The COVID-19 pandemic has likely only catalyzed and more strongly exposed a widespread desire among the workforce of later generations, especially individuals considered to be so-called “Gen Z” and “Millennials”. “. Desire for a job shaped on the principle of flexibilityfrom which remote and hybrid working formulas were born, based on the benefits for individuals and society in general, including: cost savings, more time for friends and family and a better balance between work and private life .
Lenovo conducted a study involving more than 15,000 people in 10 different markets and discovered how willing so-called “knowledge workers” are to change their everyday environment and perform remote work activities, while contributing to the community in which they find themselves. In particular, no less than 70% of GenZ and millennial respondents say – even predictably – that prefer to work longer hours from a dream remote location of their choice rather than commuting to the office every day.
Work for Humankind: Work remotely and help support a local community
Here is the opportunity, with the announcement of the initiative work for humanity: actively contribute to the well-being of a community while working from one of the most remote places in the world thanks to some of the most advanced technologies. The initiative is open to anyone who wishes to participate and at the location chosen for the project Robinson Crusoe Island: a destination more than 640 km west of mainland Chile and one of the most ecologically rich places on the planet.
Volunteers can apply before December 30, 2021 on the site www.lenovowfh.com and will be selected based on a range of skills, experiences and specialties. They will have the opportunity to spend time on Robinson Crusoe Island where they can continue to carry out their work remotely and at the same time contribute to some recovery projects for the benefit of the local community, thanks to the collaboration also as with the same community also with the non-profit organization Island Conservation.
David Will, Innovation Island Conservation Manager, said:
We look forward to working closely with Lenovo and the Robinson Crusoe Island community on this exciting new initiative, which is expected to have a hugely positive and lasting impact on the island. Innovation will allow us to develop the necessary connectivity solutions, which will accelerate our ability to implement effective conservation actions. This will allow us to preserve the rich island habitat and endangered species that call this beautiful place home. This will strengthen our ability to work with island communities in the region in the years to come, preventing the extinction of globally threatened species..
The island today faces many challenges in an ever-changing world: access to education and health care, habitat degradation and the impact of invasive species. The local community, Island Conservation and the Chilean government have initiated a number of projects over the past decade, which are often hampered by telecommunications and technology challenges. The island community is committed to the protection of its natural and cultural heritage and intends to achieve sustainability objectives in an autonomous way, by satisfying food and energy needs and the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage.
Pablo Manrquez Angulo, Mayor of Robinson Crusoe Island, added:
We are thrilled to partner with Lenovo and welcome volunteers from around the world to our island. We are excited to get started and see the positive impact volunteers can make to our community and the biodiversity and ecosystems of Robinson Crusoe Island.
Lenovo is creating a cutting-edge technology hub with a range of devices, services and technology solutions from the company’s smart device group, including high-speed internet connectivity, that will help the island achieve its goals of equip volunteers with tools to do their jobs remotely, while volunteering to support conservation projects in this haven of wildlife and cultural diversity. Lenovo aims to generate lasting and lasting value that the community can count on to support the goals even after the conclusion of the volunteer project, which includes the development of infrastructure to increase Internet bandwidth to at least 10 Mbps. To this end, a fund will be set up that will allow the maintenance of the community hub and support for community projects.
Digital is at the heart of work flexibility
The Work for Humankind project aims to demonstrate what is possible by combining skills, advanced technologies and connectivity, and the will to contribute to overcoming humanity’s most important challenges and in particular to highlight how digital is central to allow the flexibility desired by knowledge workers who aspire to have a remote work environment that allows them to contribute to the well-being of the community.
Emily Ketchen, Vice President and CMO Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo, commented:
People are increasingly recognizing the importance of doing good and the role of technology as an enabler, due to the impact the pandemic has had on our lives, but also the growing interest in sustainability issues. To achieve certain goals, we need to approach a new way of working, leveraging technology. 79% of respondents believe technology and industry leaders are essential to enabling people to work from anywhere. Companies like Lenovo should be driving this change. That’s why we thought of Work for Humankind, to draw attention to the importance of individual well-being and that of our communities, showing how technology can help us achieve both.”
Lenovo survey data reveals that more than three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennial respondents feel more productive, creative and inspired when working remotely. There is also a younger workforce mentality about their willingness to help make a positive difference no matter where they work, because 86% of Gen Z respondents stress the importance of bringing attention to environmental and social issues and supporting the local community in which they work.
Among the main results of the study:
- Four in five people aged 18-40 say working from anywhere benefits society, communities, employers and employees
- 61% think it’s “very important” to give something back and have a positive impact on the local community (up to 68% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials)
- 91% of Millennials say it is very important to stimulate the local economy in Work from Anywhere mode
- 60% of respondents believe today’s technology has allowed them to work more flexibly, increase productivity and reach their full potential (rising to 67% of Gen Z and 66% of Gen Y )
Among the Italians interviewed, in particular:
- 76% of Italian respondents are excited about new emerging technology that will make it easier to work efficiently from anywhere
- Over 70% of Italians surveyed say ‘working from anywhere’ would improve their personal relationships
- 63% of respondents said they were willing to work from anywhere in the world, and nearly two-thirds (65%) of Italians are happy to work longer hours if it means being able to do it remotely.