Posts

What is Multimodal Communication & Why Your Workforce Needs It in 2025

/0 Comments/in /by

Understanding ‘Multimodal’

Multimodal communication is about seamlessly integrating various communication channels into a unified platform, empowering employees with a toolkit they can use to address customer needs in real-time. Connect with customers via:

  • Phone calls
  • Video meetings
  • Instant messaging
  • Screen sharing
  • And more!

These multimodal options work across a mix of devices – from traditional desktop and mobile devices to industry-specific devices such as DECT phones in hospitality settings or HiMed Bedside Terminals in healthcare organizations.

Think of it as equipping your workforce with a Swiss Army knife of communication tools, each designed for a specific purpose and ready to be used at a moment’s notice.

Why Multimodal Matters

  • Breaking Down Silos: Multimodal communication bridges the gap between teams, knowledge workers, and back-office staff. It enables instant access to experts, information, and support, fostering a more collaborative work environment.
  • Empowerment Through Information: Multimodal tools allow employees to quickly access knowledge bases, product information, and training materials, empowering them to handle inquiries more effectively.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Multimodal communication improves customer interaction. Imagine an employee using video chat to demonstrate a product or screen sharing to guide a customer through a complex process.

The Power of Partnership: Humans and Virtual Agents

AI-powered virtual agents can handle routine tasks, answer frequently asked questions, and even triage customer inquiries, freeing employees to focus on more personal issues that require a human touch.

When a virtual agent encounters a situation that requires human intervention, it can seamlessly transfer the interaction to a live agent, along with all relevant context and information.

Implementing for Success

Your local TCI experts make adopting new technology easy. We work with you to design the right communication experiences so you can achieve your business objectives:

  • Choosing the Right Platform: The ideal multimodal platform will meet your customers where they are and integrate with existing business systems. We focus on solutions that provide the resiliency, security, and compliance required to protect your customer data during normal day-to-day operations, and that can adapt during crises.
  • Training and Adoption: It’s essential to equip your employees with the skills and confidence to use new communication tools. TCI gets your team up to speed on our services’ intuitive interfaces, and we provide ongoing support and training sessions to maximize the benefits of multimodal communication.

    • Multimodal communication is more than just a technology upgrade; it’s a strategic investment in employees and customers. By empowering teams with the right tools and information, you can unlock new levels of efficiency, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.

    Reach out to TCI to discuss technology solutions that will help your business get ahead in 2025. Contact us today at (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

     

Power More Connections: How TCI Helps Our Customers Grow with the Latest UCC Solutions

/0 Comments/in /by

The business landscape demands more than basic communication tools. TCI has evolved to meet today’s hybrid workplace demands.

We design, deploy, and support sophisticated unified communications and collaboration (UCC) solutions that drive real business value and strengthen connections…

  • Hybrid Workplace Solutions – A hybrid cloud approach combines on-premises security with cloud flexibility, enabling organizations to maintain control while scaling operations efficiently. This infrastructure supports AI integration and rapid service deployment, ensuring businesses stay competitive.
  • Enhanced Security and Control – Our hybrid architecture provides enterprise-grade security and data control, essential for modern business operations. Our clients can confidently manage sensitive communications while maintaining compliance standards.
  • Vertical-Specific Optimization – Industry-tailored solutions integrate seamlessly with existing technology stacks, maximizing ROI and operational efficiency. From healthcare to finance, each solution addresses sector-specific challenges and requirements.

Future-Ready Communication

Modern UCC is a strategic asset that drives competitive advantage in today’s business environment. TCI’s solutions empower organizations to:

  • Adapt quickly to changing business needs
  • Enable seamless collaboration across locations
  • Support mission-critical communications
  • Leverage new AI capabilities

For UCC solutions that drive business growth and innovation, contact TCI: (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

Preparing Your Organization for the Gen Z Workforce

/0 Comments/in /by

As Gen Z enters the workforce, businesses must adapt to attract, retain, and maximize the potential of this tech-savvy generation. Here are some key strategies to prepare your organization for the future:

Be open to Flexible Work Arrangements

Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance and autonomy in their professional lives. To appeal to these young talents:

  • Offer flexible schedules that accommodate personal needs
  • Implement remote or hybrid work models
  • Provide opportunities for in-person collaboration and mentorship

By 2030, Gen Z will constitute about 30% of the workforce. Embracing flexibility now will position your company as an attractive employer for this growing demographic.

