People born after technology engulfed all aspects of our lives now make up the majority of the workforce and are driving change that the older generation doesn’t seem to understand.
This is according to a new report by software firm Citrix, which claims that Millennials’ and Gen Z’s better understanding of technology could bring in an additional $1.9 trillion in corporate profits.
Based on a poll of 1,000 business leaders and 2,000 knowledge workers in 10 countries, the report says that not only is there a disconnect between how the older and younger generations perceive work, but also in what the older leaders believe the younger workers want and need.
Older leaders believe the younger workforce wants access to the latest work technology and training. What they really want, however, is job stability and better work-life balance.
Furthermore, most seniors believe their younger peers would prefer working from the office all the time, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Almost half want to remain working from home most of the time and 44 percent would prefer hybrid working. Only 10 percent would like to be in the office full-time.
Finally, just 12 percent of senior staff use instant messaging apps for work purposes, compared to 86 percent of the younger ones, who mostly enjoy them.
“These young employees are different from previous generations in that they have only ever known a tech-driven world of work,” said Donna Kimmel, Executive Vice President of Chief People Officer at Citrix.
“To shore up their future business success, companies must understand their values, career aspirations and working styles and invest in their development.”
