1. Dell & Intel Future Workforce Study
Global Report
JULY 2016
PSB
UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016; 8AM CST
2. 2
Methodology
Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) conducted 3801 online interviews across nine different markets between April 05 and May 03,
2016. The report primarily analyzes adults who work more than 35 hours a week and work in one of seven target
industries: Education, Government, Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, and Retail.
Audience N Size MoE (%)
Global Employees 3801 ± 1.59
United States Employees 400 ± 4.9
Canada Employees 300 ± 5.66
United Kingdom Employees 400 ± 4.9
France Employees 400 ± 4.9
Germany Employees 400 ± 4.9
China Employees 400 ± 4.9
Japan Employees 400 ± 4.9
India Employees 400 ± 4.9
Brazil Employees 401 ± 4.89
South Africa Employees 300 ± 5.66
Audience N Size MoE (%)
Male 2050 ± 2.16
Female 1751 ± 2.34
Millennial (Age 18-34) 1412 ± 2.61
Non-Millennial (Age 35+) 2389 ± 2.01
4. 4
The global workforce is at a tipping point.
Advances in communications and smart workplace technologies, combined with
emerging lifestyle trends, point to a future workforce that is more mobile, more
productive, and more capable than ever before.
However, we aren’t there yet.
5. 5
Today’s workforce is still old-school, but knows change is coming.
Employees are generally happy in their jobs, but as communications and productivity
technology advances, they are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with workplace
capabilities. Though they still rely on analog equipment like landlines and desktops,
they’re ready for a workplace that can accommodate their changing lifestyles.
6. 6
The future workforce will be more mobile and supported by an
array of digital technologies.
Most global employees believe that smart offices will arrive within the next five years, and
will include high-tech perks like AR/VR capabilities. However, the workforce isn’t evolving
at a uniform rate; different audiences are leading in different markets, with Millennials
taking the global reins on the introduction and adoption of new technology.
The result will be a future workforce that is:
MORE MOBILE – Employees’ in-person interactions will decrease yet collaboration will increase
MORE PRODUCTIVE – Better, faster technology, combined with more digitally-connected employees, will encourage
increased productivity
MORE CAPABLE – Employees will understand how to use technology, such as artificial intelligence, to better accomplish
workplace goals
7. 7
Different trends are set to arrive at different times.
Many global employees already participate in the sharing economy and have strong
views on the potential benefits of AR/VR, AI, and the Internet of Things
STATUS: Near-future potential as a
training tool
of global employees would be willing
to use AR/ VR products in their
professional life; most as a training tool
of global employees agree that their
job could be made easier with the
assistance of artificial intelligence
STATUS: Employees see potential
benefits of AI, but fear job loss
66%
62%
63%
STATUS: Here now
of global employees plan to partake
in the sharing economy in 2017 – as
a consumer, seller, or both.
Increasing connectivity and making it
easier to wirelessly connect devices
excite employees most about IoT
STATUS: The IoT is excitingINTERNET
OF THINGS
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
AR/VRSHARING
ECONOMY
9. 9
Global employees are ready for smart offices, and expect them in
the near future
44% of employees worldwide
feel that their workspace isn’t
smart enough, while more
than half (57%) expect to be
working in a smart office
within the next five years.
And when it comes to
acquiring new talent, tech
matters – Millennials in
particular are likely to quit a job
with substandard technology.
01
10. 10
But the future-ready workplace isn’t here yet02
Global employees still use
desktops more than laptops or
tablets and landlines more than
smartphones. Nearly half of
global employees say that the
biggest time-wasters at their jobs
are tech-related: administrative
tasks (19%), slow or glitchy
software (19%), and slow or
glitchy devices (17%). 1 in 3 (35%)
say that the technology they have
available in their homes is more
cutting-edge than what is
available at their place of work.
11. 11
Growing tech trends will change the way the workforce
communicates
03
Today, 57% of global
employees still prefer to
exchange face to face
conversation with their
colleagues. However, more
than half (51%) say that remote
teams and better
communications technology
will make F2F communications
obsolete in the future.
12. 12
Employees’ changing lifestyles are driving this evolution04
Half of global employees
currently work remotely at
least a few times a week, and
value the ability to balance
productivity and quality of life
concerns in a remote
environment.
