Great Workplaces Embrace Technology Rather Than Resist It

If you want to attract and retain the best new talent, your business needs to put the best technologies at their fingertips.

There was a time when the PC on your desk was far more powerful than any personal technology you might have at home. But times have changed. These days it can be frustrating to come into work and be faced with cumbersome tech that hampers your productivity. This is especially true if you’re a Millennial who has always had powerful devices and fast internet access at your fingertips.

Digital natives who’ve grown up with the internet and powerful handheld devices are looking for flexibility in their work environment. They’re also looking for the ability to remain productive anywhere, anytime. They strive to strike the best work/life balance. They’re keen to work, but want to work smarter and not just harder.

Maybe you’re not ready for a hardware overhaul. If so, part of your business technology strategy might involve embracing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This allows staff to use their personal devices for work. Remember, it’s important to have strong BYOD policies in place. Consider how you’ll manage those devices and the business data they hold. Look for platform-agnostic apps and services that don’t tie you to specific hardware or ecosystems.

Creating an attractive workplace for the tech-savvy younger generation isn’t just about putting shiny gadgets in their hands. It’s about your entire approach to technology. The latest technology is second nature to them. They want to work for an organisation that views new technology as an opportunity to be embraced rather than a challenge to be resisted.

Embracing cloud-based communication and collaboration tools can help your business become more agile and nimble. It grants all staff more flexibility while offering a significant productivity boost.

Working as a team

The idea is to make it easier for your people to work as a team. This might include the new generation of multi-channel business communication tools. These can reduce phone tag and painfully long email chains. Business-grade chat tools make it easier for your people to coordinate their efforts whether they’re on opposite sides of the office or opposite sides of the globe. At the same time, voice and video conferencing tools can help reduce travel.

Meanwhile, cloud office suites allow multiple staff to work on documents simultaneously. This is better than struggling with version control as files are emailed around the office and copied to USB sticks.

Mobility is another key to empowering your staff to work effectively while breaking the desktop shackles. It means they can get more done while they’re on the move rather than waiting until they get back to the office.

With robust mobility and collaboration strategies in place it’s much easier to consider the merits of other flexible workplace options such as hot desking, telecommuting and job sharing.

It’s not necessary to turn your business upside-down to please Millennials. However, if you want to attract the best young talent and reduce turnover they want to see that you view technology as a competitive advantage rather than a millstone around your neck.