By Michael Ngan
Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines
Just when businesses thought they had figured out how to successfully engage millennials, they must now contend with a new reality: the rise of Generation Z. Already accounting for 25 per cent of the world’s population , this group is now entering the workforce, and is expected to make up a huge chunk of the Philippines’ working population.
IMAGE BY RAWPIXEL FROM PIXABAY.COM
Unlike their millennial counterparts, they are true digital natives. They do not pay with cash, enjoy being paper-free, and are comfortable with doing everything from ordering food to getting new clothes with just a few clicks. The generation lives and breathes technology and hence has different expectations and motivations, particularly around work and productivity.
To Generation Z, mobility is key to productivity. According to Lenovo research, nearly eight in 10 companies agree that mobility is key to achieving strategic objectives, while 60 per cent plan to enhance their mobility capabilities in the next three years .
To attract and retain the next generation’s best talent, companies must reshape the workplace and create a mobile-friendly environment, so as to better future-proof their businesses. So what are the key considerations for attracting and keeping Gen-Z happy in the workplace? What investments do you need to start making?
1. Create a flexible work culture
It all starts with embracing the idea of a flexible work environment. The average mobile phone user already checks his or her phone 150 times a day , implying that the Gen-Z worker has even higher expectations around accessing work emails and tools at any time of the day.
It is crucial to place a premium on work-life integration. Invest in tools that allow people to connect visually, vocally and interactively. Set up a system for easily sharing documents and information. With greater demand for mobility, IT professionals also need to ensure that their corporate network architecture is geared for long-term connectivity to properly manage a variety of data-intensive mobile devices and handle future growth.
At the end of the day, connectivity determines flexibility, and flexibility improves productivity, enhances business agility, and reduces cost.
2. Support diverse working styles with user-friendly devices
Digital natives expect to be as productive at home or in a coffee shop as they are at their office desks. They are also discerning users. Therefore, laptops and tablets must not only replace desktops, they are also expected to offer more performance, portability and user-friendliness than ever before in order to empower employees.
A lightweight, flexible and user-friendly laptop is generally a good start for most employees; but for those who are constantly on the road and presenting ideas, a 2-in-1 convertible is particularly useful. Devices like the Yoga 370 that feature a high-performance processor, ultra-portable and durable design, long battery life and full connectivity, are the ticket to all-day peace of mind.
3. Never compromise on security
A laptop is stolen every 53 seconds . Thirty per cent of businesses have experienced at least one security breach due to the use of the mobile device . Sixty per cent of lost or stolen smartphones contain sensitive data that are vulnerable to non-authorized access .
The business risks are clear. As you enhance mobility, ensure that your business is protected against lost and stolen devices, malicious apps, and unencrypted corporate data sent over Wi-Fi. Besides standard protocol like anti-virus software and password protection, this includes mandating two-factor authentication, ensuring all users encrypt data as a matter of habit, and prioritizing cloud storage instead of local device storage.
4. Choose the right partner to build a mobile workplace
Teaming up with the right partner can make a mobile workplace a reality without any hassle. The partner should have extensive experience helping Philippine businesses, both large and small, to review and upgrade their IT ecosystems, and to ensure that they are fitted out for changing needs and long-term growth.
Catering to the unique mindset of a digitally native workforce requires planning and investment today. The mobile workforce is here. Is your business ready to engage?
