More than a third of enterprise managers have invested in new technologies to support employees through the past year’s uncertainty.
Global uncertainty — defined as the occurrence of unplanned news or events, globally and in the workplace — is hindering employees from getting work done. In a new report from Adobe, the Future of Time 2022 study, employees and managers report they are spending 3 hours a day during the workday reading or discussing news coverage today — with 70% saying this is more time than they spent a year ago. A large majority say this directly impacts their productivity.
Adobe report reveals how the workforce is affected by uncertainty
Between the global pandemic and conflict around the globe, it seems like change is the new constant in today's world. Survey respondents admitted that the constant state of change is taking a toll on their well-being and work productivity:
How the workforce is coping with uncertainty and change
Employees are seeking support from their companies through well-being services and technology. Over 70% of employees and managers say that digital solutions are facilitating and improving work relationships, including supporting managers in facilitating well-being check-ins, allowing easier feedback between employees and leaders, and fostering collaboration between employees.
7 in 10 managers and employees also say they rely on digital tools for peace of mind at work, staying productive when they’re having trouble focusing, and to ease the stress of completing work when a coworker needs to take time off unexpectedly.
Employees whose employers have invested in digital solutions, such as productivity or collaboration tools, report significantly higher job satisfaction and work-life balance.
On the plus side, constant change equals constant innovation
Uncertainty is fueling business innovation and new ways of collaboration. Business leaders and employees are continually adapting --- and already seeing benefits --- by using their time and leveraging digital tools in new and creative ways. One in four SMB leaders feel that innovation has become a core business value over the past year.
Other survey results include:
Methodology for Adobe's report
Edelman Data and Intelligence conducted a 20-minute survey among enterprise employees, enterprise managers, SMB leaders and SMB employees in eight global markets, fielded July 11–August 6, 2022.
Read the full report from Adobe.