"Our survey findings serve as a wake-up call to business leaders that their overall digital readiness could make or break them, as the digitally-driven expectations and needs of the modern workforce have changed," says Jim Link, chief human resources officer, Randstad North America. "In fact, even the most time-honored frameworks for achieving fulfillment in the workplace, like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, need to evolve to include digital elements and how they can be used to deliver an exceptional employee experience."

The research demonstrates how digital tools now play a leading role in employee satisfaction across organizations of all sizes and industries, and how a robust digital strategy impacts Maslow's three categories of needs – basic, psychological and self-fulfillment.

Basic needs: digital tools trump clean bathrooms

It is widely accepted that certain basic, physical needs are essential for workplace satisfaction. Yet our survey uncovered the most important needs are related to technology. In fact, when asked to rank the importance of the physical aspects of their workplace, workers named:

1. My work computer/laptop/device (75%)

2. Fast internet and Wi-Fi (68%)

3. My office space/cubicle space (55%)

4. Air conditioning and heating (47%)

5. My office chair (31%)

6. Clean bathrooms (24%)

Psychological needs: setting employees up for future success

In order for psychological needs to be met in the workplace, employees must have positive self-esteem, which has historically been tied to rewards and recognition from their managers and peers. However, job satisfaction is now also linked to an individual's confidence in their ability to succeed not only in their current job, but also in their career long term.

"Feeling equipped with the latest digital and technology skills" was among the top factors cited for job satisfaction, followed by "savings or financial assistance programs (e.g., 401(k), tuition reimbursement, etc.)" and "vacation." And, the majority of workers feel strongly about the need to acquire these skills and agree with the following:

• I believe every job requires technology expertise today (60%).

• I want to acquire new digital skills in order to further my career (55%).

• I am excited about the potential for technology to create new career opportunities for me (51%).

However, less than half of respondents (45%) say their employers encourage skill development, and only one-third agree their employers offer them ample opportunities to acquire digital skills with training or on-the-job learning.

Self-fulfillment needs: digital tools lay the groundwork for human connection

Despite increased focus on digitization, the survey findings revealed that employees also have a strong desire for human connection in order to reach the highest level of employees' needs as Maslow defined them (self-fulfillment and peak personal growth). When asked to name what impacted their sense of belonging at work, 72 percent named face-to-face interactions with their bosses.

"By ensuring the digital needs of employees are met on the basic and psychological levels at work, employers set the stage for better mentoring and leadership in the workplace, as the time and energy technology saves in day-to-day job functions frees employees' time to make more meaningful connections with one another," said Link.