New research has highlighted the need for UK IT decision-makers to invest in emerging technologies and digital skills, or risk losing their competitiveness.
The Microsoft-commissioned study found that two in five ITDMs feel their organization is being left behind due to insufficient investment in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and workers feel the effects of underinvestment more than anyone.
Another nine in 10 (89%) believe they could use AI more if they had access to the right support tools.
Companies run the risk of losing workers if they do not have the right technology
Based on responses from more than 600 ITDMs and more than 1,000 employees, the study revealed widespread worker dissatisfaction with their companies' stance on artificial intelligence.
A quarter said their PCs are not powerful enough to run AI, limiting their ability to benefit from technology that promises to increase efficiency for both workers and their employers. This increases to 35% among Generation Z employees.
Beyond the realm of AI, 29% believe their computer is slowing down their work, and one in four (26%) say it crashes or freezes regularly.
While PC shipments suffered in the quarters following the pandemic, the market has shown signs of resurgence, and industry experts say emerging AI-enabled devices (such as Copilot+ PCs) will see strong growth.
Only one in three (36%) workers feel they have the right skills to use AI effectively, with older workers feeling less confident.
As a result, a fifth (19%) of workers plan to move. However, three in five of workers currently looking to change jobs say they would probably stay longer if their current employer helped them develop more digital skills.
Alan Slothower, commercial director of surfaces at Microsoft UK, commented: “The rapid adoption of AI in the workplace requires higher specification technology and improved digital skills. For IT decision makers, it is imperative to prioritize and provide AI-ready PCs and effective training.”
