Exercise The Mind Over The Body
Nearly half of the work force in the largest economies of Western Europe - Britain, France and Germany - are stuck on the wrong side of 'the Digital Divide' according to Mouse In The House, a new report launched today from PeoplePC looking at the role of employers in providing internet access for all.
Thirty five million, out of more than 80 million workers across the three nations, do not have access to a computer or the internet either at home or work - this includes 10 million British workers.
According to the findings, over eight million British employees (32%) would be happy to contribute to the cost of an employer subsidised home PC programme. Over a third of workers already provided with, or who would like, a home PC from their employer would prefer this benefit to membership of a health club.
The study, undertaken by MORI, was commissioned by PeoplePC, the leading global provider of home-based PC and internet benefit programmes offered by companies to their employees and customers. 2,500 workers (representative of the total workforce) and people managers in Britain, France and Germany were interviewed as part of this investigation into 'the Digital Divide' and its impact in the workplace - this included over 1,500 British workers.
Key Findings
According to Mouse In the House, British employees showed themselves to be most aware of the benefits which comes from access to technology.
What Employees Say
Nearly half (49%) of those who wanted their employer to supply a PC with internet access would expect to use it for personal development - to learn new skills for their job or career - bringing a benefit to both themselves, their families and their employer.
Helping the family become computer efficient, helping children with homework, e-mail, access to the internet, word processing and flexible working, all figured highly in the list of benefits identified by those who wanted their employer to provide a home computer.
Among the third of British workers prepared to contribute to the cost of a company subsidised PC with internet access and full technical support - two-fifths would pay more than £15 a month.
Of those with PCs supplied by their employer, 73% said they were happy to work flexibly.
With road and rail disruption much in the news in the UK, three in five British workers who have or would like an employer provided PC are prepared to work from home if their travel is disrupted. This compares with 41% in both France and Germany, where public transport is perhaps perceived to be more effective.
What Employers Say
The research also revealed a strong feeling that PC and internet access should not be limited to those in Britain who can afford it. More than half (64%) of workers who wanted their employer to provide a PC said the Government should encourage employer schemes to provide home technology for all.
Twenty one per cent of people managers identify IT illiteracy as a barrier to the introduction of e-business - over one third said their companies might provide a home PC with internet access for employees if there was Government backing for this scheme and/or tax incentives.
Government Call To Action
The research shows that whilst employers can demonstrate corporate social responsibility by providing these programmes enabling more people to participate in the digital economy, there is however, a call to action for the Government to encourage and support these initiatives.
Among the 'have-nots', almost a third of workers (29%) said Government should encourage employers to provide PCs and the internet for employees to use at home.
To view the research findings and Fast Facts, view www.peoplepc-research.com
Methodology
Quota sampling was used to ensure that the demographic profile of the sample matched the actual profile in each of the three countries - this means that the selected interviewees for this study mirrored the same profile as the working population for each country in terms of age, gender and social grade. The sample used in this study, therefore, is representative of all working adults in Great Britain, France and Germany. Fieldwork took place between 22 February and 21 March 2001.
In Great Britain, 1,689 workers were interviewed. This sample is representative of 25.3 million GB workers. Over one-third were shopfloor or clerical workers.
In France, 436 workers (excluding self-employed workers) were interviewed. This sample is representative of 26 million workers in France. 36% were shopfloor or clerical workers.
In Germany, 598 workers were interviewed. This sample is representative of 29.3m workers in Germany. 46% were shopfloor or clerical workers.
To complement the quantitative survey, 15 face-to-face, in-depth interviews (five in Great Britain, France and Germany) were conducted among senior HR personnel responsible for benefits and remuneration. Only companies with several thousand employees were selected, ranging from 3,500 to 60,000 employees worldwide. Each interview lasted between 40 and 65 minutes and interviewing took place between 8 - 30 March 2001.
