Millennials are reshaping the workforce with new ideas and attitudes, especially when it comes to technology.
Within 10 years, they are expected to comprise 75% of the workplace. This massive shift in the labor market is forcing companies to consider the best strategies to attract and retain talent from this demographic.
Raised in a digital world, millennial job seekers want companies that offer employees the latest tech tools. But are IT departments prepared for these hyper-connected workers who prefer video-conferencing over meetings, easy-to-use apps over complex operating systems and project management tools over to-do lists?
For many IT departments, the answer is no, according to research conducted by IDG Research Services on behalf of Randstad Technologies.
The survey asked IT managers across a range of U.S. company sizes and industries about their preparation for the upcoming influx of millennial employees. One-third of respondents said they have not addressed millennial-related technology issues in any formal way.
Of particular concern for IT leaders is the significant gap between what millennials want from workplace technology and what IT departments currently offer. For example, only one-third of organizations said they are extremely or very confident that their existing IT staff levels and skillsets can support the onset of millennials.
To win the talent war among the millennial set, IT departments must rapidly adopt the latest technologies into their infrastructures. Failure to make these changes could result in high turnover among younger workers and a struggle to recruit the best employees from this generation.
Here’s a four-step plan to prepare for the millennial shift:
- Invest in mobile technology
Millennials are accustomed to having technology at their fingertips, with information just a swipe or scroll away. When it comes to work, a smartphone can be an efficient tool to get work done among this tech-savvy generation. In fact, 60% of survey respondents stated that they plan to increase investments in mobile within the next year to meet the needs of millennials. Make sure your company invests in mobile technology and has a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy in place.
- Offer collaborative tools
According to the survey, more than half (57%) of IT leaders view communication and collaboration tools as essential to supporting the millennial shift. Known as the “sharing” generation, millennials are accustomed to collaborating through technology, whether it’s sharing content or swapping documents. Rather than work in silos, they value teamwork and want instant feedback. Offering collaborative tools is one way to attract, engage and retain this generation
- Invest in the Cloud
Millennials want access to information anytime, from any device. Does your company have the cloud capabilities to meet this demand? The survey stated that 40% of organizations recognize cloud computing as a requirement to meet changing workplace dynamics, and 49% of respondents say they will invest or increase investments in cloud computing over the next year. Millennials already use cloud-based email and project management systems and will likely prefer companies where they can use these tools instead of complex, proprietary systems. What’s more, by enabling employees to work anytime, anywhere, IT departments will accommodate the growing freelance contingent of the workforce.
- Enhance Security Management
With the rise of mobile, BYOD and the cloud, IT leaders are evaluating whether they have the right security measures in place. According to the study, 40% of organizations recognize that cloud computing is a requirement to meet changing workplace dynamics, and 49% of respondents say they will invest or increase investments in cloud computing over the next year. Mobile and cloud security must be a high priority among IT leaders in order to keep millennial employees engaged, productive and efficient.
Bob Dickey is group president, technology and engineering, at Randstad US.