13. 13
Millennials are leading the way05
Millennials are more willing to
use AR/VR products (77%),
more likely to say remote work
allows for a healthier work-life
balance (36%), more likely to
say the workspace is
becoming more collaborative
(79%), and more likely to quit a
job with substandard
technology (42%).
16. 16
Employees are ready to work in smart workspaces.
Nearly half (44%) of global employees say their workspaces are not smart enough;
only 8% say they are too smart
44%41%
8%
Not smart enough
As smart as I want it to be
Too smart
WHEN THINKING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKSPACE, IS IT…? (AMONG ALL)
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Latin America
Too smart 4 7 11 10
Not smart enough 36 46 45 47
As smart as I want it to be 51 42 31 41
Don't know 9 5 10 1
17. 17
And to have the high-tech perks that come with them
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE IN THE WORKSPACE?
(AMONG ALL)
58%29%
14%
High tech perks like Internet of Things, augmented/virtual reality or AI-assisted features
Low-tech perks like a ping pong table, free food or an office dog
Don't know
Male Female 18-34 35+
High-tech perks 61% 54% 63% 55%
18. 18
They expect to be working in one in the next five years
A considerable majority of workers – in particular Millennials (18-34) – expect to be working in a
smart office in the near future
57%
35%
25%
13%
Very/somewhat likely Not too/not at all likely
HOW LIKELY DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BE WORKING IN A ‘SMART’ OFFICE THAT USES THE INTERNET OF
THINGS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? (AMONG ALL)
**8% of Respondents said “Don’t know”
*Darker colors indicate stronger intensity of answer
18-34 35+
Likely to work in ‘smart’ office in
next 5 years
69% 50%
20. 20
82% 76% 74%
71%
48% 46% 43% 42%
36%
26%
23% 20%
86%
51% 50% 52%
72%
83%
41%
15%
47%
36%
53%
21%
At work, landlines and desktops reign; not smartphones and tablets
For work: Global employees use desktops (74%) more than laptops (48%) or tablets (23%) and landlines
(71%) more than smartphones (46%)
For personal: Employees use laptops (72%) or tablets (53%) more than desktops (50%) and smartphones
(83%) more than landlines (52%)
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS DO YOU USE ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS BOTH AT WORK
AND FOR PERSONAL USE? (AMONG ALL)
Work Personal
21. 21
Fewer than 1 in 5 employees rate workplace technology as
something they’re most satisfied with…
Professional relationships, the work-life balance, and the subject matter of their work are the top
drivers of job satisfaction
PLEASE INDICATE WHICH TWO ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB YOU ARE MOST SATISFIED WITH. (AMONG ALL)
27% 27% 25%
17% 16% 14% 13% 13% 11%
Relationship
with colleagues
Work-life
balance
Subject matter
of work
Level of
responsibility
Salary Benefits
package
Flexibility to
choose where I
work
Technology my
work provides
me
Opportunities
for career
growth
22. 22
And more people see home technology as more cutting
edge than work technology
COMPARED TO THE WORKSPACE, IS THE TECHNOLOGY YOU USE AT HOME... (AMONG ALL)
35% 24%
36%
Home tech is more cutting-edge
Home tech is less cutting-edge
Home tech is on par with the technology I use
in the workspace
**5% of Respondents said “Don’t know”
50% DE employees
More cutting edge at home
23. 23
19% 19% 17%
14% 10%
8%
13%
Administrative
tasks
Slow or glitchy
software
programs
Slow or glitchy
devices
Meetings/
conference calls
Fixing broken
technology
Hallway/ water
cooler
conversations
Other
Tech-related issues (slow, glitchy, or broken) are the biggest
time-wasters at current jobs
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TIME-WASTER AT YOUR CURRENT JOB?
