Gen Y changing the way we work

Rapid technological changes are affecting the generations differently, according to global research from Accenture.

Accenture's surveyed 439 Australian employees and students in addition to 5,150 employees and students, ages 14-27, in 12 other countries: Brazil, Canada, US in the Americas; Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK in Europe; China, India, and Japan in Asia-Pacific

According to the study, 'Millennial generation' students and employees are a generation that is technologically adept, clever and resourceful.

The top 3 results of the Australian findings are:

1. The end of email as we know it. While older Millennials (those aged 23-27) in Australia spend an average of 4.9 hours per week writing or receiving work related emails, mid-Millennials (aged 18-22) spend just 2.2 hours per week. They spend more time text messaging (2.5 hours), on social network sites (2.2 hours) or instant messaging (2.1 hours). The research found that Millennials would rather communicate via online chat, SMS and RSS feeds meaning that organisations may need to start looking to future ways of providing communication and collaboration channels.
    
2. Younger employees insist on state of the art technology. More than a third (35%) of Australian Millennials (over 18) surveyed, said that state of the art technology is an important consideration in selecting an employer. Millennials will want to choose their technology and they will not wait for corporate approval to seek out what they want in terms of both hardware and software. 
    
3. Privacy is melting away - what does that mean for a corporate organisation? One out of three Millennials in the survey said that they write openly about themselves and friends online. In parallel to this, only 36% are aware of corporate policy relating to posting work or client information on public websites.

According to Accenture, this research demonstrates how important it is for CIOs to recognise that there is an opportunity to make a step change in talent management, productivity, innovation, and competitive positioning.

"Generation Y is absorbed in a world made possible through technology. They are the first generation who has grown up surrounded by technology, with the latest technology forming an integral part of the fabric of their lives," said a company spokesperson.

"Things that seem second nature to Generation Y are alien to many more established members of the workplace. Never is this more apparent than in the use of technology. CIO's must be aware of innovative technology and adapt their workforce in accordance to attract and retain new staff whilst maintaining their competitive edge."