It is graduation season and you know what that means! More millennials entering the workforce. Before we get started, I want to address that I am a millennial. (So be nice in the comments).

You have probably heard many myths about millennials and maybe you were even hesitant to work with a millennial. I want to take this time to address some of these myths and show you how unified communications can strengthen the relationship between millennials and your organization.

“Millenials are technology obsessed”

We may be technology obsessed, but it’s in a good way! Millennials have been raised on the norm of having a seamless experience with technology. We basically have been connected to the internet since we came out of the womb. Again, this is not a bad thing, especially when an older coworker comes to you asking how to make a spreadsheet. So, since technology is constantly changing and millennials are allegedly “technology obsessed”, what are organizations supposed to do?

Implement a proper UCaaS solution! UCaaS, also known as Unified Communications as a Service, connects all the methods you or your company use to communicate. Methods like:

• Instant Messaging
• Fax
• E-mail
• Conferencing
• Etc.

All of these methods are seamlessly connected with the devices you would use to communicate like:

• Mobile Phones
• Desk Phones
• Laptop
• Tablet
• Etc.

UCaaS applications like gloCOM or gloCOM GO give millennials a continuous flow of communication with colleagues and customers. They have the option to choose how they communicate in the most effective and efficient way.

“Millennials want a work-life balance”

Duh! Who wouldn’t want a work-life balance? Employees should work to live, not live to work. Older generations like Baby Boomers and Gen X are used to working a 9am-5pm lifestyle. At 5pm they are signing off for the day and heading home until the next workday. But technology today, especially mobile devices, gives employees the flexibility and freedom to work where and when they want.

Blending work and life allows employees to always be “on” even when they are “offline”. This allows them to get a head start to the day and stay on top of emails while on vacation, and then they do not feel guilty for taking one too many Buzzfeed quizzes while at work. Unified communication mobile applications, like gloCOM GO, allow millennials to be part of a conference call while on their way to their daughter’s recital. If you provide the tools to work from home or on the go, it will allow your employees to pursue their dreams and travel plans. In return, you gain happy, productive employees!

“Millennials are picky with technology”

iOS vs Android. The constant battle of who is better. Don’t worry I am not going to get into the benefits of each platform or who is dominating the market, but we do have a lot more options than we did 20+ years ago for technology. You can decide between Android, iOS or Windows, but then you have to pick between using a desktop, laptop or tablet. Do you want a mobile device or a desk phone? Or both? How about all of the above?

There are so many options that an employee should not have to choose! Nor should they be forced into using a solution they are not familiar with. Implementing a BYOD friendly workplace is the best solution to this problem. BYOD (bring your own device) is when an employee can use their own familiar device(s) for work.

Among other benefits, BYOD mainly benefits the employee’s productivity. When an employee is familiar with the device, it will take them less time to complete tasks and they avoid having to Google questions like “how to screenshot on PC”.

Most UCaaS solutions on the market are BYOD friendly. Bicom Systems gloCOM is compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu Linux. gloCOM can be used on both Google Android and Apple iOS.

If your workplace hasn’t implemented a suitable unified communications platform, you are going to have a hard time retaining talent. Competition is stiffer than ever, so why not offer solutions that attract millennials and also benefit your company? It is time to embrace millennials and embrace unified communications in your workplace!

Take a look at our website to learn more about gloCOM and gloCOM GO or send our sales team an email at sales@bicomsystems.com. (Maybe it will be a millennial who answers it)