Coronavirus cued digital shifts with strong ROI, survey says

Dive Brief:

Many companies are already experiencing a return on investment for their digital transformation endeavors sparked by the pandemic, according to a report by Randstad US released Dec. 10.
Based on a survey of 276 C-suite executives and department heads across the U.S. who make technology purchasing decisions, 64% of respondents said investments in digital technologies have positively affected organizations' bottom lines. As a result of those investments, 69% of respondents said their organizations have saved money.
Tech capabilities will determine a company's competitiveness as much as the outcomes around hiring, engagement and retention, according to Randstad. Investing capital in technology will drive talent and operational outcomes alongside each other, the company said. "Organizations that succeed here will see bottom-line value like never before."

Dive Insight:

There’s a "silver lining" to acceleration into the digital age, according to Graig Paglieri, group president of Randstad Technologies Group at Randstad US.

"Executives report that embracing digital transformation is increasing revenue, boosting productivity and changing the way they think about organizational structures," Paglieri said in a statement. "It is a sign that leveraging the latest technology, forming strategic partnerships and shifting organizational structures can help companies emerge from the crisis stronger than ever before."

However, as companies accelerate digital transformation, upskilling of the workforce, including managers, remains behind. Less than half (45%) of respondents in Randstad’s survey said they can't implement new digital tools at the speed expected of them by management; and 42% said they do not have the knowledge needed to become a digital leader.

Many executives also understand that structural change is a requirement for successful digital transformation, the report found. About 62% agreed that centers of excellence and networks will replace traditional hierarchies; and in 2018, only 48% said the same, according to Randstad.

The International Association of IT Asset Managers (IAITAM) advised organizations to have a business continuity plan that included IT asset management and to make sure workers had IT assets that are accounted for and functioning properly.

"Coming out of the pandemic, with a tight budget, there are questions you can ask to address the financial bottom line of IT investments," IAITAM President and CEO Dr. Barbara Rembiesa said in a statement in June. "Do you have a plan in place for turning these new technology assets into a return on investment? If not, this is the time to stop reacting and start planning."