The mobile workforce is rapidly expanding. More and more organizations are viewing flexibility, or flexi-work practices as a strategy, not as a perk. The market intelligence firm IDC estimates that worldwide mobile worker population will increase from just over 1 billion in 2010 to more than 1.3 billion by 2015. It is clear that the trend toward creating a more mobile workforce is here to stay, and in fact -- and is growing exponentially.
But are these non-traditional work environments deepening the generation gap? It doesn't have too...
Are these non-traditional work arrangements making older, more experienced employees feel like they're falling behind their younger counterparts in terms of technology and embracing this new style of working? It doesn't have to be the result of shifting to this new workplace style. For employees of all generations, working is now considered more of a lifestyle or experience, rather than just a paycheck. The flexibility and work environment afforded by the new mobile workplace is a lifestyle that can be embraced by a diverse range of workers for different reasons. The younger generation expects mobility, flexibility and new technologies that keep "work" exciting and fresh. The older generations can learn to appreciate a new level of choice and flexibility both in the office and at home with family.
It's not only this common vision of what work should be that is cross-generational. Increasingly user-friendly mobile work technology, and proper training on its uses, is creating a greater comfort level for managers and employees adopting these new practices.
The largest factor in both manager and employee buy-in and adoption is: Training.
Training must go beyond how to use mobile workforce technology – great training also needs to address how everyone is expected to work within the new mobile workplace. A collaborative, efficient and productive mobile workplace requires managers who understand how to manage a mobile workforce, and workers who understand how to perform well in that environment. This is where the AgilWork Mobile Worker Training services, such as e-Learning, are valuable.
e-Learning is an easy and effective way to train employees as they can take the classes wherever they are already working without having to sit in a classroom. AgilQuest's AgilWork e-Learning modules are on-demand, self-paced web training sessions, which lead users through the ideas, practices and changes in the new mobile workplace. The modules are designed to prepare managers and workers for producing and collaborating remotely. Because they are an on-demand resource, these same modules are always accessible as a reference whenever a manager has a question about how to manage remote workers, or when a mobile worker needs help participating or communicating from home or on the road. An integrated approach to work practice and workplace is key for better adoption and usage.