(AMONG ALL)
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
Administrative tasks 17 22 16 16
Slow or glitchy software programs 17 20 17 23
Slow or glitchy devices 14 17 20 19
Meetings/conference calls 17 12 15 9
Fixing broken technology 7 8 15 14
Hallway/water cooler conversations 9 7 7 14
46%
Tech related issues are
biggest time-wasters
24. 24
23%
27%
44%
More than
other workspaces
Less than
other workspaces
Same as other
workspaces
Global employees see few employers that are innovating quickly
Most employees, regardless of size, don’t think their workspaces update
their tech more than elsewhere
AS FAR AS YOU KNOW, WOULD YOU SAY YOUR WORKSPACE UPDATES ITS
TECHNOLOGY...(AMONG ALL)
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
More than other workspaces 19 19 28 28
About the same as other workspaces 46 44 42 44
Less than other workspaces 26 31 24 26
36% JP employees
Updates Less
26. 26
Today, face to face conversations are still preferred
Majorities in China, India, South Africa do not prefer F2F conversations
57%
9%
5%
27%
Face to Face Remotely via phone Remotely via video No preference
AND WOULD YOU RATHER EXCHANGE CONVERSATION WITH A COLLEAGUE FACE TO FACE OR
REMOTELY? (AMONG ALL)
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
Face to face 58 63 50 55
Doesn’t matter/no preference 30 26 27 31
Remotely via phone 7 8 11 7
Remotely via video 3 4 9 7
41%
27. 27
Yet, half of global employees – and 3 in 5 Millennials - feel
better communication technology and remote teams will
make face to face conversation obsolete in the future
51%
42%
16% 16%
Strongly/somewhat agree Strongly/somewhat disagree
HOW MUCH DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT? (AMONG ALL)
Remote teams and better communication technology will make face to face
communication obsolete.
**8% of respondents said “Don’t know”
*Darker colors indicate stronger intensity of answer
Millennials60%
Most likely to agree
80% IN employees
70% CN employees
28. 28
And workspaces are already more collaborative than
they used to be
71%
19%
21%
4%
Much/somewhat more
collaborative
Much/somewhat less
collaborative
ARE PEOPLE GENERALLY MORE OR LESS COLLABORATIVE IN THE WORKSPACE THAN THEY USED
TO BE? (AMONG ALL)
**10% of Respondents said “Don’t know”
*Darker colors indicate stronger intensity of answer
18-34 35+
More collaborative 79% 67%
30. 30
Half of employees currently work outside of the office at least
a few times a week…
Male Female 18-34 35+
At home 36% 30% 40% 29%
In a public place 20% 17% 26% 15%
89%
34%
18%
An office At home In a public place (e.g. coffee shops)
52% Out of Office
HOW OFTEN, IF AT ALL, DO YOU WORK FROM THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS?
(AMONG ALL; SHOWING EVERY DAY + A FEW TIMES A WEEK)
31. 31
59%
45%
35%
72%
59%
45%
My job is a core part of my
personal identity
Work is life Work is a key part of my social
life
Global All Remote Employees
And for remote employees, job and identity are closely linked
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS CLOSER TO YOUR VIEW?
32. 32
35%
28%
15%
It allows me to
concentrate better
It allows me to get
more work so I don't
have to commute
It allows me to take
care of my
dependents
Global All
Remote employment allows global workers to focus on
productivity and quality of life benefits equally
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE TWO PRIMARY BENEFITS OF BEING ABLE TO CHOOSE WHETHER
YOU WORK IN AN OFFICE OR ELSEWHERE? (AMONG ALL)
35%
22%
17%
It allows me to achieve
a healthier work-life
balance
It allows me to feel like
my life isn’t completely
dominated by work
It feels less dull than
working only in an
office
Global All
Productivity Benefits Quality of Life Benefits
34. 34
Millennials are more willing to embrace new technologies.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS FUTURE TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE:
71% 66% 66%
51%
32%
79% 77% 73%
60%
42%
The workspace is
becoming more
collaborative
Total willing to use AR/VR Virtual sharing is imporant
because it allows remote
collaboration
Better tech will make face-
to-face obsolete
Likelihood to quit a job
with substandard tech
Global All Millennials
35. 35
And to care strongly about having access to those
technologies on the job
LIKELY TO QUIT A JOB WITH
SUBSTANDARD TECH
42%
WORKPLACE TECH WOULD HAVE INFLUENCE
WHEN DECIDING TO TAKE A NEW JOB
25% 82% 67%
18-34 35+ 18-34 35+
36. 36
2 in 5 Millennials feel that having access to technology at work
makes it much easier for them to perform their duties
GENERALLY SPEAKING, DOES THE TECHNOLOGY YOU USE AT WORK MAKE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES...
