Video: The Social Workplace

IBM recently hosted a videocast on “The Social Workplace” featuring Dr. Jennifer Beal from the Center of Creative Leadership, Jennifer Okimoto from IBM Global Services, Sameer Patel of Sovos Group and Gen Y/millennial blogger Josip Petrusa. The group discussed generational differences in the workplace and enterprise collaboration.

Sponsor

Here’s a highlight reel from the videocast, the whole thing is here.

A few takeaway points:

• Social media will be driven by customer expectations. Customers expect to be able to connect with real people from companies.
• Once people are in the workplace for a few years, there are few generational differences in what they want at work.
• On the other hand, there remain technological differences between generations. The younger the person, the more likely they are to be willing to break IT policies by using unapproved technology that helps them work more efficiently. It’s a catch-22 – the workers are more productive, but legal risks are increased.
• Enterprises that want workers to collaborate need to reward collaboration tangibly.

Just for fun, here’s Dilbert’s take on social media in the work place (hat tip: R “Ray” Wang)

Discuss