Working from Mars with an Internet Brain Implant: Cisco Study Shows How Technology will Shape the Future of Work Millennials, Gen X and Businesses Pushing Supertasking Workstyle
SAN JOSE, Calif. November 5, 2014 Workforce demands by Generation X and Millennial workers to increase flexible work styles have been met with employers shifting their own policies to accommodate these changing attitudes, according to the 2014 Cisco Connected World Technology Report (CCWTR). Among other findings, the report also revealed that by the year 2020, the majority of Generation X and Y professionals believe that smartphones and wearable devices will be the workforces most important "connected" device while the laptop remains the workplace device of choice.
Overall, the CCWTR report demonstrates the fundamental ways in which technology is shaping the future of work and how the devices, apps and solutions preferred by these generations are enabling new ways of working including the rise of the "Supertasker" using four devices and changes in the way workers and businesses view remote working (44 percent of Millennials feel most productive in the office), application use (six in 10 respondents prefer a pen and paper to the hottest note taking app) and global talent recruitment (50 percent of hiring managers would hire from only video interviews).
These findings also offer insights into the potential impact emerging smart devices, such as wearables, will have on IT and the creators of IT strategy, especially with the emergence of the Internet of Everything (IoE), which is creating new forms of connectivity and changing communications for the next generation of workers.
As in previous years, the CCWTR shows the mindset, expectations, and behavior of the worlds next generation of workers, this year with added insights into Gen X and Human Resources workers, and how they value their connectivity (over physical needs), view their availability for work communications (24/7) and how these quirks shape enterprise IT and security policy, product development and design, and the ability of businesses to compete.
Overview
The annual Cisco Connected World Technology Report examines the relationship between human behavior, the Internet and networkings pervasiveness. Examining this relationship unearths data about how companies will remain competitive amid the influence of technology lifestyle trends. The global report, based on surveys of professionals between the ages of 18 and 50 in 15 countries, provides insight into present-day challenges that companies face as they strive to balance current and future employee and business needs amid increasing mobility capabilities, security risks and technologies that can more ubiquitously deliver information.
Key Findings
FUTURE WORKPLACE
Is the "Supertasker" the most desirable employee of the future?
More than 4 in 10 Gen X and Gen Y professionals, as well as nearly 6 in 10 HR professionals, consider themselves to be a "Supertasker," defined as an individual who can successfully do more than two things at once, and do them well.
HR professionals feel that Supertaskers increase the expectations of a "high performer" at their organization and as such, most feel Supertaskers are best suited for a managerial role, an individual contributor or an executive role.
About half of Gen X and Gen Y professionals believe Supertasking would make an individual more productive. Similarly, HR professionals (62 percent) predominantly believe Supertaskers increase their organizations productivity.
Nearly two thirds believe in the year 2020, Supertasking will be most coveted by their organization.
Most indicate learning to become a Supertasker by managing their personal lives, and the majority typically mix work and personal activities, particularly Gen X professionals (70 percent).
Gen X vs. Millennial workers
Gen Y (Millennial) professionals are more likely to indicate being "wired" differently than Gen X employees when it comes to efficiency and multitasking. More specifically, 56 percent of Gen Y professionals note that they are more efficient than Gen X employees.
More than 4 in 10 professionals believe Gen Y employees are most effective at Supertasking, relative to other generations.
60 percent of Gen X professionals and 81 percent of HR professionals think that Gen Y employees are able to perform tasks faster than older employees using mobile devices and apps.
Further, 7 in 10 HR professionals think Gen Y employees are able to perform tasks faster if they are allowed to use their mobile devices and apps instead of desktop, laptop or notebook PCs.
Living and Supertasking Dangerously
Slightly less than half of professionals spend at least some amount of time doing work-related activities (sending email, text, tweet or asking Siri to perform a task) while driving.
Additionally, two thirds have taken phone calls in the car while driving, including nearly half who take calls at least 25 percent of the time when driving.
Managing Gen X and Gen Y Employees
Nearly two thirds of Gen X and more than 8 in 10 HR professionals have previously managed or currently manage Gen X and Gen Y employees.
Among those who have managed both Gen X and Gen Y employees, the largest proportion notes that Gen X professional are easier to manage than their younger counterparts. Although, roughly one third indicate both groups are easy to manage.
More than one third of Gen X and HR professionals who have experience managing Gen Y employees cited the greatest challenge is their "I want it now" ambition.
Gen X and HR professionals agree managers in the future will need to change their approach to coaching/mentoring and collaborating with Gen Y employees as a result of more of them joining the workforce.
The Future of HR and Recruiting
Nearly 6 in 10 (58 percent) HR professionals wo
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Working from Mars with an Internet Brain Implant: Cisco Study Shows How Technology will Shape the Future of Work Millennials, Gen X and Businesses Pushing Supertasking Workstyle 
