A third of workers in their 20s and 30s are more likely
to use social media at work, according to research from CompTIA,
an IT industry association. At the same time, 64% of the workers surveyed said
social media has a negative impact on work productivity.
The problem for employers is that those younger workers
want to work for companies offering the option to use telecommunications and
are willing to accept a lower salary to work in that environment. In fact, 75%
of the millennials in the survey said a company’s technology usage was a factor
in their decision to accept a job.
“The data also suggests that younger workers are more
apt to feel their employer is pushing the technology envelope, suggesting that
they’re taking greater advantage of what’s being offered,” Anna Matthai,
manager, research and marketing intelligence, CompTIA, said in a report for eCampus News. “As the world becomes more digital, businesses with the best
technology will be in the best position to compete for and hire young workers.”
Millennials hold a high opinion of their own comfort
level with technology, with 70% saying they are “cutting edge” when it comes to
its usage. Interestingly, just 55% of GenX workers held the same high opinion of
themselves, and only 30% of Baby Boomers surveyed agreed.
The survey also found that email is the most-used form
of communication in the workplace, but newer forms, such as texting and instant
messaging, are becoming more popular. Younger workers are more likely to use
instant messaging, video chats, or mobile apps, and use social media for IT
support.