Exploit Cutting-Edge Digital Tools and AI

Having grown up in a digital-first world, Gen Z new hires expect seamless technological integration in their work environment. To meet these expectations:

  • Invest in comprehensive unified communications and collaboration platforms
  • Incorporate AI capabilities to enhance productivity and decision-making
  • Implement features like calendar integration, document management, and text-to-speech functionality

Encourage a Purpose-Driven Work Culture

Younger generations seek more than just a paycheck; they want their work to have meaning and a positive impact. To engage Gen Z:

  • Clearly communicate your organization’s mission and values
  • Provide opportunities for employees to contribute to socially responsible initiatives
  • Create a workplace culture that emphasizes purpose and meaningful contributions

Aligning your company’s values with theirs will be crucial for attraction and retention.

Take Action Now

By embracing these strategies, you can better prepare your organization for the incoming workforce and future-proof your operations. Gen Z brings unique skills and perspectives that can drive innovation and growth.

Adapting your workplace to their needs and expectations will ensure you harness their full potential. Remember, the future of work is evolving rapidly.

Start implementing these changes today to position your company as an employer of choice for the next generation of talent. Call (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

Game-Changing Ways AI Contact Centers Enhance Customer Service

/0 Comments/in /by

In today’s fast-paced business world, customer service holds unprecedented significance. With customer expectations rising, delivering prompt and personalized service has become crucial in retaining a loyal customer base and staying competitive.

That’s where contact center solutions step in, playing a vital role in helping businesses of all sizes elevate their customer service and support standards. However, with ever-expanding customer demands, contact center solutions must evolve to keep pace. Enter AI – the game-changer.

AI-powered contact center solutions are revolutionizing how businesses interact with their customers, enabling faster and more personalized service than ever before. Integrating AI into contact centers has several key benefits, highlighting how this innovative technology transforms customer experiences and adapts to the hybrid work environment. Let’s explore them…

1. Automating Repetitive Tasks for Empowering Human Agents

One of the standout advantages of AI-powered contact center solutions is their ability to automate repetitive tasks, such as call routing and answering frequently asked questions. By delegating these mundane responsibilities to AI, human agents can shift their focus to handling more complex tasks that demand empathy and problem-solving skills. This synergistic collaboration empowers agents to excel in their roles while elevating the overall quality of customer interactions.

2. Support through AI-Powered Chatbots

With AI-driven chatbots taking center stage, businesses can offer round-the-clock customer support. This ensures that customers can obtain assistance whenever required, regardless of the time zone or operational hours. Such continuous support boosts customer satisfaction and fosters a sense of reliability and dependability that customers appreciate.

3. Personalized Service through Data Analysis

AI-driven algorithms can anticipate customer needs by analyzing past interactions and providing tailored recommendations or solutions. This personalized approach significantly enhances the customer experience, increasing loyalty and retention rates. By harnessing the power of AI, businesses can forge deeper connections with their customers and better address their unique preferences and requirements.

4. Boosting Efficiency and Data-Driven Decisions

AI-driven contact center solutions streamline operations by automating repetitive tasks and offering real-time insights into customer behavior. With improved efficiency, businesses can operate more smoothly and make data-driven decisions that enhance overall performance and customer satisfaction.

5. Enhancing Hybrid Work Models with AI-Powered Contact Centers

The rise of hybrid work models, where employees split their time between remote and in-office work, has reshaped how businesses approach customer service. As nearly seven in 10 US workers now prefer the flexibility of hybrid work, contact centers must adapt to these new dynamics. AI-powered contact center solutions are perfectly positioned to facilitate this transition, ensuring that employees can deliver top-tier customer service regardless of location.

