Technology Creates More Diverse Work Environments

A new global study conducted by Lenovo shows smart technology has transformed the workplace. Over half (58 percent) of people strongly believing technology is already helping to create more diverse work environments that are inclusive of all different types of people with just 8 percent disagreeing.

The research, which surveyed over 15,000 individuals from around the globe including the US, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Japan, UK, Germany, France and Italy, found that while more than half (51 percent) of those surveyed expressed some concern that new technology could “eliminate their jobs“, there is nearly equally widespread optimism in the potential of automation. For example, a slightly higher number of people (52 percent) said they are “extremely“ or “very interested“ in having automation take over the more tedious aspects of their jobs. This includes more time-consuming tasks such as paperwork (45 percent), timesheets and invoices (39 percent), cleaning and organizing (37 percent) and notetaking (36 percent).

There are many other positives shared among global employees regarding technology and its role in the workplace, such as its ability to improve job opportunities and job quality. 58 percent of people strongly believe tech helps people like them get good jobs and make careers, with employees in China (75 percent), India (73 percent) and Mexico (72 percent) being the most positive regarding the impact technology can have on their careers. A similar number (56 percent) strongly believe tech is making it easier to advance to the next career level. This rang most true among workers in India (85 percent), Mexico (74 percent) and Brazil (72 percent).

Furthermore when it comes to productivity, exactly half of the global respondents said they believe their smart devices save them at least 30 minutes each day by helping them to get things done faster and more efficiently. When it comes to corporate social responsibility, there’s a shared belief among people around the world that technology companies should contribute to the common good, with just under a third (30 percent) stating their main role should be to strengthen economies and create new jobs.