Can You Hear Me Now?
As discussed in last week's feature, "Wooing Generation Y," this new breed of young and talented workers is demanding that executives rethink their plans of action - and
interaction. This point is driven home by a recent study conducted by SelectMinds, a provider of corporate social networking solutions, which revealed that Gen Y demands
networking opportunities in order to be happy in the workplace. Among the findings:
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77% of surveyed workers between the ages of 20 and 29 believe that social aspects of work are very important to their overall sense of workplace satisfaction, as
compared to 67% of their older colleagues;
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41% of respondents rank "cementing relationships with colleagues and supervisors" as the number one challenge when transitioning into a new job, ahead of adapting to a new
company culture (33%) and learning new job responsibilities (27%);
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86% of respondents are "more likely to listen to information and recommendations if they are presented by someone I know and trust;"
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46% rate the availability of support/networking programs for employees with common interests as a very important factor in their decision to join and/or remain with an
employer, compared with 36% of their peers;
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72% cite professional networks as very important to their career development;
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81% of Gen Y-ers feel somewhat or very disconnected from the information flow, politics and career opportunities across their organizations;
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28% report leaving a job because they felt disconnected from the company; and,
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20% say they have switched jobs because of poor relationships with colleagues.
Given Gen Y's swelling power in business, coupled with their apparent craving for social networking opportunities in the workplace, communications executives must get on board
and implement these offerings; they will fail to do so at their own risk.
Video Killed The Radio Star
Video just may be coming into its prime as far as communications channels go. The latest iteration of The Kelsey Group's User View study found that:
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59% of those surveyed claimed to watch only video; and,
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More than 50% engage in some sort of "response activity," which included visiting a Web site, going to a physical location or making a purchase.
With this as ammunition, communications executives just might want to up their stake in the battle for online budgets, because the payoff appears to be good - and getting
better.
E.T. Phone ... Work?
A new study by Microsoft's Windows Vista mobility team uncovered some very strong sentiments among employees regarding their work habits. Among the results:
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77% of surveyed American office workers would like their opportunity to shift their work hours or to work remotely;
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While 37% say they consider technology to be their biggest barrier, 87% report that new tech advances usually make their job easier;
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66% report that flexible work policies would give them a more positive attitude toward their work;
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74% of workers who have tried flex-time say that having more flexibility gave them a more positive outlook;
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55% of workers interested in flexible working arrangements/working remotely cite the savings of time and money spent on their commute as the biggest benefit;
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While 69% of those interested in workplace flexibility expect it would be easier to set up their laptop to work remotely, two out of every three respondents were concerned
with the security of sending e-mails remotely, and one in five fear feeling "out of the loop;" however,
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45% would be willing to work a few extra hours per week in exchange for a more flexible schedule.