6. Seamless Integration Across Hybrid Work Environments

AI-powered contact center solutions can integrate seamlessly with modern Unified Communications (UC) systems, enabling a consistent experience across different work environments. Whether employees are in the office or working remotely, AI can help maintain a high standard of service by providing tools that are accessible from anywhere. This includes AI-driven call routing, which ensures that calls are directed to the most suitable agents regardless of their physical location, and AI-powered analytics that offer insights into performance across different work settings.

7. Boosting Employee Productivity and Experience in Hybrid Settings

AI’s role extends beyond just improving customer service; it also enhances the employee experience in hybrid models. For example, AI-driven Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools can assist remote workers by transcribing meetings, summarizing action items, and even translating conversations in real-time. This ensures that all team members have equal access to crucial information regardless of where they work, leading to more effective communication and collaboration.

8. Anticipating Trends and Customer Preferences

AI’s prowess lies in its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and predict future customer behavior. By staying ahead of the curve, businesses can proactively respond to emerging trends and changing customer preferences. This predictive capability becomes a potent tool in tailoring services to meet customer needs even before they articulate them.

9. Driving Continuous Improvement through Customer Feedback Analysis

Another crucial aspect of AI-powered contact center solutions is their capability to analyze and leverage customer feedback. Through sentiment analysis and feedback categorization, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer pain points and areas that require improvement. This data-driven feedback loop allows companies to continually enhance their services, showing customers that their opinions are valued and making them feel more connected to the brand.

10. Enhanced Security and Fraud Detection

AI-powered contact center solutions also play a pivotal role in enhancing security and fraud detection. By analyzing customer interactions in real-time, AI can identify potential security threats and detect fraudulent activities more effectively. This proactive approach safeguards customers’ sensitive information and strengthens their trust in the brand.

11. Intelligent Call Routing for Improved Customer Experience

AI-powered contact center solutions enhance call routing by intelligently directing inquiries to the most suitable agents based on various factors, including the nature of the query, the agent’s expertise, and the customer’s interaction history. This precision in call routing ensures that customers are connected with the right agents quickly, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall customer experience. By efficiently matching customer needs with agent skills, businesses can resolve issues more effectively and boost customer satisfaction.

Embrace the AI-Powered Future

AI is revolutionizing contact center solutions in multifaceted ways. By embracing AI-powered contact center solutions, businesses can deliver faster, more personalized service and remain competitive in today’s dynamic business landscape. In a world where customer service reigns supreme, AI presents the key to unlocking unparalleled success and customer loyalty. The time to harness AI’s transformative potential is now.

Ready to take your contact center to the next level? Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

Zoom & Mitel Announce AI Hybrid Communications & Collaboration Solution

/0 Comments/in /by

A big announcement from Zoom and Mitel is putting the spotlight on their upcoming hybrid service bringing together best-of-both-worlds collaboration, advanced AI and voice capabilities.

Press Release here

Their unified communications and collaboration (UCC) solution combines the versatility of Zoom’s cloud-delivered services with the customer control of Mitel’s privately hosted and on-premises solutions.

Together, Zoom and Mitel will deliver security and control for your mission-critical communications, integrated with seamless collaboration that can improve your business continuity posture and boost your team’s productivity.

Taking Hybrid Experience to the Next Level

Zoom Workplace and Mitel’s Common Communication Framework support deep integration with your most valued business and vertical applications. Get the most out of your communication solutions with application integrations for your frontline and knowledge workers.

Business Continuity and Resiliency

Enjoy peace of mind knowing you have outstanding security protecting your best-in-class meeting experience. Seamlessly access Zoom Phone and Workplace, while taking advantage of your existing Mitel investments. Leverage the latest technologies with the Powerful Zoom AI Companion.

Deeply Integrated Workspace Meeting Experience

Enjoy a fully embedded, feature-rich UC and mobile app experience with no add-ons or plug-ins. You can use Zoom Phone with embedded support for Mitel’s Business platforms – deployed on-premises or hosted in the cloud.

