Technology has become so integrated into workers' daily lives that almost 40 percent of employees across the labor force would consider changing jobs to work for an organization that is committed to providing access to and training in the latest technology, according to a study conducted by IPSOS Public Affairs.

In the national survey commissioned by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), four in five workers said access to technology is important to their capacity to be creative, and productive at work. A similar proportion said that such technology gives their employer an edge in the marketplace.

"The technology worker has become one of the most valued currencies in today's economy," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and c.e.o. of the FCEDA. "As this survey makes clear, technology is one of the fundamental components of any competitive business and also is the measure by which employees assess a company's commitment to helping them succeed. At a time of marked uncertainty within the economy, it is interesting that employees would move on for a more technology-supportive employer."

While the results of the survey consistently cut across all workplace sectors and other demographic categories, there were some notable statistical differences.

Americans working in professional services are more likely (90 percent) to say that technology is critical to their individual productivity at work, when compared with those working in manufacturing/construction (80 percent), direct services (77 percent), health (77 percent), other sectors (76 percent), or education (72 percent).

Forty-three percent of men said that they would work for another employer that provided more in-depth training on the latest technology, compared to just 31 percent of women. Younger workers are more likely to place an emphasis on technology than their older counterparts, the study found.

Results varied among cultural groups, as well. Hispanic workers are more apt to consider a job change for the prospect of improved access to or training in technology; 65 percent of Hispanic respondents saying they would consider switching jobs for better access and 63 percent said they would consider switching for more technology training.
 
The study was based on the Ipsos Public Affairs poll conducted in September among a nationally representative sample of 1,004 employed Americans.