Millennials and Technology in the Workplace: How to Establish Boundaries and Balance
We’ve written several posts here on the pros and cons of technology in the workplace and about the myriad ways it has shaped the way we work today. One group that doesn’t recognize that shift is the millennial generation – a group for whom this isn’t a shift at all, but simply life as they know it.
And like the changes wrought from the introduction of technology itself, there are also pros and cons to millennials- and their relationship with technology – in the workplace.
The Good News
Efficient, Energetic
For the many who are quick to generalize millennials as entitled and lacking in the work ethic of their elders, it may be surprising to learn that millennials are actually more efficient, not less. Having grown up in the digital age, millennials are more comfortable with technology than the rest of us, because unlike us, technology has been woven into the lives from birth. They have a shorter learning curve with new platforms.
They’re also quick to embrace changes, and in most cases are excited to test the limits and capabilities of whatever new technology you can throw at them, making them the ideal beta testers.
Speaking Their Language
Just when you’d accepted (and grown fluent in) this new way of communicating, email started dying its slow death. That’s right; email is on its way out. Surprised? Millennials aren’t. Email has been dead to them since before skinny jeans. Texts, IMs, hangouts, and dedicated messaging on cloud tools like Asana have been alternate choices for millennials for so long that many colleges and universities have stopped communicating with students through email, opting instead to reach out via social media. These methods are becoming increasingly common in the workplace where they keep communication flowing efficiently without the headache of a clogged (and overwhelming) inbox. Face to face communication still tops the list for many however…don’t underestimate the value of a face to face communication to get work done effectively.
Connecting Across the Miles
Even though face to face is valued, one of the best lessons technology has brought us is that collaboration and connectedness can happen regardless of location. Millennials have spent much of their lifetime forming bonds and finding inspiration with one another from across the miles. In this day and age it’s possible to build a friendship with someone you’ve never met, and feel connected to someone without ever hearing their voice. With today’s technological capabilities – and millennials adeptness at using them – it’s no longer necessary to host your team 100% onsite in order to create a spirit of teamwork and collaboration, or to foster synergism.
The Bad News
Multitasking
It was sold to us as a great way to increase our productivity but in fact, it’s the very opposite, as most of us have discovered the hard way. Technology encourages multitasking, something millennials do as a rule. Try to emphasize the value of single-minded focus and your words may fall on deaf (or at least head phone covered) ears.
Security
One of the biggest challenges – the one employers may not see coming – is the way millennials balance life and work. The line between their personal and their work lives is heavily blurred. And while that can have its benefits, it’s also a nightmare for security. Millennials routinely go off the sanctioned grid to connect with coworkers through personal channels, including using social media, which begs the question – who else is hearing those conversations? With broadcast mediums like Facebook, the answer may be everyone.
What’s more, this vulnerability with sensitive information applies to all the systems they use routinely. From Dropbox to Google Drive, millennials are much more cavalier about information sharing, and it can be a challenge to ensure that private information remains private.
So What Should You Do? The Rules You Need to (help them) Succeed
First of all, appreciate (and leverage) the many benefits of having this group in your workplace (it’s also smart to avoid generalizations based simply on age – every employee is different). These simple steps can help you maximize both the benefits of the digital age and the skills and approach of the employees who are native to it.
A good security policy is necessary for businesses of all sizes. Establish a security policy that lets employees maximize their personal efficiency by playing outside the limits while still minimizing risk. Educate them on both the benefits and the risk, and establish a clear, firm set of rules that applies to all employees.
Create a culture of thoughtfulness. Emphasize the value of personal interactions and encourage employees to put down the phone once in a while and actually think through an issue. Emphasize the value of a clear focus as well as the risks associated with multitasking (reduced productivity, careless errors, lack of connection). Policies like “No Tech” afternoons can be helpful to everyone.
Create opportunities for different generations to share their expertise. Let the digital natives share their skills with older generations in reverse mentoring roles, and rely on them as beta testers and internal focus groups. Encourage seasoned employees to share interpersonal skills and effective communication methods with newer employees.
By integrating these practices, you can create boundaries while encouraging freedom, helping your employees find balance and creating an environment in which everyone can thrive.
