Gen Z: Shaping Digital Work Spaces

In the evolution of work dynamics, a prominent segment of the workforce is reshaping the narrative - Gen Z. A generation comprising one-third of the Asia-Pacific workforce could make up more than one-quarter of the global workforce by 2025 . Boardrooms are increasingly aware of the impact of this incoming generation on all aspects of the business strategy, from talent acquisition to technology requirements for employee experience. Digitally native, this cohort seeks innovation, purpose and seamless technology integration in their working lives and personal lives.?

Redefining the talent strategy

For Asia Pacific, the Great Resignation is not over. PwC’s latest 2023 Hopes and Fears Global Workforce Survey shows some key findings from 19,500 employees in Asia Pacific, including:

• Employees in the region are even more likely to quit now than last year — about 30% say they are likely to change jobs in the next 12 months (up 10% from 2022).
• The number is higher for the younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials), senior-level employees and those working in larger organizations.

Pair these findings with the talent shortage being experienced across a variety of industries, such as I.T roles including security, developers and data professionals , it’s clear that retention and training of younger employees is key. Employee experience and technology play a pivotal role in the future of work.?

Technology as the architect of employee experience, not an afterthought

This year I visited a client in Hong Kong (a well-known financial institution). In the meeting room, the customer shared that their solution for meeting room collaboration was not intuitive, and their team were not satisfied with its usability. So it begs the question, why was it there? The original solution resulted from needing a ‘quick fix’ to fill the need as an emergency response to the pandemic.

Three years on, and they’re not alone. Organizations large and small are now faced with very similar situations, having deployed a group of tools - both hardware and software - without a fully optimized plan for integration and growth. Put simply, they were making do with what they had available to them at the time - and things have changed since then.?

This presents three clear challenges. One is that the short-term solution implemented is not suited to their needs and the longer it stays in place, it will become even more problematic for the business to fix. Secondly, they need clarity about their vision of the future of work for their business and an overall plan for employee experience.?

Lastly, there could be a tangible impact on talent retention now and in the future. Technology facilitates communication, and Gen-Zers often value video and visual communication platforms , like Zoom or Teams. They tend to appreciate the authenticity and personalization that these platforms provide. Communication is a cornerstone of collaboration, so any failings here will reverberate and impact the ability to keep younger employees engaged in their roles.

So what next? I hear many, if not all, customers now asking:

• How do I make a more holistic plan for our workplace?
• What is the most optimum way to utilize the collaborative tools we’ve invested in?
• How can I fulfill the needs for a ‘workplace of the future’ and assure the board and C-Suite of our plan?

The Role of Digital Workplace Solutions: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workspaces

Nine out of ten (90%) CIOs say they are often asked to make business decisions beyond technology adoption. For example, people-focused challenges like:

• managing remote workforces (59%)?
• talent acquisition/retention (59%)?
• managing global teams (58%)

For younger generations, technology isn't just a tool; it's an experience. Workplaces aren’t confined within four walls. Instead, their expectations are of a digital and hybrid ecosystem. Our recent launch of? Digital Workplace Solutions provides various managed services customizable to work environments, designed around people's needs and geared towards addressing core business challenges. It’s a solution directly linked to the needs of customers today.

Working on-site still forms a part of the hybrid working experience. Lenovo’s Smart Collaboration solutions , driven by cutting-edge AI, transform traditional meetings into innovation hubs. Real-time language translation, and AI-driven content suggestions work to redefine collaboration, reflecting our commitment to creating an intuitive, tech-driven workspace for everybody, including Gen Z.

We’re committed to the evolving needs of employees everywhere. One example from a suite of devices and software released to transform the hybrid working experience is the Lenovo Wired VOIP Headset and Lenovo Wired ANC Headset Gen 2 , allowing for better audio experiences for connectivity or concentration working from anywhere.?

The workplace has moved beyond an office. The workspaces, as we know them, have transformed into a canvas of possibilities where technology, innovation and ambition come alive. The question isn't whether your business is ready for Gen Z; it's whether your technology can keep up with their aspirations. It’s time to embrace the possibilities and align your tech strategy for growth - or get left behind.