Partner Article

Future generations not equipped for changing working culture

Future generations of workers will struggle to succeed in the UK’s rapidly evolving working world where portfolio careers, individualised working and cloud-based workforces will dominate, suggests a study from Mitel. The study reveals high demand for new ways of working, particularly among younger workers, but highlights why the education system must adapt to prepare students for the self-discipline and skills needed to work effectively and productively.

The Mitel report, ‘Work 3.0’, indicates how technology, individualised working and a transformation of the physical workplace are catalysing radical change that could all but eradicate the ‘nine to five’. The study highlights why the experience gained in the education system will be critical in equipping new generations with the skills they need to work in rapidly evolving workplaces, whilst retaining the collaborative and social aspects of working as part of a team.

Gavin Andrews, Leadership Lecturer at Middlesex University Business School and a contributor to the Mitel study, believes the education system could do more to prepare students for the Work 3.0 revolution: “The younger generation still struggles with independent work, even at university level, and this could lead to serious productivity issues in the future if people lack the discipline to work effectively and productively of their own accord. We should be seeing future generations of UK workers prepared by introducing self management skills into the curriculum with more self-directed learning, alongside new work placement structures and requirements through university.”

The Work 3.0report also reveals the vast majority (81%) of UK workers already want to adopt new ways of working, such as choosing their own location and hours, and working online/virtually. This figure is even higher (87%) for younger generations.

However, UK office workers still value some aspects of the traditional working environment. Over half (53%) say they enjoy working with colleagues and sharing information and 54% enjoy the social interaction offered by working in an office environment.

Rob Charlton, CEO of architectural firm Space Group, is adapting his business to meet evolving workplace demands but fears younger workers joining the company will find it difficult to integrate without careful attention: “In my experience, young people entering the workplace may not be ready to jump in and work in flexible ways and with the advanced technologies that are fast becoming the norm. If the education system doesn’t adapt to prepare them, it could become a big challenge for businesses recruiting fresh graduates.”

According to Steve Little, CIO, Mitel, businesses can help support younger workers by providing the environments, technologies and opportunities to drive productivity and effective interaction, particularly within a virtual model.“Intuitive technologies that allow for natural communication will be critical in replicating the office-based team mentality and collaboration. For senior teams, tools that allow effective monitoring and communication with disparate staff will also be important in securing a productive future.”

The full Mitel report, ‘Work 3.0’, brings together new research revealing the attitudes and experiences of today’s workforce, opinion from leaders in technology and innovation, and insight from experts in workplace psychology and education. It is available for free download at: www.bit.ly/MitelSmartWorking

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mitel .