Research Reveals Connected Tech Is A Bright Way to Recruit and Retain Talent for SMEs

November 28, 2018

Over half of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to recruit talent and two in five have issues retaining employees, according to new research from Signify, formerly Philips Lighting. The findings show that employers are potentially missing a trick as over half of the employees surveyed* said they’d be in favour of their company investing in connected tech, specifically smart lighting, ahead of other improvements.

“High workplace satisfaction influences engagement and the reputation of a business as a great place to work. So it’s no surprise that SMEs are looking into connected tech options to enhance engagement,” says Bianca van der Zande, a research scientist at Signify.

“Nowadays with new technologies including LED and IoT, lighting can be a powerful influencer in the workplace. It has a big impact on how people can control lighting. With about half of the surveyed employees being in favour of having smart lighting installed, this could be an excellent way for SMEs to make the workplace more appealing to current and potential employees. We want to see this reflected in our working environments where connected tech is an important way to appeal to the best and brightest.”

When it comes to connected technology usage among SMEs, nearly one in five (17%) already use it in some form in their business, and just under a third (29%) are interested in doing so in the future. SMEs in the U.S. were more likely to cite employee retention as an issue their business faces than those in the U.K., 45% versus 35% respectively. Also, those in the U.S. appear to have more trouble motivating their employees, with two in five (40%) saying employee motivation is a problem, compared with less than a third in the U.K. (28%).

Dr. Craig Knight, Chartered Psychologist, Honourary Research Fellow (Exon), Director of Identity Realization Ltd., agrees on the importance of lighting at work, saying, “Light can have astonishing effects within the workplace. It has been shown to be at once invigorating, calming and sculptural (think theatre style lighting). Yet too many businesses pay scant attention to light, offering cheap rather than effective solutions. Science suggests that poor lighting strategies put wellbeing, happiness and productivity in jeopardy.”

The benefits of smart lighting could go beyond improved employee wellbeing and engagement. Of the SMEs that have areas that customers or clients visit, over a third (36%) thought that smart lighting would improve the customer or client experience. Employees are even more positive about the effects though, with more than three in five (61%)* believing that smart lighting would give customers and clients a more favourable opinion of a business.

Earlier this month Signify launched Interact Pro, a smart lighting system and software specially developed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Find out more: https://www.interact-lighting.com/global/what-is-possible/interact-pro

Research findings at a glance

  • 61% of employees believe that smart lighting would give customers a more favourable opinion of a business
  • 54% of SMEs think having smart lighting in the workplace would have a positive impact on employee well-being
  • 17% of SMEs already use connected technology
  • 29% of SMEs are interested in doing so in the future

The study identified these perceived benefits of having smart lighting in the workplace:

  • reduced eye strain (52%)
  • improved ambiance (41%)
  • less fatigue (37%)
  • improved mood (35%)
  • improved focus (33)
  • improved well-being (29%)
  • increased productivity (29%)

This article was first published online by Signify: www.signify.com/global/our-company/news/press-releases/2018/20181016-research-reveals-connected-tech-is-a-bright-way-to-recruit-and-retain-talent-for-smes

* Research was conducted in August 2018, polling over 5,000 adults from five different markets: China, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. The samples are nationally representative of the populations.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Contact Delage & Solvic Announce New Representation Partnership

    New Collaboration – A New Solar Lighting Manufacturer Joins Contact Delage’s Offerings

    Contact Delage is excited to announce the addition of a new trusted partner to their lineup: Solvic, an innovative manufacturer specializing in solar lighting. This new partnership reflects Contact Delage’s ongoing commitment to offering sustainable, high-performance solutions tailored to real-world applications. With Solvic, they are expanding their range of autonomous solar products—perfect for lighting streets, parks,… Read More…

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…


Design


New Products

  • Dals: Radiance Pro 12″ Smart Flush Mount

    Dals: Radiance Pro 12″ Smart Flush Mount

    Modern design meets intelligent lighting with the Radiance Pro, a 12″ smart flush mount that combines ultra-slim elegance with advanced smart control. Crafted with a sleek metal trim and available in white or black finishes, this fixture effortlessly complements any ceiling while offering scene grouping, customization, and timer options. With the Dals Connect app or… Read More…

  • Cooper Lighting Solutions: Metalux CZL Cruze Linear Bay

    Cooper Lighting Solutions: Metalux CZL Cruze Linear Bay

    The CZL Cruze is a Linear Bay LED Lighting System that comes in various lumen packages and configurations, offering customer-focused features and benefits such as integrated controls, uplight, several lensing options, louvers and adjustable mounting. The high performance, lighting distribution and linear design allows the CZL to fit a broad range of open-ceiling or suspended… Read More…