In ten years, office workers will use comprehensive modern equipment, mainly interacting from home with colleagues they have never met in person. Computing devices will be as commonplace as household ovens.
Diane Morello, research director at the consulting firm Gartner, believes that the convergence of technology will integrate everyday life, family, and work, leading to the emergence of a workforce at home, known as “mobile employees” or “pajama teams” (working while still in their sleepwear).
“To believe what we are saying, you only need to look at today’s youth and their means of ‘self-expression’,” Gartner states.
Young people are equipping themselves with sophisticated personal technology for gaming, communication, and entertainment. They are also eager to share personal information across social forums, blogs, and instant messaging networks. Gartner cites the online diary platform Livejournal.com, which has 2.7 million accounts with an average member age of just 17.5.
“Employees in 2015 will view a computer as a common appliance, much like an oven is today,” Morello asserts. According to Gartner’s research director, IT companies will not only play the role of producing and introducing new devices but also need to function as trusted advisors in technology usage. Particularly, if businesses continue to think about owning and controlling employees, they will soon be “out of style” in ten years.
T.N. (according to The Age)
