Adobe has announced a new research that examines attitudes towards digital technologies and productivity among Indian knowledge workers. From what it’s understood, Adobe’s “The Future of Digital Work: India” report reveals the factors that enable and constrain productivity, and the digital tools and processes that are important for the future workforce.
According to an official release, the report’s data stated that the current state of digital work has found that digital literacy is high, with 82% of knowledge workers stating that digital technologies play a role in day-to-day work. Seemingly, almost eight in 10 rated their digital literacy higher than the global average. Of all technologies, knowledge workers have been shown most likely to agree they can’t live without digital documents (76%), technology to support collaboration (73%) and video conferencing (67%). It’s believed that more than five in 10 (55%) knowledge workers stated that at least half of their work is paper based, while 12% stated they are fully paperless.
Based on data in the report, respondents highlighted the benefits of generative AI, including accelerated work processes (96%), elimination of redundant tasks (91%), more time for engaging and meaningful work (96%), and the production of high-quality output (94%). However, 59% of respondents reported that their companies currently use generative AI. 88% of workers anticipated regular utilisation of generative AI in the coming years. While the majority of knowledge workers (88%) and leaders (94%) believed their companies should leverage generative AI, six percent of respondents showed hesitation. Both leaders and employees recognised the positive influence of AI on their work (64%), with 33% considering it miraculous, and 57% of workers declaring AI as having revolutionised their work for the better. Reportedly, the research suggests that more businesses have adopted AI solutions, with double the number of leaders (83%) acknowledging their organisation’s use of AI compared to employees (66%).
Moreover, leaders (93%) and employees (87%) agreed that poor technology tools can hurt productivity, with 40% of leaders highlighting losing two to four hours a day due to poor technology, resulting in up to a loss of 25 weeks (6 months) per working year. 44% of all workers believed poor technology tools negatively impact profitability by 20% or more. When workers encounter technology at work that constrains productivity, 62% said they would look for a tech-based solution to use on their own, 14% would look for another job, and 16% said they would ‘quiet quit’ or tune out. 40% of employees considered quitting their job in the next six months because of work technology holding back productivity, which could be as high as 57% for full-time remote workers. Most knowledge workers also stated that access to technology influences their decision to accept a job offer, with the majority stating it’s critical (34%) or a top consideration (50%).
“I believe the report reiterates the importance of digital technologies and tools in enhancing knowledge workers’ productivity. While workers seem to be recognising the relevance of these tools, organisations are believed to be challenged to keep pace with the latest innovations,” Girish Balachandran, senior director and head of digital media business, Adobe India, said.