The ways we work, learn and live have drastically changed over the course of last year, let alone over the past decade. Employees are logging hours from their homes versus the traditional office more than ever before in history. At the same time, technology is developing at a rate that can be challenging to keep up with. What will the workforce look like tomorrow and how can the enterprise be ready for this unforeseeable change?
Recognizing and embracing workforce differences
The ubiquity of mobile technologies for our phones, laptops and tablets means the “where” of work does not require spending every day in a traditional office. Within an increasingly diverse workforce consisting of multiple generations, each generation brings its own set of expectations and attitudes about technology. This workplace flexibility appeals to many younger employees, as well as older workers who find it advantageous for attending to family matters that would otherwise take them away from the office.
The future will continue to support the dispersed workforce we have grown accustomed to and the tools and resources that enable individuals and teams to communicate with each other from different locations will become even more crucial in the years ahead.
Younger generations are typically quick to adopt the latest technologies. These changes are generally positive, but can be disruptive as they introduce an entirely new dynamic and challenges for employers with a span of employees across generations. Anywhere, anytime, anyhow communications have become the norm. Connectivity must be effortless, ubiquitous and enable the easy exchange of ideas.
Adapting to new environments are more important than ever
The adage of “the only thing constant is change” has never been truer. We have been forced to dramatically re-think the relationship between people and technology. Are we at risk of being left behind in the trash heap of obsolete thinking and technologies? Or, do we adapt and embrace the change, channeling the resulting new technologies to our advantage?
Adaptability is the key to survival in this technology-driven world. It enables us to focus on new circumstances and stay current while facilitating professional and personal growth. Combined with insight and keeping a fresh perspective, being adaptive allows us to manage the change before or as it happens.
What does this mean for IT leaders?
Back when the pandemic hit, IT leaders reacted quickly—acquiring large amounts of hardware, software, bandwidth and collaboration services to meet the sudden need for remote working solutions.
Since then, IT leaders should take stock, look at what they support, and determine what their employees—and their organizations—need now and in the future. They must balance the demands of multiple generations while navigating the challenges of operational responsibilities, budget pressures and customer expectations. They can’t do it alone.
Fortunately, workers and IT leaders are showing an openness to bridging generational gaps. This “new normal” of remote work and real-time collaboration from anywhere has brought employees of all generations together.
This is also an ideal time for IT leaders to engage a technology partner who understands the complexities of today’s workplace and how the right solutions, aligned with business strategies, can help close the generation gap and position the firm to make significant gains in productivity.
For example, software has become the powerful enabler, connecting disparate technologies through an integrated user interface deployed in the cloud. Seek out a Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) provider that delivers applications through a single user interface. This allows your IT teams to bring together a diverse work force, remain competitive and drive innovation while boosting productivity and enhancing your customer’s experience through streamlined communication and collaboration.
Conclusions
The way we work has changed. Employees and companies together must continue to adapt. IT leaders are ready to bring together multiple generations of workers—and their workstyles—and lead them into the future to realize benefits for the business. Cloud-based UCaaS is the enabler for today’s workforce while setting the stage to support the future of work through continuous enhancements.
