The Right People Connected With The Right Tools
When hiring new employees, their technology experience can have a surprising impact, especially when your business has a specific tech setup. Have you thought about whether your hiring for Mac skills of Windows skills? You might love your Macs but are your taregt employees in an industry that uses them? While it might seem like all computers work the same, there are distinct differences between Macs and Windows PCs that can affect productivity and employee satisfaction. For certain roles, familiarity with the right platform can save a lot of time, increase efficiency, and ensure a smooth transition into the job.
Here’s a closer look at how Mac and PC experience aligns with various industries, why some employees might find it hard to “get on with” a particular platform, and how keyboard layout even becomes a factor in the user experience.
Macs and PCs by Industry: Which Platform Fits Best?
Creative Industries: Favouring Macs
- Industries: Graphic design, video production, marketing, and web design.
- Why Macs? Macs have long been the go-to platform for creative professionals. Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) and Apple’s own Final Cut Pro are highly optimised for macOS, offering smooth performance and intuitive features.
- Experience Matters: Professionals in creative fields tend to have years of experience on Macs, particularly with Apple-specific keyboard shortcuts that help them navigate creative tools more quickly. They’re accustomed to the layout, and switching to a PC often disrupts their workflow and productivity.
Corporate and Administrative Sectors: Favouring PCs
- Industries: Finance, accounting, law, and general corporate environments.
- Why PCs? Windows PCs dominate corporate environments due to their compatibility with Microsoft Office, financial software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks), and data-heavy programs like Excel. Many business-specific apps are either unavailable or have limited functionality on Macs, so Windows is often the default.
- Experience Matters: For employees used to PCs, transitioning to Macs can be frustrating, as familiar shortcuts and options are often in different places. The Windows keyboard layout also aligns with their workflow, as many business software tools have been built around it.
Technical and Development Roles: Favouring PCs (and sometimes Linux)
- Industries: Software development, data analysis, and IT support.
- Why PCs? Tech professionals generally work on PCs because they offer more customisation options, compatibility with a wider range of developer tools, and access to systems like Linux, which is often required in development environments. Windows PCs also provide greater control over system settings, which is crucial for developers.
- Experience Matters: IT and software professionals often find Macs restrictive. Familiarity with the Windows interface and keyboard shortcuts for terminal commands and other software can be vital in these roles.
Education and Public Sector: Mixed Environment
- Industries: Schools, colleges, government offices.
- Why Mixed? In the education sector, the platform often depends on the type of work. Macs are popular among design and arts departments, while PCs are widely used for administrative work and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. Public sector environments also typically favour Windows due to its affordability and compatibility.
- Experience Matters: In a mixed environment, employees familiar with both systems will have an advantage, especially in roles where cross-platform compatibility is required. Those new to a platform may experience slower productivity initially due to the adjustment period.
Why Keyboard Layouts Matter More Than You Think
One often overlooked aspect of the Mac vs PC debate is the difference in keyboard layout. Here’s why it’s important:
US vs UK Layout:
- Macs: Macs generally come with a US-style keyboard layout by default, even in English-speaking countries outside the US. This can be frustrating for users in the UK who are used to the UK layout, where certain keys are positioned differently.
- PCs: Windows PCs, on the other hand, give businesses the option of both UK and US keyboards, so they can match their employees’ preferences more easily.
Shortcut Differences:
- Creatives and Designers: You’ll most likely be hiring for Mac skills with creative roles. For them, keyboard shortcuts are used constantly to navigate through complex programs. On a Mac, the “Command” key is essential for these shortcuts, while on a Windows PC, the “Ctrl” key takes precedence. Switching from one to the other requires re-learning which key combinations work, slowing down seasoned users who are used to their Mac-specific shortcuts.
- Office-Based Roles: In finance or data-heavy roles, keyboard shortcuts in Excel are vital, and many shortcuts work differently on a Mac. Employees switching from Windows to Mac may find this disruptive, as they need to relearn the shortcuts, impacting productivity.
Cloud-Based Solutions: Making a Mixed Environment Feasible
The choice between Macs and PCs doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision, thanks to modern cloud services. Cloud-based tools make it easier for businesses to run a mixed environment without disrupting workflows.
How Cloud Solutions Help
- Seamless File Sharing:
Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace allow employees on both Macs and PCs to collaborate on documents in real-time without worrying about software compatibility. A designer on a Mac can share files easily with an admin on a PC using these cloud-based tools. - Universal Software Access:
Cloud services, like Adobe Creative Cloud, allow access to the same suite of creative tools on both Macs and PCs. Likewise, CRMs, project management tools, and HR software like HubSpot, Monday.com, and BambooHR are web-based, meaning employees can access them from any device. - Remote and Hybrid Work Compatibility:
Cloud solutions provide an adaptable infrastructure that supports remote work, allowing employees to use their preferred platform at home without sacrificing security or functionality. Teams can work on the same projects regardless of whether they use a Mac or a PC.
Deciding Which Platform Fits Your Business Needs
When choosing between Macs and PCs, consider your industry’s demands, your team’s experience, and your company’s budget. Athough three quarters of the world use Windows over other operating systems, don’t just go with the flow. Make informed decisions for your business.
Key Takeaways for Business Leaders
- Industries and Workflow: Look at your industry’s standard practices. Creative and design-heavy roles will often find Macs more user-friendly, while technical, financial, and administrative staff typically find PCs more functional.
- Employee Preference: The time it takes for an employee to get comfortable on a new platform impacts productivity. If you hire creatives who are used to Macs, switching them to PCs may require an adjustment period. Conversely, IT and finance professionals may struggle with Macs due to limited customisation and software incompatibilities.
- Cloud Solutions for Flexibility: Modern cloud services make mixed environments more manageable, enabling a seamless workflow for businesses with both Mac and PC users. This can be an excellent solution if your business relies on a diverse tech setup.
Nxt Steps
Choosing the right device for your business isn’t just a matter of price and specifications. It’s about understanding your industry’s demands, your employees’ preferences, and the tools you need to stay competitive. By considering both the benefits of each platform and the flexibility of cloud-based solutions, you can create an environment where your team has everything they need to succeed. And remember, be explicit on those job adverts about whether you’re hiring for Mac skills, Windows skills, or maybe even both.
Want advice on setting up Macs, PCs, or both? Reach out to us, and we’ll help you design the perfect tech setup for your business.
Still deciding on Mac vs PC or your business? Check out our Mac security-focused article here.
Ben helps growing businesses turn technology into a driver of performance instead of a barrier. At Nxt Gen IT he works with SME leaders, recruiters, and fast-scaling teams to design solutions that improve reliability, strengthen security, and unlock growth.
With a background in email deliverability and cloud systems, Ben specialises in making sure businesses communicate effectively, keep data safe, and get the most from Microsoft 365. His experience spans solution design, managed IT services, and virtual CIO support, always with a focus on practical outcomes that reduce headaches for business owners.
Ben has supported organisations across the UK, from recruitment agencies struggling with inbox placement to SaaS firms scaling fast, and SMEs needing a trusted partner for their IT. He believes tech is never the end goal: growth is. His role is to make sure technology never gets in the way of it.