Employers in the UK's IT sector are too quick to dismiss
internet-based research as a way of boosting productivity, says the
Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Many IT firms are failing to use technology to drive business
opportunities and performance, according to figures published by
the CMI and
Ordnance Survey.
The figures form part of a
CMI report looking at
Generation Y's impact on the workplace.
CMI research reveals that employers across the IT sector view
internet activity as a huge time-waster.
A survey of over 800 IT employees found that 60% monitor
employee internet access, 55% block access to some websites and 12%
limit access to certain times.
In contrast, 79% said the internet was useful for research, 77%
said they want to use the internet for professional development and
64% said it helps them do their work.
Some 14% said they want to use
social and business networking sites such as LinkedIn to ask
questions of a wider group of people.
According to the CMI,
employers must change their attitude towards technology and
harness the familiarity of younger managers with new
technologies.
Jo Causon, director corporate affairs at CMI, said, "Failure to
do so will lead to frustration and loss of top talent or even open
the door for competitors to build advantage through a better
equipped and enabled workforce."
Many respondents said employers do not match their
enthusiasm for technology. Only 12% said organisations
tracked technology trends.
Some 26% said employers waited too long and used only
tried-and-tested technology, while 10% described their employers as
"dinosaurs" when it came to technology.
Jan Hutchinson, director of HR and corporate services at
Ordnance Survey, said the longer the situation continues, the
greater the likelihood that UK employers will fall behind
international competitors.