Global Member Summit – Silicon Valley, California
- April 25, 2019
- All Day Event
- California
- Photo Album
About the Event:
A Global Member Summit is an opportunity for iMasons members to come together to discuss what’s top-of-mind in our dynamic industry. We hosted this event in Santa Clara, CA on April 25th.
Keynote Presentation:
In her keynote presentation, digital sociologist Dr. Julie Albright introduces the concept of the “untethered” digital native. She argues that this generation’s ties to traditional societal anchors—such as long-term careers, marriage, and local communities—are being replaced by digital hyper-connectivity. This fundamental shift brings new values and expectations into the professional world, where these individuals are a disruptive force desiring constant connectivity, the freedom to work remotely, and liberal policies regarding personal devices and social media. These desires present both new opportunities and significant challenges for the modern workplace.
The central problem Dr. Albright identifies is that being untethered, while offering freedom, also means being unmoored and left emotionally adrift. This creates a critical dilemma for employers and the workforce at large. The presentation culminates in a key question: Can the workplace evolve to serve as a new anchor for this untethered generation, providing a sense of belonging and stability? How organizations respond to this challenge will directly impact worker retention and recruitment, and may determine whether these valuable employees integrate or wander away from traditional structures entirely.
Think Tank – Supporting the Next Generation of Talent
As the presence of technology and devices continues to become more prominent, an impact is occurring in behavior, social norms, and ultimately society itself. Young people today are becoming untethered from the social and support mechanisms previous generations have taken for granted. Additionally, we see younger generations inclined to form virtual connections, rather than than physical, resulting in less meaningful and empathic relationships. Psychologists are now linking “untethering” to the huge rise in the prescription of psychotropic drugs to young people (1 in 5)
We used the Think Tank session to follow on Dr. Albright’s notion of the Untethered Society and the potential impact on recruitment and retention as young people restlessly seek stability. We also explored if the traditional role of employers may need to transform. Key questions included:
- What are the ways employers can step in to provide community and a sense of belonging?
- How can employers introduce a sense of stability for workers who are becoming unmoored by the shift in technology?
- How can advances in perceived stability influence and enhance employee retention and recruitment?
