Bechtle is celebrating 25 years and commissioned iVOX to research how employees view the workplace of 2050. The findings reveal that Belgians are both tech-optimists and tech-pessimists.
The iVOX research indicates that by 2050, employees expect real-time translation (82%), fully wireless working (78%), and the ability to continue working on any device anywhere (76%) to be the norm. However, only 43 percent believe their company is digitally up-to-date today. Notably, men use technology more intensively and are quicker to believe in futuristic interfaces like voice control or invisibly integrated computers.
Limited automation welcomed
Nine out of ten employees are eager to leave repetitive tasks to technology. Administration, IT issues, and managing emails are the most popular. Particularly those over 55 see time savings in this. However, there is still hesitance towards ‘comfort functions’ like robotics in the workplace. Trendwatcher Rik Vera warns against perfectionism: those who wait until all risks are eliminated miss the momentum.
Age, language, and AI concerns shape expectations
Young people are significantly more enthusiastic about AI, while French-speaking employees find their company more digital (48%) but also fear more damage from technology (66%) compared to Dutch speakers (47%). Concerns about cybercrime (48%), loss of control (41%), and uncontrolled AI decisions (35%) weigh the heaviest. Health remains a tangible theme: three out of four want technology with attention to well-being and radiation.
Clear role for the IT partner
Employees do not want black-box solutions, but rather transparency, security, and guidance. Security advice (43%), 24/7 support (36%), and guidance (29%) are top priorities. Transparency about data usage (28%) and ethical responsibility (21%) are also clear expectations. “Belgians embrace technology, but on their terms,” says Gozart Polak of Bechtle. “The challenge is to link innovative technology to people-oriented workplaces.”