40%
31%
Technology at work makes it much easier to perform
Millennials Non-Millennials
37. 37
They also feel that workspaces are becoming much more
collaborative than they used to be…
ARE PEOPLE GENERALLY MORE OR LESS COLLABORATIVE IN THE WORKSPACE THAN THEY USED TO BE?
79%
67%
Workspaces are more collaborative
Millennials Non-Millennials
28%
Feel that they are
much more
collaborative, versus
18% on non-
millennials
38. 38
Which is why they feel that advanced technologies are
important for more collaboration
And a more productive and efficient work environment
THINKING ABOUT YOUR IDEAL WORKSPACE, PLEASE RATE HOW IMPORTANT YOU THINK IT IS FOR IT TO HAVE...
73% 70% 67%
63%
58% 57%
Virtual-sharing that allows me to
collaborate with colleagues remotely
Smart offices that recognize you and
know your ideal workspace
environment
Virtual/augmented reality equipment
to use in meetings, product
development, etc.
Millennials Non-Millennials
39. 39
And more than half feel that both AR/VR and AI would lead to
increased productivity
FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS IN THE WORKSPACE,
PLEASE SAY WHETHER IT WOULD PRIMARILY...
52%
56%
42%
47%
Virtual/augmented reality would lead to more
productivity
Artificial intelligence would lead to more productivity
Millennials Non-Millennials
41. 41
We asked about four innovative trends in workspace technology
We gave respondents full definitions of each technology along with examples for how they are
used to ensure each respondent was able to answer thoughtfully.
INTERNET OF THINGSARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCEAUGMENTED/
VIRTUAL REALITY
SHARING ECONOMY
42. 42
31%
22%
10%
21%
16%
Both by consuming and
selling goods or services
By consuming goods or
services
By selling goods or
services
I won’t participate in the
sharing economy
Don’t know
The sharing economy is here now; 63% of global
employees plan to partake in 2017
HOW, IF AT ALL, DO YOU PLAN ON PARTICIPATING IN THE SHARING ECONOMY IN
2017? (AMONG ALL)
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
Both by consuming and selling goods or services 26 23 38 51
By consuming goods or services 25 18 21 29
By selling goods or services 7 13 10 8
I won’t participate in the sharing economy 26 27 18 6
63% Sharing Economy Participation
SHARING
ECONOMY
43. 43
26% 26% 25%
20% 16% 15% 12%
It makes goods and
services cheaper
It allows for greater
flexibility
It gives me more
choices
It encourages
entrepreneurship and
small businesses
It is easier to assess
quality and value of
what I am paying for
It allows me to borrow
instead of own goods
and services
It is more likely to be
cutting-edge and
innovative
Global employees appreciate the affordability,
flexibility, and entrepreneurship of the sharing
economy
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE TWO PRIMARY BENEFITS OF THE SHARING ECONOMY? (AMONG ALL)
*2% of Respondents said there are no benefits of the sharing economy, and 8% said “Don’t know”
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
It makes goods and services cheaper 27 25 27 21
It allows for greater flexibility 23 24 28 32
It gives me more choices 29 21 28 22
It encourages entrepreneurship and small businesses 17 21 17 30
It is easier to assess quality and value of what I am paying for 11 12 22 21
It allows me to borrow instead of own goods and services 15 17 14 13
It is more likely to be cutting-edge and innovative 9 9 15 22
SHARING
ECONOMY
44. 44
Similarly, there is a lot of excitement around the
use of AR/VR…
66%
25%
27%
10%
Very/somewhat willing Somewhat/not at all willing
HOW WILLING WOULD YOU BE TO USE AUGMENTED/VIRTUAL REALITY PRODUCTS IN YOUR
PROFESSIONAL LIFE?(AMONG ALL)
**9% of respondents said “Don’t know”
*Darker colors indicate stronger intensity of answer
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
Total Willing 53 61 72 93
Very willing 17 22 29 62
Somewhat willing 36 39 42 31
Total Not Willing 35 29 20 5
Not too willing 21 17 13 4
Not at all willing 14 12 7 1
Don't know 12 10 9 1
77%
Of millennials are
significantly more
willing to use AR/VR
products, versus 59%
of Non-Millennials
AR/VR
45. 45
23% 19% 16% 14%
6%
Training on new skills in
realistic virtual environments
Solving problems or coming
up with
new ideas through 3D
visualization
Presenting to clients using
immersive technologies
to showcase things, places,
ideas
Collaborating and
communicating with
colleagues
Non-work socializing with
colleagues
…especially as a training tool and problem-solver
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR WORK WOULD YOU BE MOST EXCITED TO USE AUGMENTED/VIRTUAL REALITY
FOR?
