals find accessing necessary tools straightforward when away from the office. This mismatch has severe implications, with 23% of IT professionals reporting colleague resignations due to burnout attributed to insufficient support.
The introduction of AI and automation was anticipated to streamline workloads and enhance service quality, but the report reveals low adoption rates. Ivanti’s data indicates that while 76% of respondents acknowledge the potential of AI to reduce ticket volume, persistent data silos are a major barrier preventing effective AI deployment. These silos are negatively impacting security and productivity, as noted by 84% and 82% of respondents, respectively.
To counter these challenges, the report suggests aligning IT and security priorities with broader organizational strategies. Emphasizing flexibility in work arrangements and gaining a holistic view of the IT infrastructure are recommended strategies to improve both productivity and security in modern workplaces.
The Everywhere Work report calls for strategic organizational changes to address current workplace challenges and enhance flexibility and security.
