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What defines a digital workspace?

There’s a definite stereotype that emerges when you discuss digital workspaces and Millennials or Digital Natives within the creative or technology fields. It leans towards the need for cool office spaces, ideally with a well-stocked bar and pool table. Yet, having spent many years resourcing and running digital transformation teams across the country, in different industries and within the Private and the Public sector, I see quite a different set of ‘modern’ qualities emerging.

 

Whose demanding what?

Yes, Millennials, as a rule, can be demanding about all aspects of a role and they tend to move faster when something is found to be lacking. But those ‘extra’ aspects are also closely aligned with well-run businesses that are maximising their chances of success.

Research repeatedly cites trust, corporate social responsibility, work-life balance and professional development as primary reasons why Millennials choose one company over another. These factors also motivate Millennials to stay with a particular company for longer. Put simply – Millennials are attracted to positive environments where they feel like they are part of something bigger.

Yet are these demands Millennial-motivating only? I believe that those valuable members of the workforce that are keen to learn, develop and flexible enough to cope positively with the change, which is all around us in the digital age, also thrive and stay when a positive working culture is achieved.

 

Be digital to go digital

We know that Millennials have grown up in a world of apps, social networks and mobile technologies but our need to be informed, engaged and harnessing these doesn’t just benefit our Millennial employees or customers, it benefits everyone.

At Triad, our purpose is to provide the skills, commitment and people to help companies achieve their digital transformation goals. It’s unlikely that those ambitious digital transformation projects are going to be a success if the organisation is still resisting the introduction of digital tools and solutions into the workplace that make younger workers feel more at home. More importantly, embracing these tools and innovations signal a clear commitment to digital transformation, or not. Our Microsoft eBook delves into this topic further as digital options multiple, overlap and quite easily duplicate. However, there is no doubt that many ‘Millennial’ ways of working are beneficial to everyone.

 

Be flexible to attract flexible minds

A great side effect of many of these new apps, plug-ins and platforms is that they also make it possible to offer the mobility and flexibility Millennials demand – but again the appeal and benefits are wider than that for the rest of the workforce. The lack of women entering and remaining in IT is an issue that should concern all organisations and skills seekers, yet we know that flexible working is one of the most important aspect women consider when considering a return to work after having a family – so one benefit can satisfy more than one life stage.

We recently released an eBook and a series of related articles detailing how the global digital skills shortage can hamper digital transformation efforts. With the tech space changing every day, it is becoming more and more difficult to define what skills are most needed and what it takes to attract the best employees. Chatting to digital, technology and recruitment professionals across a variety of industries, this resource unpacks the ins and outs of attracting top tier talent: The Digital Skills Gap eBook.

Adrian Leer

Managing Director

Triad Group Plc