Streaming Videos @ Work: Is it a Generational Issue?

Last Wednesday I had a conversation with a number of friends over the previous day's
Inauguration festivities. The conversation focused on the historic nature of it, akin to one of those "where were you when..." moments. A few of my friends were livid because they were not allowed to watch it on their computers at work.

I posted on my Twitter & Facebook status, a question on the fairness of this policy and the response comments starting flowing. It was interesting to see the range of comments that I received especially considering the political range of friends I have spanning from long time conservative financial brokers to union organizers.  Though the conversation turned into an employer expectation/productivity vs. employee rights/flexibility, and then later a conservative vs. liberal ideology, I could not help but wonder if it was more of a generational issue?

Then, as if someone was thinking the same thing, I came across this article related to IT issues in the workplace. Essentially many Millennials are ignoring IT usage policies and CIOs and other managers are having to lay the smack down. In one report 90 percent of Gen Y workers have suffered consequences for bypassing the IT policies. (and this was in Canada!)

Another close friend of mind had secretly learned that her company had the technology and capability to allow people to work from home, but the management team decided against it, opining "it is counterproductive in building relationships with co-workers." I'm not sure I agree. (This place has also cut back on the number of interoffice social & charitable events they do as well.)

I had a followup conversation with a Millennial IT security guy (who has a side Web development business) at large company in town (who recently laid off a bunch of folks) to discuss this issue further. His take: "It is just too cost prohibitive for everyone to use the technology that's available", and his company was "concerned about the lost of proprietary info." I get that, but it also left me with a number of questions:

1. What good is having the technology if it can't be used?

2. If the technology can't be used, should an alternative be provided?

3. Even without the growth of social media, hasn't proprietary info been at risk?

4. Are Millennials being consulted when these decisions are being discuss. Should they?

Comments

[Mike Wagner]

Great questions Isaiah!

Technology is a wonderful servant but a terrible master.

Why not find a way to use it rather than prohibit it?

Also, good to see you this last Sunday night!

Keep creating...with abandon,
Mike

[Isaiah McGee]

It's a losing battle, in my opinion