(AMONG ALL)
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
Training on new skills in realistic virtual environments 21 25 21 28
Solving problems or coming up with new ideas through 3D
visualization
17 18 21 19
Presenting to clients using immersive technologies to showcase
things, places, ideas
11 15 17 25
Collaborating and communicating with colleagues using virtual
objects or meeting spaces
15 11 17 16
Non-work socializing with colleagues 6 7 5 9
AR/VR
46. 46
Most global employees see a potential use for AI in
the workspace
62%
29%
22% 13%
Strongly/somewhat agree Strongly/somewhat disagree
THINKING ABOUT YOUR OWN JOB, DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE THAT IT COULD BE
MADE EASIER WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE? (AMONG ALL)
**9% of respondents said “Don’t know”
*Darker colors indicate stronger intensity of answer
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
Total Agree 49 52 77 89
Strongly agree 13 16 29 46
Somewhat agree 36 35 48 43
Total Disagree 38 37 17 7
Somewhat disagree 19 19 12 5
Strongly disagree 18 19 4 2
Don't know 13 11 7 3
75%
Agree that AI could make
their jobs easier (vs 58% of
women and 55% of non-
Millennials
66% Men
Millennials
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
47. 47
And most look forward to AI as a “digital helper”…
Workers are also looking forward to proactive AI that boosts productivity at work
30%
20% 18% 16%
A digital helper that learns and
repeats complex repetitive tasks
A proactive agent that knows my
priorities and helps with work
productivity
An advisor who can make
recommendations to help with
decision making
Automating simple tasks like
booking a meeting
WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, WHAT
EXCITES YOU THE MOST? (AMONG ALL)
North America Europe/South Africa Asia/Pacific/Japan Brazil
A digital helper that learns and repeats complex repetitive tasks 28 30 32 28
A proactive agent that knows my priorities and helps with work
productivity
14 17 25 31
An advisor with access to all of the latest information who can make
recommendations to help with decision making
16 16 21 21
Automating simple tasks like booking a meeting 15 18 14 17
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
48. 48
…though they worry AI could lead to unemployment
Female Employees and Millennials (18-34) are most concerned about this
WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, WHAT
WORRIES YOU THE MOST? (AMONG ALL)
31%
23%
20%
5%
3%
18%
A robot will take my job I won’t be able to get
through a day without
relying on robots
Robots will play a
bigger role in the
military
My friends will date
robots
Other Don't know
Male Female 18-34 35+
A robot will take my job 28% 33% 35% 28%
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
49. 49
40% 39%
37%
24% 24%
12%
7%
The opportunity to
incorporate
innovative
technology into the
workspace
Making it easier to
wirelessly connect
devices to share and
communicate
Making workspaces
more energy efficient
Designing
workspaces so every
room and feature is
used and no space is
wasted
Tailoring workspaces
to reflect personal
preferences (e.g.,
temperature, foods,
desk layout, etc.)
Not excited about the
Internet of Things
Don't know
Increasing connectivity and making it easier to
wirelessly connect devices excite employees most
about IoT
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT USING THE INTERNET OF THINGS IN THE WORKSPACE? PLEASE SELECT
ALL THAT APPLY. (AMONG ALL)
INTERNET
OF THINGS
50. 50
50%
46%
13% 14%
18% 21%
Artificial intelligence Virtual/augmented reality
Global employees see AI and VR/AR as driving future
productivity
FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS IN THE WORKSPACE, PLEASE SAY
WHETHER IT WOULD PRIMARILY LEAD TO MORE... (AMONG ALL)
More productivity More procrastination No Impact
