The Millennial workforce–employees in their 20s and 30s–are much more likely to use social media, such as Facebook, for work purposes. About three in 10 within each age group use social media for work, according to a CompTIA survey of 700 business professionals.
By contrast, less than 20 percent of Baby Boomers use Facebook for work purposes and 25 percent do not use Facebook at all, for work or personal use.
The report also found the blurring of lines between work and personal lives – and the information being shared via social media channels – is cause for concern among businesses and acknowledged as a potential problem by employees.
The majority of workers across all age groups (64 percent) believe that social media adversely impacts productivity at work.
When technology support issues arise in the workplace younger workers are more inclined to turn to instant messaging, video chat and the use of mobile apps for resolution.
The report also indicated they’re open to the use of social media for IT support related to maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of devices and applications.
Email remains the most prevalent form of workplace communication, but newer forms of communication such as Skype, text and instant messaging are claiming an increasingly bigger footprint, especially among workers under the age of 50.
“Millennials are looking for companies that are smart in their use of technology. This doesn’t always have to be cutting edge adoption, but companies should at least cultivate a curiosity about new technology and an openness to testing new methods,” Seth Robinson, senior director of technology analysis for CompTIA, told eWEEK. “By demonstrating strong technical competence, companies can make themselves more appealing to Millennial workers.”
Millennials want to work for companies that offer an option to telecommute, even if it means accepting a lower salary, and companies that don’t offer a telecommuting option are viewed as old-fashioned.
Across all age groups, the majority of workers want an arrangement that features some days in the office and some days at home, with a greater number of days in the office.
The collaboration, connection and creativity that results from face-to-face interaction with co-workers remains important to employees regardless of age.
“Mobile technology is having a deep impact in businesses and society in general. Computing has become even more personal as individuals have constant access to devices and use software that is highly customizable,” Robinson said. “Companies are recognizing that a mobility strategy goes far beyond a decision on which devices employees use and who pays for those devices. It involves reconfiguring workflow to accommodate the new style of computing, which ultimately creates greater speed and efficiency.”