If your organization needs a way to bring Zoom and Mitel together, let’s get the conversation started. Contact us at (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

Take Your CU to the Next Level and Amaze Your Members with the Latest Communication Solutions

/0 Comments/in /by

TCI and Mitel customize Financial Services solutions that deliver amazing digital experiences for both your valued members and your staff…

Check out how this can work for your CU – Video 2:50 minutes

Local Credit Unions Trust TCI

Regardless of where your employees work (branch, head office, contact center, home) and which department they work in (Accounts, Loans, Investments, Cards, Mobile/Online, Services), TCI has the desk phones, mobile devices, voice/messaging/video apps, contact center solutions, compliance recording tools, and emergency notification applications they need to be effective, productive, and engaged.

Elevate Customer Satisfaction to New Heights

Our suite of customer experience management and workforce optimization solutions can provide your clients with automated self-service as well as personalized, human-assisted services that increase Customer Satisfaction scores by removing friction from the customer experience.

Digital Transformation on Your Terms

  • Retain and Attract Members – TCI’s omnichannel CX solutions improve First-Contact Resolution (FCR), Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) by improving the digital experience. Members can interact with you on their preferred channel (phone, email, SMS, Web chat, Virtual Assistant, social media, etc.) in both self-service and human-assisted service modes.
  • Increase Profitability – Steer routine customer interactions to low-cost, AI-powered, self-service virtual assistants and allow human agents to deliver more personalized client care. Reduce operating costs and improve margins with flexible deployment and payment options from TCI that allow you to choose the most cost-effective UC service option for your credit union.
  • Integration – Regardless of where you are on your digital transformation journey, TCI and Mitel’s Financial Services Solutions’ open APIs allow you to integrate seamlessly with your FinTech partners through an extensive Developer Program for custom applications and integrations. You can improve identity management with speech biometrics, mitigate fraud risk with speech analytics, and more.

Flexible, Reliable, and Easy to Use

  • Phone Systems – Take advantage of an exceptionally feature-rich unified communications platform that can be deployed on-premises, in the private/public cloud, or in a hybrid model with desk phones and soft phone options for employees working in the main office, branches, contact center, or remotely from home.
  • Contact Centers – Get everything you need to operate a world-class customer experience center including built-in workflow designer, speech IVR, AI-powered voice/chatbots and agent assist, historical reporting, and real-time dashboards.
  • Workforce Optimization – Empower your employees with interaction recording, quality management, coaching and learning, speech analytics, and workforce management solutions that are proven to increase both the efficiency of your organization and the quality of your customer experience.

Our team of experts is ready to help you design, deploy and support a customized solution that’s right for your credit union. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

Making Hybrid Work Successful with the Latest UC Capabilities

/0 Comments/in /by

A recent survey shows that nearly 7 in 10 workers prefer the option of a hybrid work model, meaning companies that are laser-focused on the Return-To-Work movement without flexibility are losing out on top talent. Navigating this shifting work dynamic can be challenging, but today’s workplaces must evolve to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

An organization’s UC technology can play an important role in this evolution. Modern UC solutions go well beyond voice telephony and, by incorporating omnichannel communication and emerging technologies like AI, are smart investments that allow employers and employees to stay ahead of the curve. When implemented wisely, they can streamline day-to-day operations and make the hybrid work model seamless without compromising the experience and effectiveness of employees.

4 Challenges in Migrating to a Hybrid Work Model

1.   One of the biggest challenges organizations often face when embracing hybrid work is finding the proper way to ensure navigation across a mix of collaboration apps and tools. This has usually meant looking at public cloud deployments. However, that isn’t the only option and, in many cases, may not be the best approach.

2.   Market research by Frost & Sullivan shows that by 2027, more than three-quarters of organizations will be operating hybrid (a blend of cloud and premises-based) telephony environments. That can mean collaboration and conferencing in the public cloud, telephony, and vertical solutions on-premises or in hosted or private clouds. While not all workloads can be migrated to the cloud, TCI can help you find a customized mix that will work for your specific needs to ensure seamless interoperability between specific tools, simplifying daily work for your employees.

