This a post trying to throw stones in the dark, do Indian companies and startups use Internet and Web 2.0 effectively? As a matter of fact, is it really required? And how do MNC’s stack up providing such IT tools to their employees? There is no hard data or survey that can be used to point out the trends. However, many things can be discerned from employee talk.

[ Millenials are the generation after 80′, Gen X was pre-internet, Gen Y is the late 90’s, post internet and above ]

 

Trends about what employees use at work from an article at cio.com The full article can be accessed here.

 

Figure 1. A study by Symantec shows usage of various Internet and Web 2.0 tools like IM, social-networking sites, by millenials as compared to others in the western corporate world

 

It’s a fact known that Indian biggies as well as outsourcing and consulting firms block Internet usage, specifically install proxies to filter traffic, some only let web mail sites, some actually block mail websites, IM installation and usage is a no-no. These are the typical trends with Indian IT houses. As can be seen from the figure 1. above the millenials and later generation use IM, gaming, streaming services over the internet, photo sharing apps, and social networking sites far more regularly and in greater numbers as compared to earlier generations and there is a need for adjustment for the corporate world as far as providing IT services is concerned. The Gen-Y IT has to circumnavigate the security issues and resolve conflicting questions to provide a balanced set of tools instead of blindly shutting out the younger members joining the workforce, it is mandate to be implemented.

However, the issue is quite different in the Indian scenario. What percentage of the workforce in Indian IT companies is likely to use or is well-versed with Web 2.0 tools? From the looks of it, we have a sad scenario of Internet blockage both to cut costs and the likelihood of considering such tools as work distractions rather than something that could help increase productivity. A cultural shift is required to change the mindset toward making Internet usage mandatory and using stuff like RSS, blogs, IM, social-networking in useful and creative ways to increase employee productivity. These have to be driven to the stage where such tools are considered as a factor in selection or joining of the company, a necessary point during career decision making. This in turn would boost the broadband penetration as a side effect, which is sorely lagging and languishing in a country of billion with economy booming.

The situation is a bit different as far as the Web 2.0 startups and recent Indian startups are concerned. They recognize social media, blogs and social-networking in a highly positive manner and take advantage of the same to market, promote and network in the dizzying world of fast changing dynamics. It is self evident from the blogs, barcamps, and open meets by these set of people to create awareness and spread the word not only about themselves and their product but also bring a new breed of work culture and methods  to transform old ways. There seems to be light at the end of tunnel, but companies in India really need to upgrade to Internet culture.

 

More data from the survey:

- 69 percent of Millennials will use whatever application/device/technology they want regardless of source or corporate IT policies (compared to 31 percent of workers in other generations).

- 47 percent of IT respondents feel younger workers pose a moderate to significant new challenge; 12 percent say they are more risk-savvy.

- Only 57 percent of both groups think they have been trained on their company’s policy regarding technology usage at work.

- Millennial workers have differing attitudes regarding technology use and adoption in a work environment, when compared to their older colleagues.

- When asked whether they feel entitled to use whatever application/device/technology they would like, regardless of source or corporate IT policies, 69 percent of Millennials said “yes” (only 31 percent of “other” workers’ fell into this category).

- 75 percent of millennials have downloaded software onto their work PC for personal use (only 25 percent of other workers have done so).

- Millennials indicate they are slightly more productive because of new technologies: 54 percent say productivity has been at least slightly improved (42 percent of â¬Üother workers’ claim at least some productivity improvements).