Virgin Media O2 Business’ Future of Work study reveals that despite a lack of consultation from senior management on technology changes, almost half of workers (44% construction; 45% manufacturing) are enthusiastic about the possibilities of 5G, AI and robotics in their workplaces.
Polling 2,000 UK workers across a range of sectors, the study reveals maintaining a healthy work/life balance (48% construction; 47% manufacturing) and job flexibility (32% construction; 40% manufacturing) are front of mind, as workers consider what they want from their job. While individuals are ready for more work flexibility, half of construction (48%) and manufacturing (49%) workers are uncertain what their job will look like in 20 years' time, and continued advancements are set to surpass current solutions.
Many workers in these sectors are keen to embrace the benefits of new tech, however over a quarter of construction (31%) and manufacturing (28%) employees feel the pace of technology change in the workplace is too fast, with many feeling overlooked. Over half (55%) of employees in both sectors feel senior management lacks sufficient consultation on technology changes, highlighting a need for improved communication and clearer explanations regarding significant shifts. In turn, one in four (26%) construction workers feel forgotten or left out of conversations, rising to one third (33%) of manufacturing employees.
Despite these concerns, the study reveals over half (56%) of UK builders are optimistic about how technology will shape their role in five years' time. While manufacturing workers believe it will bring about improved productivity (42%) and a better work life balance (28%). Construction workers are the least concerned about future job prospects among all sectors surveyed; encouragingly, 35% are eager for technology to fully automate mundane and repetitive job tasks.
Meanwhile, over a third of construction (36%) and manufacturing (35%) workers find 5G important to their daily work, while 21% and 26% respectively say the same for artificial intelligence (AI). Adopting and accessing emerging technologies, from Internet of Things (IoT) safety devices to AI software, relies on telecoms to safely enable these connections. As construction and manufacturing companies look to adopt new innovations, telecoms operators will play a pivotal role providing the connectivity needed to power these businesses now and in the future.
Diego Tedesco, Director of Commercial, Product and Marketing at Virgin Media O2 Business, commented: “Our Future of Work study illustrates a pivotal moment for businesses in construction and manufacturing sectors, as they embrace an increasingly technical landscape. This places business leaders in a challenging position, as critical decisions and calculated risks around technology adoption must happen amidst new innovations, like AI, evolving in tandem. To achieve the best results, it’s important to be data-led, seeking input from internal and external perspectives to inform decisions. From connectivity partners to suppliers, construction and manufacturing companies should lean on partners for insight and support as they look to future-proof their organisations."