A new survey from Diversified finds that companies are underinvesting in workforce technology, including videoconferencing tools, collaboration platforms, and advanced production and broadcast solutions — putting productivity and employee well-being at risk.

The Diversified Technology Maturity Survey of more than 1,600 U.S. employees found that 89% use personal devices or apps for work due to ease of use compared to company-provided options, creating cybersecurity and compliance risks. Nearly as many (88%) said their company’s technology limits creativity and problem-solving, which could pose additional challenges for businesses.

With global teams increasingly reliant on collaboration tools and broadcast technologies, 77% of respondents said their employers offer hybrid work options. The vast majority (92%) split their workweeks between the office and remote locations — an arrangement most prefer.

Workplace flexibility remains a key factor for employees, with 86% considering it when job hunting and 49% willing to sacrifice pay for hybrid work. Among business leaders, 69% said they would do the same.

The survey also highlighted a growing interest in redesigning workspaces to enhance creativity, security, productivity and retention. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of CEOs said they are looking for ways to repurpose office space, while 83% of leaders expressed interest in adding public-use areas.

“People naturally seek in-person connection, but requiring work from an isolated cube or room offers no more collaboration than working from home,” said Eric Hutto, CEO of Diversified. “Mandating office returns erodes trust and loyalty. Organizations should instead create engaging spaces and gradually increase purposeful in-office time.”

Technology challenges also affect work-life balance, with 60% of respondents reporting integration issues that negatively impact their jobs. More than three-quarters (76%) said they feel the need to be online at all times, and 24% of those working late blamed technology-related delays. This has implications for productivity, satisfaction and retention — factors that contributed to 27% of U.S. employees quitting in 2023, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Modern audiovisual solutions and collaboration technologies help support flexible work and broaden hiring opportunities. The Department of Labor reports that the number of disabled adults in the workforce has doubled over the past five years, largely due to hybrid work. Additionally, 92% of employees said working from home strengthens their connection with their children, better supporting their emotional and educational needs.

“The culture of work is changing, and workplace technology is a big driver of this shift,” said Jason Kornweiss, senior vice president of advisory services at Diversified. “Now, workplace structures must be fit-for-purpose, and workplace technology needs to power experience, satisfaction and productivity — regardless of where people work.”

“The necessity for remote and hybrid work over the last five years rewrote the employee-employer contract,” Hutto said. “Now, people have different expectations, technology continues to evolve, and it’s time to embrace fit-for-purpose structures and tech-enabled experiences that bring people together — wherever they are — and keep them coming back.”

The survey underscores the need for businesses to evolve alongside technology, culture and workforce expectations. Partnering with future-ready tech experts can help organizations build lasting strategies. For more insights, connect with Diversified.