3.   Another challenge for the hybrid working model is that remote workers often feel disconnected in these environments. Business leaders can leverage technology to bring remote and in-person teams closer together. The right communication solutions can provide a consistent experience that serves your entire workforce.

4.   You’ll also need to look closer at how your teams handle the security of business data and define processes for protecting communication privacy for individuals. Compliance can be a concern in regulated industries like finance, government and healthcare, so you’ll want to ensure your tools comply with applicable regulations. TCI offers a range of compliant solutions.

Tech Solutions: 5G, AI, Communication Tools

Get up to speed on new technologies that can impact hybrid work and the ability to work from anywhere. To retain top talent, get familiar with the advantages of technologies like 5G, AI, and new communication tools to make hybrid work successful in your organization.

  • 5G offers enhanced mobility at faster speeds with low latency. This, coupled with support for IoT devices such as a paramedic’s radio, location sensors on hospital equipment and patient monitoring devices, make it an excellent investment for those looking to explore the hybrid world.
  • Of course, AI is already being embraced across industries as it streamlines and automates routine processes and helps workers communicate. Natural Language Processing (NLP), a machine learning technology, can help with meeting transcription, translation, and summarization to streamline the development of post-meeting materials such as action items and meeting minutes. NLP can also improve video conferencing, document sharing, and more.
  • Different communication tools such as team workspaces, collaboration platforms, desktop sharing, specialized vertical devices, and instant messages help keep distributed teams connected. Look for communications technology that offers a single experience across multiple devices, so it is easy for employees to switch between work environments without any hassle.

Creating a Seamless Transition

With the continued normalization of hybrid work, there will be a growing emphasis on the interoperability of UC systems. It will be crucial for all workers to have access to technology that works in tandem with their in-office tools so they can work anytime, anywhere. This is especially true for verticals like healthcare and hospitality. For example, bedside infotainment terminals in hospitals can allow patients to communicate directly with nurses and doctors, even if they are off-site. AI virtual assistants can help during and after a call to recap decisions, follow up on action items, and summarize results.

Other critical capabilities for hybrid workers involve equalizing the remote user experience in meetings with the team in an office conference space. This can be achieved by bringing immersive experience capabilities to conference calls, including augmented reality and AI-supported meeting moderation, to increase meeting effectiveness and remote user engagement.

The Power of Next-Gen UC Solutions

In today’s hybrid work environment, having the right UC solutions makes all the difference. With features that offer integration with other technologies like office suites, project management, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms, modern UC solutions aided by AI and immersive experience tech are set to revolutionize how we work.

By investing in such solutions, you can catalyze more efficient work and foster seamless connections between employees and employers, ultimately reducing stress and boosting productivity and engagement.

Contact your local TCI team today to learn how to engage and empower your hybrid workforce with today’s UC technology: (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

What Does AI Have in Store for UC This Year?

/0 Comments/in /by

Strategic AI Deployments in Business are Happening

A Gartner survey indicates that 60% of organizations have integrated AI into their operations, with many using it to enhance decision-making and customer experiences using AI-enabled tools like virtual assistants.

Many business leaders are focused on identifying strategic AI use cases that support their organizational goals. AI, particularly generative AI, is poised to significantly transform unified communications (UC) in 2024 and in the years ahead. Consider the following key areas where AI can enhance your communication strategies:

  • AI Integration and Automation: AI will become more deeply embedded in UC platforms, offering features such as intelligent virtual assistants, predictive analytics, and advanced automation. These capabilities are expected to enhance efficiency by providing actionable insights, automating task creation, and streamlining scheduling processes.
  • Generative AI Applications: Generative AI will expand its role beyond simple tasks like meeting summaries and predictive text. It will be used to analyze real-time conversations, extract key data points, and provide actionable insights to decision-makers, thereby facilitating quicker and more informed decision-making.
  • Enhanced Security Measures: As cyber threats evolve, UC platforms will implement more sophisticated security measures, including advanced encryption methods and threat detection capabilities, to protect sensitive business communications.
  • Increased Use of Video Communication: With the rise of remote work, video communication will become even more critical. UC providers will enhance video conferencing capabilities, offering higher-quality video and audio, better connectivity, and more collaborative features.
  • Integration with IoT: The Internet of Things (IoT) will become more integrated with UC platforms, enabling new levels of connectivity and data sharing across devices. This integration will support remote monitoring, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Data-Centric Communication Strategies: AI and data analytics will become central to UC strategies, shifting the focus from traditional communication channels to more data-driven approaches. This will enable more informed, agile, and responsive operations.

