Businesses will begin to place a greater emphasis on low code app development in 2022, but employees still need educating on the benefits that this can bring to themselves and to their organisation, according to new research from ServiceNow.
The survey of over 1,500 respondents from the UK and Ireland found that two-thirds (67 percent) would prefer their employer to create or build an app for them, primarily because they feel their organisation could then incorporate their colleagues’ thoughts into the development too (46 percent). In addition, almost a third (29 percent) believe that creating an app sounds complicated, and a similar amount (28 percent) do not feel they have the creativity to build their own app. But over half (53 percent) of employees would be willing to build their own apps or digital capabilities if they had the means to do so with minimal coding knowledge.
A third (33 percent) would prefer to take the responsibility of building a work-related app themselves, as some do not feel their employer would create the app they would need (27 percent). Many employees feel that low code capabilities would enable them to be more efficient at work (39 percent), that they could build something relevant to their role (38 percent), and that it would make their job simpler and easier (36 percent). In addition, some state that with low code app development, they could turn dull tasks into something enjoyable (30 percent) and would have the tools to better assist colleagues (30 percent).
Jordi Ferrer, vice president and general manager of ServiceNow UK and Ireland, said: “Many employees feel that the concept of low code inhibits collaboration, when in reality, it’s the opposite. These concerns indicate a lack of awareness on the benefits that low code can bring to businesses. By adopting a collaborative environment, supported by the right tools, businesses can accommodate varying skill levels and allow employees to work together to quickly deliver the best possible result. Less-experienced builders can leverage functionality built by professional developers, which can result in a faster, more-agile development process whilst using their own business skills more effectively.”
According to the study, as a result of increased home working, employees use more apps than previously to meet their remote and hybrid needs (41 percent). Almost two-thirds (64 percent) currently feel satisfied with the applications and tools they use at work for IT, because they fulfil the required purpose (54 percent), are easy to use (46 percent) and allow for greater efficiency at work (46 percent).
However, a third (33 percent) believe that IT is the area of the business most in need of new apps to improve internal processes. When asked how they might use low code development capabilities to make changes to existing apps, over a third (37 percent) said they would try and integrate them. Many would also try to augment existing tools to make their capabilities more specific to their needs (32 percent).
Ferrer added: “Employees in the UK and Ireland are using more apps than ever before to aid remote and hybrid working. However, many do not feel that these apps meet their current needs and can in some cases hinder rather than help them. By applying domain and business knowledge as well as other skills to solve problems using low code development platforms, employees can reduce admin tasks, and deliver real value to their role and their organisation.”
