The workplace environment is transforming at a rapid, and somewhat overwhelming pace. As new generations make their way into the workforce, digital nomads are pushing the adoption of richer applications for collaboration, communication, and more. Already, we’re seeing the impact on the UC world, with collaborative work taking up approximately 80% of staff time.
Groups like Generation Z bring a cultural shift to the workforce because they’ve grown up in a world where technology is everywhere. It’s this unique attitude that is pushing the reliance on collaborative work, remote employment, and flexible scheduling. The question is, how do today’s companies embrace the new generation in a way that maintains productivity, efficiency, and exceptional customer service. If enterprises want to keep both their teams, and their users happy, then they need to understand what younger generations are really looking for in their digital work experience.
The Rise of Social Tools
One of the biggest changes in the workforce prompted by today’s younger generation is the rise of social tools like workplace chat and text messaging. Not only does the McKinsey Global Institute indicate that around 72% of companies are adopting social tools, but Microsoft’s new study indicates that Generation Z is leading the way when it comes to chatting, and mobile text messaging.
In fact, when asked what kind of meeting strategy they prefer, the youngest generation rate chat almost as highly as in-person meetings. Microsoft also found that, regardless of the generation surveyed, 61% of respondents always prefer to keep their communication short and to the point than dealing with long or detailed modes of conference like email, or phone calls.
Introducing New Tools into the Workplace
As the work environment becomes increasingly digital and collaborative, it makes sense that the younger generation would prefer tools that let them get straight to the point. Microsoft found that many of their respondents across the generations felt that it was important to embrace new technology in the workplace if it meant making life easier for the users. In fact, 79% said that using the newest tech made them feel happier at school or work.
Yet, according to the Microsoft study, as tech-savvy as Gen Z might be, they’re some of the least likely to respond well to a new tool entering the workplace infrastructure. In fact, around 50% of the people in this group said that they’d feel stressed if a new tool was introduced. On top of that, only 11% of Generation Z said that they feel new technology will improve their work/life balance. This is compared to 30% of Generation X, and millennials, who are keen to embrace new solutions for collaboration.
It seems that while everyone wants new technology, Generation Z isn’t as comfortable embracing it as most people think. In simple terms, if the leaders of today’s companies assume that their digitally-native Gen Z employees will automatically respond well to new UC&C tools, they may be in for a surprise. While it’s true that these people want new tech in their community, Microsoft’s study shows that Gen Z wants to evolve at their own pace, and on their own terms.
