When asked, “in your opinion, is investing in software development more important than investing in people?”, investing in people won out, with 54% of all respondents stating that this was more important over the next 10 years. Wider research into business success reinforces this thinking, as investing in people often leads to increased employee motivation, greater job satisfaction and improved productivity, all of which lead to growth.

Therefore, investing in the right training, support and culture is a critical consideration for businesses that are looking to improve and thrive. In fact, some of the most well-regarded businesses focus on employee investment as the core of their success. As Richard Branson put it, "your employees are your greatest asset and worth the long-term investment.

What about the remaining 46%?

Propel Tech’s survey revealed that investment in software was also very important to businesses and almost half of respondents, a whopping 46%, felt that investing in software development is more important than investing in people.

This startling statistic shines a light on how critical many individuals in business across all sectors feel software is to the advancement and development of businesses and the economy. It may also suggest that current investment in software in many companies is still in its infancy, whereas investment in people is at a more mature level, therefore, there is a need to address this balance and invest in software that advances and develops positive change within organisations and growth for individuals and the economy.

Automating future success

A study by McKinsey found that automation has the potential to increase productivity by up to 20%. Therefore, investing in the right software may not only improve efficiency, but also contribute to significant time and cost savings by reducing mundane tasks for employees. In today's competitive business landscape, staying ahead of the technology curve, and keeping employees motivated is key. So, is automation the answer?

People-first bespoke software development

Experts at Propel Tech believe that automated software should deliver a people-focused solution, be this by reducing repetitive tasks, enhancing communication and reporting, improving customer experience, or increasing transparency. Bespoke software solves human problems, and it requires well-trained developers to understand the people and customer needs of a business to execute a well-planned and bespoke outcome.

Modernising existing systems with bespoke enhancements and updates can also reduce the cost of systems maintenance and support, as the aim is that fewer bugs and issues will need to be fixed over time.

Furthermore, bespoke software that meets a business’s needs should provide a competitive advantage. Companies that invest in bespoke software development can differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering specialist or improved products and services.

Taking a balanced approach

Propel Tech’s HR Manager, Hannah Starkey, concludes: “Investing in both people and the software they use is important for business success. A system that’s designed to make jobs easier and more enjoyable builds trust, reduces costs, and enables firms to stay ahead of competitors. As the demand for software continues to grow, businesses need to prioritise human needs, and fully understand the user case before starting a software project.”