[RECAP]: Tech in the Workplace

In the last two months, all of us have seen our worlds change. No matter what our industry, technology has become an essential part of what we do, more so than ever before.

We planned to discuss a key theme, Tech in the Workplace, at our March Young Professionals Network program. Then, the world changed.

Like so many of you, we pivoted. We began to hold virtual events and it became even more clear that “Tech in the Workplace” is a topic that is front and center in today’s world. Our postponed March YPN topic became the topic of our first virtual YPN program in April.

“At Citrix, we’ve been hyperfocused on helping our customers adapt to these dramatic changes,” said Alysia Baker Eve, director of product marketing for Citrix. She was one of our panelists for the program.

Baker Eve discussed how the changing world is forcing organizations to change the way they think.

“Think about the elements that made your organization successful and how you can leverage technology for those elements,” she said. “This is making organizations manage in a much more personal level.”

Peggy Pranschke, senior director of Data Science and AdvanceAI at Advance Auto Parts, also spoke about the personal nature of work-from-home work dynamics during her presentation.

“Even before COVID-19, Advance gave employees the ability to work from anywhere,” said Pranschke. “Top talent wants to see the flexibility to learn and grow. That includes working from home. They need flexibility, strong healthcare options, and wellness programs.”

The moderator of our panel, Alan Cross, chief commercial officer for Diveplane Corporation, explained how it is important to embrace technology, but not hide behind it.

“Look at how your companies are adapting and consider what changes will be permanent in the future,” he said.
Phaedra Boinodiris with the IBM Academy of Technology pointed out how the disparity between those who have and don’t have internet and broadband access is even more exemplified during the pandemic.

“The disadvantage is for the people who don’t have access at home,” said Boinodiris. “They are truly disadvantaged. The pandemic highlights this digital divide.”

Baker Eve said “this situation highlights how pervasive this is. I hope that we come out of this and give everyone access to what is needed.”

We want to thank all of our speakers for sharing their great insights on this topic, as well as their flexibility so we could change the date of our program.

We also want to thank our sponsors for their continued support of YPN, making programs like this possible.

Our next YPN program on May 21 also will be virtual. You’ll discover ways to align your career and your personal life. You can learn more about the program and register on our event page.