According to Kinly’s Trusted Connections 2025 report, the Brits are outpacing their European counterparts, where just 36 per cent of enterprises prioritise it.
However, systemic issues such as outdated technology, budget constraints, and a lack of emphasis on employee wellbeing continue to hinder progress, according to new research from Kinly, a global provider of audio-visual integration and collaboration services.
The report, which surveyed 425 enterprise AV professionals in the UK, Germany, the Nordics, and the Netherlands, highlights the urgent need for UK businesses to modernise their technology and support employee well-being. It suggests that these measures are crucial for overcoming the country’s ongoing productivity challenges.
UK businesses are lagging in key areas despite the drive to improve productivity. Only 31 per cent of organisations are investing in replacing legacy technology, falling behind Germany (36 per cent) and the Netherlands (44 per cent). The impact of outdated AV technology on remote work productivity is growing, with 62 per cent of UK respondents citing it as a challenge—up from 60 per cent in 2024.
Financial constraints are exacerbating these issues. Over half (55 per cent) of UK enterprises will face budget cuts in 2025, compared to just 31 per cent in Germany. This financial strain limits companies’ ability to invest in the modernisation necessary for long-term productivity gains.
Another critical factor in the productivity slump is employee well-being. Only 26 per cent of UK businesses are prioritising employee well-being, trailing behind the overall average of 29 per cent and significantly lower than the Nordics, where 38 per cent of enterprises are making it a focus. This is despite mounting evidence that happier, healthier employees contribute to increased engagement and productivity.
Kinly CEO Tom Martin said: “The UK’s productivity crisis is no longer just a business problem – it’s a national economic emergency. While other major economies have recovered from post-pandemic workforce shrinkage, Britain is still struggling. Businesses are trying to boost productivity, but many fail to address the root causes: outdated technology, budget constraints, and a lack of focus on employee wellbeing.”
Martin said a more strategic approach was needed: "The companies that invest in both modern technology and workplace wellbeing will be the ones that thrive in this new economy. Productivity isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter, and right now, too many UK businesses are missing that opportunity."
