The younger generation does not have a monopoly when it comes to using technology and social media at work, a new survey suggests.
The survey, conducted by Forrester Consulting and Citrix Online, found younger workers actually lag behind their older counterparts -- Generation X workers and Baby Boomers -- when it comes to using collaborative technology in the workplace. For example, only 26 percent of Generation Y workers share work information via text message, compared to 47 percent of Baby Boomers. Younger workers also were least likely to use videoconferencing, video chat and web conferencing tools, the study found.
In addition, only 40 percent of Gen Y uses social networking for business on a daily basis, compared to 50 percent of those aged 55 and older. Older Boomers also have increased their business use of social media 79 percent in the past year, the study found.
As a member of Generation Y, my take is that younger workers may view social tools as just that -- a way to socialize with friends and family, rather than connect at work. And in a time when they're trying to break through the stereotypes that they're lazy, entitled and technology-obsessed, they may try to stray from talking and/or using social media, as a way to shed those stereotypes and prove themselves in the workplace.
What's your take? Are the survey results a snapshot of your office, or are younger workers (those in Generation X and Y) taking the reins on technology and social media?
Brittany Ballenstedt
Brittany Ballenstedt writes Nextgov's Wired Workplace blog, which delves into the issues facing employees who work in the federal information technology sector. Before joining Nextgov, Brittany covered federal pay and benefits issues as a staff correspondent for Government Executive and served as an associate editor for National Journal's Technology Daily. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mansfield University and originally hails from Pennsylvania. She currently lives near Travis Air Force Base, Calif., where her husband is stationed.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Nextgov does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.