SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 24, 2025 – A new study by Ricoh Europe reveals significant disparities in workplace productivity across Europe, with Spain taking the lead and Germany ranking near the bottom. The research underscores the crucial role of modern workplace technology in enabling effective collaboration and driving economic performance.
Spain Outperforms Peers in Workplace Productivity
According to the study conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ricoh Europe, 92% of Spanish employees consider themselves highly productive—placing Spain at the top of the productivity index. In contrast, Germany ranks fifth among the surveyed countries, trailing nearly ten percentage points behind Spain.
The economic indicators reflect a similar divergence. While Spain’s GDP rose by 3.2% last year, Germany's economy contracted by 0.2%. Notably, only 29% of German workers believe they are equipped with the necessary technology to collaborate effectively—one of the lowest rates in the study.
Technology Gaps Impeding German Workplace Efficiency
The findings point to outdated workplace tools as a major obstacle for German employees. Nearly 41% of respondents in Germany identified the need for improved document management solutions that support better digital collaboration. Additionally, 37% highlighted the demand for new communication and collaboration tools, while another 37% advocated for automation software.
The technology shortfall is not only recognized by employees. German business leaders themselves cite legacy systems as a core challenge, with over one-quarter (27%) naming obsolete technology as the most significant barrier to workforce productivity.
Strategic Call for Digital Transformation in Germany
Michael Raberger, CEO of Ricoh Deutschland, emphasized the urgency of addressing these deficiencies:
“The position of Germany in the ranking should be a wake-up call for executives. If you consider that twice as many employees in Germany feel unproductive compared to those in Spain, and so many of them cite existing workplace technology as a key factor, the impact of outdated solutions and tools on productivity in the region can no longer be ignored by leadership.”
He continued:
“Our study shows that equipping employees with the right technology is crucial to unlocking their full potential and increasing productivity. To make a real impact, a digital mindset must be promoted among companies and decision-makers in Germany, so that companies remain competitive in the global market. This also requires a precise analysis of an organization’s existing infrastructure and the processes that need to be adapted to implement technology successfully. Blind investment in technology can lead to more frustration than support for employees. Companies that prioritize digital transformation invest in a more satisfied workforce and in their future growth.”
Ricoh’s Role in Shaping the Digital Workplace
As a global provider of integrated digital workspace services and print solutions, Ricoh brings more than 85 years of expertise to modernizing business environments. With operations in around 200 countries and a 2023 global revenue of approximately USD 16 billion, Ricoh is committed to empowering individuals to realize their creative potential and supporting companies on the journey toward a sustainable and digitally optimized future.
Learn more at www.ricoh.de