A new study from Ricoh Europe highlights a growing concern among finance directors across Europe: underinvestment in automating financial processes is now seen as a leading barrier to employee productivity and morale. With EU legislation on e-invoicing and B2B payments rapidly advancing, businesses are under pressure to modernize or risk regulatory penalties and talent attrition.
According to the findings, 27% of finance leaders cite lack of automation as a top productivity barrier, equal to the impact of outdated collaboration tools and growth-related pressures. Employees echo this sentiment, with 32% expressing a desire for automation tools that would free them from repetitive, manual tasks and allow more value-added contributions.
The stakes are increasing, as compliance with new e-invoicing mandates becomes urgent. Germany has already implemented its mandate from January 2025, with France and Spain close behind. Even companies in non-mandated regions are advised to act early, especially those engaged in cross-border operations.
Despite the urgency, 30% of financial leaders report uncertainty around integrating automation tools without disrupting existing workflows. Ricoh Europe CFO Tim Stuart emphasized the dual importance of automation for both compliance and employee wellbeing, underscoring that with the right partners, automation can be implemented securely and seamlessly.
As financial automation shifts from a competitive advantage to a regulatory requirement, European businesses must accelerate adoption or risk falling behind both operationally and legally.
