UK PLC Continues to Embrace The Computer, Shows Key Unisys SurveyIDG research reveals greater use of computers in the workplace and highlights positive attitudes to help desks & growing acceptance of personal use of IT systems
London, England, 28th August, 2007 – Research by international research house IDG for Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS), the worldwide technology services and solutions company, has revealed that the use of computers in the workplace continues to rise, alongside a widespread acceptance of employees using corporate IT for personal purposes. The findings are part of a global survey for Unisys amongst IT workers to uncover the support requirements of end users and the strategies enterprises are undertaking to ensure users are supported and their requirements are met. They show a changing attitude to IT in the UK as it becomes more essential to both work and personal lives. As well as a change of attitudes, the findings also reveal high levels of satisfaction amongst IT professionals with the help desk support they offer compared to other countries, with 78% of respondents in the UK believing their IT support to be ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. Across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) the figure falls to 76%, and globally is 77%. UK firms also offer greater levels of IT assistance to workers, with more than half (52%) of enterprises across the country offering 24x7 support, significantly ahead of all other global regions (34% EMEA, 40% Global). Particular findings include: - 48% of respondents in the UK said more than 90% of employees in their enterprise were now using computers and devices to accomplish their work - ¾ of UK workers now use computers or computer driven devices for work. Across EMEA this falls to 72% and globally is 74% - The UK lags behind its global competitors in the use of mobile devices for work, with less than half (46%) using them for work, compared to 54% for EMEA and 49% globally - To support their workers, UK enterprises have far more regional centres worldwide, with 48% of firms offering support bases across the globe, compared to only 35% of EMEA companies and 32% of enterprises globally - More UK firms allow personal use of corporate IT systems than other areas. 48% approve of personal use in the UK, with only 46% across EMEA and globally - UK, EMEA and global workforces all have 34% of staff working remotely or as mobile staff Referencing the findings, Gerry Heard, Outsourcing Business Director, Unisys commented, “This survey highlights a number of interesting changes we’re seeing in the use of, and attitudes to, IT in the workplace. That people are relying more on computers and mobile devices to carry out their jobs is perhaps not surprising given the proliferation of devices on the market and the ever growing capabilities of IT. UK IT departments believe they are supporting their users well, with a global support network on call longer than any other region. This is to be applauded, given the crucial role IT plays in the daily working life of so many employees. It is also interesting to see the attitude that UK business has towards the use of corporate IT for personal use. In a society where IT plays an increasingly important role both at work and at home, this reliance on resources such as the internet is to be expected, and with careful guidelines and monitoring there is no reason why businesses should not allow some personal use on their systems – indeed it could prove a motivator to staff,” he concluded. The “End User Services” survey was administered online during April 2007 among IT management and executive level financial / operations functions at large companies of more than $1bn in the USA and $500m ROW. A total of 686 surveys were completed, including 50 UK companies worth c£250m plus. About Unisys Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialize in helping clients use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow them to achieve their business goals. Our consultants and industry experts work with clients to understand their business challenges and create greater visibility into critical linkages throughout their operations. For more information, visit www.unisys.com
Contacts Adam Barber, Financial Dynamics, +44 207 831 3113 |
