Page 16 - EngineerIt July 2021

ICT DIGITAL NATIVES

Dealing with the born-digital

generation in your business

By Amir Sohrabi, Area Vice President for Emerging Markets at Citrix.

he youth of South Africa – now more than ever – are becoming more assertive Purpose vs company culture
in terms of the demands and aspirations they wish to see represented in their The born-digital are the first generation
Teconomy. In fact, the skills and innovation of younger workers are becoming more of people to grow up in an entirely digital
important than ever as South Africa moves further into its digital evolution. The sustenance world, and now account for most of
of our nation, therefore, depends on the access, information and platforms we provide to the global workforce, including South
our youth. Africa, where they make up 34.7% of its
But our young up-and-comers aren’t just in business for the bucks. Below are six population - but it’s about more than the
things you, as a business, need to understand about ‘born-digital’ employees: bottom line for this generation.
Given the common perception that
Job security is key, especially in South Africa the born-digital are naturally passionate
Citrix research shows that today’s business leaders are disconnected from what born- creatives, it was fascinating to discover
digital knowledge workers really want from work, and have not accurately predicted the that only 30% of born-digital employees
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group’s motivations and aspirations. While would leave an organisation that
business leaders believe that cutting-edge workplace technology and training is critical to lacked purpose, compared to 69%
born-digital employees’ job satisfaction, it is rather fundamental factors like career stability of current business leaders. In fact,
that these younger employees crave the most. younger employees would prefer a work
With unemployment amongst South African youth now reaching a concerning 46.3%, environment with a healthy company
the born-digital are hungry for professional business opportunities. According to the study, culture, which enables autonomy (83%),
the most common demands of the youth are permanent employment (72%), job stability presents strong leadership (79%)
(85%) and job satisfaction (87%). and recognises performance through
remuneration (81%).
There’s no negotiation: the future is hybrid
What is immediately clear with this generation is that the way we work has changed Mindfulness is treasured
forever. Hybrid, flexible working is here to stay. Over half of born-digital knowledge workers Financial wealth is not the only priority
want to spend most or all of their time working from home post-pandemic, and although for this generation of future leaders. In
many believe that the office is the best place for productivity, the majority say that home- fact, 83% of born-digital workers would
working is best for wellbeing. The future is hybrid or distributed work, and companies will prioritise employee mental health and
need to find a way to simplify work and create the space their employees need to succeed wellbeing in their areas of work once they
in this environment. reached leadership levels within their

EngineerIT | July 2021 | 14