Low-code and no-code – What’s there?
In the past, you had to have expert knowledge to be able to write lines of code. Today, this has changed fundamentally. You don’t have to be a professional coder or developer to create an application or platform. You can become a so-called “citizen developer”. According to Gartner, a citizen developer is an employee who creates applications for their own or others’ use, using tools that are not actively prohibited by IT or business units. A citizen developer is a persona, not a title or a targeted role.
So with low-code or no-code platforms, amazing things are possible – even without programming knowledge.
Low-code/no-code platforms, such as Microsoft Power Platform, have revolutionized today’s software development. They are transforming app and software development by attracting new users with a low barrier to entry and a flat learning curve. With features like pre-built templates, simple drag-and-drop functionality, and rapid deployment, Microsoft Power Platform helps users of all disciplines — whether they’re IT teams, business analysts, or citizen developers who are IT-savvy but don’t have coding skills. Everyone can always feel inspired, enthusiastic and innovative while learning.
Satisfied employees through technical training
This sense of satisfaction increases as users continue to embrace these platforms and discover new opportunities. Their easy-to-use model means an effective and profitable learning experience that gives confidence to even those who don’t have a traditional software background and the value of their work for team success. In arecent Microsoft study, 82 percent of low- or no-code users surveyed agreed that the technology provides software users with the opportunity to improve their development knowledge and technical skills. In addition, the use of no-code or low-code platforms or apps has been shown to have an 83 percent positive impact on users’ job satisfaction and workload, and 80 percent positive effects on user morale.
Further training opportunities are in high demand
The learning opportunities offered by low- or no-code platforms are exactly the kind of professional development that today’s workers are looking for. More than 80 percent of users and potential users of low-code or no-code platforms say they would be more willing to work for a company that invests in their technical education.
By using technologies like Microsoft Power Platform, business leaders can foster a strong learning culture that engages and develops employees. These benefits also directly address the main concerns of business decision-makers – fostering innovation and attracting and retaining talent.
The path to employee retention
The call for investment in employee development is urgent: 71 percent of potential users are more likely to doubt their future in a company that does not invest in their technical skills. Leaders and decision-makers need to critically examine what opportunities they offer their employees and how they support their IT teams, business analysts, and developers of all identities to turn them into citizen developers who can quickly turn new ideas and concepts into market-ready applications. When it comes to providing meaningful learning opportunities and a clear path to advancement, low-code or no-code development platforms could be the answer they’ve been looking for.
Programming for everyone
The adoption of low-code or no-code platforms can also help combat the gender imbalance in the IT industry. Currently, less than 20 percent of cloud computing professionals are women. This could be due to the fact that many women in the industry right now – less often than men – feel that they are up to date with their technical skills – and yet the survey found that women are four times more likely to report limitations in purchasing or testing new technology for their professional growth. Investing in Microsoft Power Platform is one way to support these women in their professional development and promote gender equality in the company.
Lack of awareness of the benefits
If low-code and no-code platforms have such great potential for company culture, why aren’t they more widely adopted?
An overwhelming majority of decision-makers and users (71 percent and 76 percent, respectively) say there is a lack of awareness of the potential use cases of Microsoft Power Platform or other programs. Cybersecurity concerns, as well as the cost and training required for employees to maximize the value of these platforms or applications, are also top of all concerns. As with any business investment, executives want to be sure that they are generating a meaningful return. The decision to adopt a new development platform will impact people and processes across the organization – a restructuring that needs to be duly considered and truly wanted by everyone before it is implemented.
Once implemented, the results quickly speak for themselves and set in motion a cycle of innovation – but the initial investment proves to be an obstacle. Decision-makers are most likely to know how to control the decision-making process in their company; they play a key role as intermediaries between users to prove the need for investment on the part of the company. Given the clear cultural benefits and the success stories of diverse users, decision-makers have a compelling case for adoption to present to senior management.
Collaboration between decision-makers and users is crucial for effective use cases
Decision-makers should also recognize the value of coming together with developers and low- or no-coders to explore new use cases for Microsoft Power Platform. Events like Microsoft Build are great opportunities to connect with peers, experts, and others from a variety of industries, share success stories, and make a compelling case for investing in low- and no-code platforms. Microsoft Build offers a series of live programs and other exciting experiences that showcase the latest innovations and tools for a trusted, integrated data platform. So if you have the opportunity to attend such Microsoft events, we highly recommend it.
Employees at all levels and instances are looking for a company worth committing to, and demonstrating mutual engagement is a positive indicator of a healthy workplace culture. By enabling Microsoft Power Platform and other low-to-zero coding options as a development opportunity, decision-makers have the opportunity to foster a loyal, innovative, and inclusive workforce within the organization.
More information about the methodology and target group definition of the Microsoft Low Code Trend report can be found here.
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Sources:
1- The Business Benefits of Gender Diversity, Gallup
2- COVID-19 and gender equality: Countering the regressive effects, McKinsey & Company
3- Low-Code Trend Report 2022: Building a learning culture on a low-code platform
