Recent research by Siemens Enterprise Communications, has shown that one in four teenagers will expect to be provided with a smartphone for their job, whilst more than one in six will want Facebook access during work time. In addition, of those surveyed, 40% wanted a laptop when they start work, and a further 13% also anticipated a tablet such as the iPad.
The reasons for this seem to be rooted in the mirroring of the available technology from teenagers home lives, into the workplace. This kind of technology, and access to social networks, is seen as normal in their home live, so they see the use of them in the workplace as a natural progression.
However whilst the cost of providing staff with this kind of technology may be expensive, it also appears to come with a few upsides for employers. Most teenagers surveyed believe it will help them to increase their productivity, and nearly 70% of respondents to the survey said that smartphones and tablets will make it easier to do their jobs. Over half said it would make them more efficient in the workplace.
Let us know what you think. Is advanced and readily available technology in the workplace a help or a hindrance?
