International business research paints a picture of an increasingly global, cross-generational, multi-partner and technologically dependent work model   

London, 10 October 2011: Businesses are operating in an increasingly complex international and global operating environment that is dependent on - and being shaped by - the impact of new technologies, according to new research commissioned by Hyland Software, a leading specialist in transactional electronic content management (ECM).

The comprehensive study conducted by the independent research specialist, Fast Future, included the results of a global survey which questioned over 200 professionals working across a range of business functions.

Many businesses will continue to turn to technology to accelerate activity and comply with regulation, according to the research, with 90 per cent of respondents saying they expect that, over the next decade, concerns over cost control, efficiency, compliance, data protection and records management will drive automation and rapid adoption of document and workflow management solutions.


The two highest rated priorities identified in relation to working and technology were ‘Enabling the workforce to stay operationally and culturally connected in remote locations’ (52%) and ‘Enabling web and mobile device-based ‘self-service’ by managers and employees’ (47%).

The research also reinforced one of Gartner’s key ‘World of Work in 2020’ predictions that over the next decade, businesses will turn to ‘work swarms’ comprised of temporary and ad hoc groups formed to complete a task, with members drawn from multiple organisations. 82 per cent of those surveyed agreed that this would be a likely scenario.

Meanwhile, the growing popularity – and importance – of social media in the professional sphere was highlighted by the 70 per cent of respondents who believe that, over the next decade, firms will pay increasing attention to a candidate’s social media ‘influence rankings’ when recruiting.

“The research highlights that global events and operating climates are already having a big impact on the way businesses work – and will continue to do so over the next decade,” said Mark Greatorex, director, Hyland Software.

“Many businesses are already looking to the fast-moving technology sphere to facilitate the growing demand for remote working and fast-paced day-to-day activities, which has accompanied the climate of economic uncertainty and rapid growth of personal technologies.”