FEATURE : CYBERSKILLS distinct generational variations in preferred forms of communication and working styles .
Workers from younger generations show a distinct bias towards text or visual-based communications – a far cry from the ‘ hitting the phones ’ sales tactics of the past . We also need to consider that , if we ’ re selling to customers that prefer communications through different channels , the phone might not be the best way to reach them . . . perhaps the traditional tension between sales and marketing can finally be resolved with this revelation .
As employers within the technology industry , it is important to share a vision of a career that is rewarding in all senses and that means looking beyond financial
benefits to the wider ecosystem in which we want our employees to thrive in . Therefore , building and nurturing talent is a vital part of creating a resilient industry and all organisations should look to make this a priority for 2021 and beyond . p
More seriously , though , as employers ; we need to help the generations co-exist , embracing the attitude that everyone can learn from each other . This means genuinely flexible working practices enabling employees to work effectively while remote , as well as office spaces that give options supporting diverse working styles – quiet and focused , open and consultative – and hybrids of the two .
Anthony Webb , Vice-President EMEA , A10 Networks
The end of the linear career
The days of the linear career are over . It ’ s predicted that those entering the workforce today will change careers multiple times and learn new skills throughout their working lives . Some will build careers in sectors that didn ’ t exist while they were at school , so an open attitude and thirst for lifelong learning is essential .
They will also work for longer than any previous generation . That ’ s why they are looking for job roles that offer a sense of purpose , not just a pay cheque . While financial considerations still play a part , for ‘ generation rent ’ – for whom owning big ticket items such as a home are much less relevant than for previous generations – it is frequently the experience of work that is as important as financial reward .
The thing is , our industry offers us all the tools to build that purposeful message for employees . Take A10 Networks , for example . We are specialists in protecting the systems and networks on which the communications of modern life depend .
We are laser-focused on preventing malicious actors from achieving their agenda of catastrophic disruption . When designing , developing and marketing our products to the customer , we strongly believe that our purpose is to create safer , better networks . For me , that is meaningful work .
AS EMPLOYERS WITHIN THE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ,
IT IS IMPORTANT TO SHARE A VISION OF A CAREER THAT IS REWARDING IN ALL SENSES AND THAT
MEANS LOOKING BEYOND FINANCIAL BENEFITS TO THE WIDER ECOSYSTEM .
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