How Tech can Attract the Next Generation
17th February 2025
The leaders of physical operations-led organisations in the UK and Ireland reveal how putting technology at the centre of their business strategy is transforming the workplace to meet the demands of a new generation while creating safer and more efficient organisations. That’s according to a new State of Connected Operations Report — Building for the Next Generation: Workforce Trends in Physical Operations— from Samsara, the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Cloud, which includes insights from 1,550 physical operations leaders across seven countries, including 300 in the UK and Ireland.
“It’s no secret, the labour market can be tough in industries like transportation, construction, and field services but we’re seeing technology make a real difference in how younger talent views their career opportunities,” said Meagen Eisenberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsara. “Our research shows that technology is not only making these industries more attractive, but also helping retain workers for the long term. The ROI is impressive and yet, there’s so much potential ahead as many are at the beginning of their digital transformation.”
Modern Technology Tools are a Must-Have for the Workforce
The majority (91%) of leaders in the UK and Ireland agree that modern technology tools have made their industries more desirable to younger workers. Many also report increased employee morale, improved productivity, and lower turnover. Recognising their value in protecting workers from not-at-fault incidents and false claims, leaders ranked automation and robotics as the top technology for improving recruitment and retention. Personalised safety scorecards closely followed, reflecting younger workers’ emphasis on job safety and their comfort with technology that enhances safety.
Despite investments, many workers aren’t yet satisfied, as 79% of leaders in the UK and Ireland report they frequently hear feedback about the need for greater investments in safety and security. To address this, all respondents plan to increase investments in workforce safety and security technologies over the next five years, with many prioritising IoT-enabled safety devices, automation that reduces worker exposure to hazards, and predictive safety analytics.
Technology Investments Drive Financial Returns and Unlock New Efficiencies
Leaders state their technology strategies are driving significant financial benefits, as almost half (49%) report their safety-focused technology investments have saved their organisation more than £800,000. All respondents in the UK and Ireland confirmed that technology has empowered the workforce to shift their focus toward higher-value tasks, including preventative maintenance, safety checks, and valuable upskilling opportunities. The research also revealed widespread adoption of e-learning platforms, with 84% of organisations already using these tools. Leaders cite interpersonal and team relations as well as feedback and assessment as the top benefits.
To discover more insights from the State of Connected Operations Report: Building for the Next Generation: Workforce Trends in Physical Operations visit here.
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