Archive for June 29th, 2007

Tech-savvy youth can't beat efficient elders…or can they?

Published by Ryan Paugh on June 29th, 2007 in Noteworthy, Productivity, Work, Work/Life | 30 Comments

We may be more tech-savvy than our elders, but we certainly can't apply it as well. At least that's what Ranstad USA, a global workforce solutions company, has to say.

"The 2007 World of Work review finds that younger workers are the least likely to use communication tools in the workplace, including computers, faxes, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile and landline phones."¹

Ranstad's survey, which focuses on employee productivity, retention and morale, finds that the "power players," using technology to enhance productivity, are more mature workers. More than business youth, they value a challenge and the ability to have a more flexible work schedule. Conversely, young workers could have more flexibility if they just applied their know-how to their careers. And I'm officially confused…

Millennials are notoriously known for their ability to infuse technology into their day-to-day routine to make life easier. If given the chance, why wouldn't we do the same at work?

I think the answer comes down to exactly that – we're not given the chance in most entry-level positions. Sure, there's a handful of millennial-friendly companies out there that give their workers the opportunity and the technology to work remotely, but the majority don't present that level of trust right off the bat. They throw you in a cube and that's that.

I think it's absolutely possible, and probably, this survey failed to recognize that young workers lack freedom that comes with age and experience in a company. Not to mention, how many companies provide their entry-levels with a Blackberry on day one?

How can a survey make such a claim unless everyone is given the same treatment and the same "goodies" regardless of age and experience? You can't! Unless the survey itself is flawed.

I would love to see how the shift in productivity changes if you put everyone on the same page. My prediction is that it would prove twentysomethings to be just as productive, if not more. But what does everyone else think?

This survey is popping up all over the Internet and I'm wondering how anyone can be taking it seriously. Millennials are supposed to be technology gurus. Is it possible that we're just not applying it in the right way? Or maybe my millennial ADD is just leading me towards MySpace when I should be focusing on the workplace. Maybe I'm wrong, but it all sounds a little fishy to me.

Enjoy the weekend.

Tech-savvy youth can't beat efficient elders…or can they?

Published by Ryan Paugh on June 29th, 2007 in Noteworthy, Productivity, Work, Work/Life | 30 Comments

We may be more tech-savvy than our elders, but we certainly can't apply it as well. At least that's what Ranstad USA, a global workforce solutions company, has to say.

Millennials are notoriously known for their ability to infuse technology into their day-to-day routine to make life easier. If given the chance, why wouldn't we do the same at work?

How can a survey make such a claim unless everyone is given the same treatment and the same "goodies" regardless of age and experience? You can't! Unless the survey itself is flawed.