The new generation has only known an internet enabled world and will rely heavily on technology, particularly robust connectivity and mobility in order to do their jobs. With technology playing such a large role in their upbringing, they are not used to being confined by IT and will require their new employers to embrace new ways of doing things.
The use of outdated IT will frustrate this generation, which is why throughout 2014 and beyond, implementing the right technologies will increasingly become a business priority to ensure productivity is kept high amongst this group.
By being early adopters of technology, the education sector has taken the lead in building robust networks that support IT trends such as mobility. Through providing access to online tools, they continue to be able to advance learning and interaction with students and academics. For any company, attracting and retaining quality talent is an important part of being competitive, and to do this, the correct IT needs to be in place.
Businesses of all sizes should look to replicate the models adopted by the education sector to ensure they are not chaining new and technically savvy employees to the desk. With future employees already processing appreneur skills, be collaboration centric in their mindsets and be capable of inventing processes and efficiencies through technology that do not exist today, businesses need to acknowledge this and provide the right technology to ensure a smooth transition from education to employment. Thus, business will need to update IT systems and policies to prepare their company for the workforce of the future.
And mobility will become the rule. In Google, many years ago, googlers relied on secure broadband wifi connections which let us work everywhere at the office, not being stuck to our desktop. This trend has been followed by most of the large companies, not only in the internet industry. The new office of Iberia airlines is a good example. And now is time for SMBs to follow this trend. But as the hoteliers, for instance, have understood, the best solution is to look for a technical partner, like Kubi (part of the Eurona Group) to design, implement and handle in the most efficient way the new WiFi hotspots at the workplace. Specially when we will see as well how most of the employees will like to use their personal devices at the workplace, supposing more pressure for the networks.
It’s important that businesses acknowledge that change is inevitable and that technology is one of the keys to success. If adapting to change is not a priority or not recognised, being a step behind the competition could become a reality.
