By 2030, 74% of the workforce will be comprised of Millennial and Generation Z workers. Because technology will be decisive in satisfying the next-gen workforce, Forrester has unveiled new research that outlines the tech preferences of both groups, in comparison with Generation X and Baby Boomers.

Key findings include the following:

  • Gen Z and Millennials want choice when it comes to tech selection. They also depart from older generations across five key tech areas, according to Forrester:
    • Hardware: One-third of Gen Z workers who prefer to use a laptop for work want a two-in-one laptop as their next machine, compared with just 23% and 17% of Gen X and Baby Boomers.
    • Software: Younger workers still use core productivity tools, but not as much.
    • Security: Younger workers are more likely to circumvent security policies in the name of productivity; 46% of Gen Z workers want to choose the security software their device uses. Just 20% of Baby Boomers feel the same.
    • Privacy: Twenty-three percent of Gen Z and 21% of Millennial workers are concerned about their company accessing personal data on personal devices they use for work, compared with just 14% for Gen X and 9% for Baby Boomers.
    • Location: While Gen Z workers are less likely to work at home, they’re more likely to work in a variety of locations, such as co-working spaces, while commuting, or in multiple locations in the office.
  • To ultimately improve employee tech experience, companies must embrace five key processes: conduct vigorous research, build personas, personalize the experience, monitor the digital experience continuously, and prepare for constant change.

Members of the media can contact press@forrester.com to access this research. Forrester Senior Analyst Andrew Hewitt is also available for media interviews to discuss this topic further.