There are lots of papers, blogs and videos amplifying the challenge of the coming wave of Generation Y people, but I thought the video below communicates this better than most.  For those that don’t know, the Y Generation, or those born between the years 1982 and 2001, have been dubbed the “Net Generation” and have been found to use technology at a higher rate than members of any other generation.

By 2012, 52 per cent of the UK’s working population will be members of Generation Y, and they will be avid users of social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

As consumers of these social networks, these Gen Y’s are turning up to work at an enterprise and simply expect that social networks will be at their disposal.  Many will find that companies have blocked these sites to protect productivity and efficiency.   Those companies who block the use of social networking sites just don’t know how to utilise them appropriately to leverage their business.   There are big companies out there that have embraced them, and have been using social networking tools for years, tapping into the collaborative working opportunities that are available via the internet.   Staff who have access to these tools can communicate with clients via instant message.   They could join the Facebook groups of client companies or follow them on Twitter.  Millions of people are using Twitter to connect with their industry peers.  Also, think about the power of a manager being able to connect with employees immediately regardless of where they are….  This is all possible, and it doesn’t breach security if implemented correctly…    Speak to Varidion and start gaining the benefits of Web 2.0 today.