These advancements highlight the transformative potential of AI in Unified Communications, promising to make interactions more meaningful and workflows more efficient.

Embracing AI advancements will enable organizations to remain competitive and responsive in an evolving digital landscape. Start thinking about your potential use cases and fostering a culture that is open to integrating AI to enhance human capabilities and drive business outcomes.

Thinking about adding new technology and capabilities to get more from your UC platform? Talk to your local experts. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.
 



6 Essential Communications Features for Your Frontline Workers

/0 Comments/in /by

Roughly 70 percent of the American workforce is in frontline positions, filling essential customer-facing roles. They’re on the front lines, quite literally, of the industries making the world go round, including:

  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Manufacturing and construction
  • Retail and customer service
  • Hospitality and food preparation
  • Public safety
  • Fulfillment and delivery

In the past few years, the frontline field has expanded as gig work like ridesharing and food delivery services becomes more prevalent. Frontline employees are more likely to have hourly, shift, or part-time positions, sometimes working multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Communication is central to the success of all frontline workers since many serve as the public’s first point of contact with their organization. Others, like construction or public safety workers, may require reliable communication methods for safety issues.

Equipping these essential employees with modern, intuitive, and durable communication tools enables them to deliver exceptional service, make informed decisions, and stay connected to their coworkers. As the frontline landscape continues to expand and evolve, investments in collaboration and communications solutions are central to supporting these critical roles.

Essential Customized Tools

Effective communication is vital for frontline employees to excel in their dynamic work environments. However, their needs differ significantly from those of traditional, office-based employees.

Communication requirements vary widely from job to job. A clerk in a hotel lobby may use very different tools than a laborer on a manufacturing floor. No matter where they are, frontline workers require solutions that integrate seamlessly into their unique workflows.

The ideal unified communications and collaboration (UCC) solution isn’t just about making calls or sending messages (although it must do that, too) – it should have features that enhance frontline workers’ efficiency, keep them connected, and empower them to do their best work.

These capabilities include:

1. AI-augmented Capabilities – AI can provide critical support for employees in customer service roles. AI-powered chatbots can handle basic client interactions or assist human agents with conversation histories, sentiment analysis, or even suggesting courses of action.

2. Seamless Connectivity – In professions where time is of the essence, like nursing or public safety, the ability to reach the right person can make a big difference. Simplified call trees and emergency response solutions make critical calls faster for healthcare and safety workers.

3. Hardware for Demanding Environments – The frontline workplace demands hardware that is as durable and easy to use. Whether on a warehouse floor, hospital, or construction site, DECT handsets and other devices must be high-performing and long-lasting.

4. Location-agnostic Systems – Frontline workers may not have fixed office locations, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have consistent communication experiences. Providing on-the-go tools for on-site, remote, or mobile employees means they can efficiently work wherever they are.

5. Multimodal Communications – Sometimes, a video call is faster than a text chat. Collaboration and communications software seamlessly switches between video, voice, and text, allowing colleagues to work together efficiently.

6. Industry-specific Integrations – Frontline professionals have particular needs, so it’s essential to have a communications partner who understands the unique requirements of each industry and can tailor their solutions to their customers.

TCI helps you tackle the challenges of frontline work.

Frontline work is constantly evolving. TCI offers flexible, industry-specific unified communications, collaboration, and contact center solutions that grow and develop alongside your business to ensure your workforce always has the latest technology to do their jobs.

When frontline operations require multiple systems, seamless integration is vital to efficient workflows. Need API integrations with your critical business apps? We support your need to create a comprehensive communications ecosystem that gives your employees the information they need when they need it.

We offer market-leading DECT handsets for your essential employees on the go. For instance, Mitel offers a popular, rugged 700d DECT phone series that features extended battery capacity, ambient noise filters, and secure communications. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, your frontline workers will have an efficient workspace at their fingertips.

From secure, high-quality communications and user-friendly collaboration software to durable hardware with easy installation and reliable customer support, TCI has what it takes to support your frontline team.

Give us a call: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.
 

Gen Z & Gen Alpha – Tips for Preparing Your Organization for Them

/0 Comments/in /by

Gen Zers and Alphas are digital natives — they’ve grown up alongside smartphones and tablets. They’ve always had information and communications tools at their fingertips and are incredibly comfortable experimenting with the latest technology and AI.

Who Are Gen Z and Gen Alpha?

  • Gen Z is defined as those born between 1995 and 2012. The oldest are starting their careers and the youngest are in middle school.
  • Gen Alphas’ birthdays range from 2013 to 2025. The oldest are beginning to pick up summer jobs and the newest members have yet to be born.

By the end of 2024, Gen Z will outnumber boomers in the workforce and are poised to overtake millennials by 2040. By the end of 2025, there will be two billion Alphas worldwide, making them the largest generation in history.

The Impact of Gen Z and Gen Alpha on the Work Landscape

Driven by a sense of purpose, they’re more likely to take control of their careers, frequently switching companies or working multiple part-time roles to get the flexibility they desire.

As more and more members of Gen Z enter the workforce, they struggle to reconcile their expectations of work with those of their employers. Companies have concerns about Gen Z’s experience, professionalism, and work ethic, with 36% of hiring managers admitting to age bias regarding their youngest hires.

Years of remote school and work mean Gen Z may have some catching up to do when it comes to navigating the work landscape. However, professional language and business dress — once office staples — are no longer the status quo in the new workplace. The new approach to work is less traditional and a little more personal. Video conferences have become much more informal over the last few years, and other communication tools like team chats make work seem more like an extension of their everyday lives.

After spending so much time online, Gen Z is looking to gain experience in the physical office. In fact, 74% prefer a hybrid schedule, and only 11% prefer to stay completely remote. They’re looking forward to experiences that can’t be replicated online, like in-person collaboration, mentorship, and office culture.

Despite their managers’ concerns, 64% of Gen Zers say they like their jobs, and 81% believe they’re good workers. A lifetime on social media means they’re the most well-connected generation yet. The future Gen Z (and Alpha to come) workforce will be tightly knit, socially driven, and technologically advanced.

Although leaders may be concerned about hiring Gen Zers and Alphas, they should embrace their strengths. Given the right tools and the room to grow, these new tech-savvy and purpose-driven employees have the potential to propel businesses into the future.

3 Ways to Prepare for the Future Workforce

As Gen Z and Gen Alpha begin their careers, organizations must develop strategies to set them up for success. To attract these younger generations, take advantage of their unique strengths, and turn them into a sophisticated, productive workforce, organizations should take these three steps:

1. Embrace Flexible Work Options – Gen Zers and Alphas value work-life balance and the ability to work on their terms. Businesses can attract and retain top young talent by embracing flexible schedules, remote or hybrid work models, and providing in-person collaboration opportunities.

2. Invest in Digital Tools and AI Integration – Generations Z and Alpha have grown up in a digital-first world, and companies should invest in robust, unified communications and collaboration platforms to meet their technological expectations. Features like AI capabilities, calendar integration, document management, and text-to-speech can enhance remote or hybrid work, streamline digital collaboration, and boost productivity.

3. Promote a Sense of Purpose – Younger generations value work that aligns with their values and has a positive social impact. Companies should focus on cultivating a workplace culture that emphasizes purpose, social responsibility, and opportunities for meaningful contributions.

Tech Savvy and Ready to Get to Work

By embracing tools and approaches that play to the younger generations’ skills and values, organizations can better prepare their newest employees for successful careers and future-proof their operations.

TCI designs, deploys, and supports communications tools and services that will connect your newest employees. Contact us today at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.