Law Firms Face Data Security Challenges With Younger Attorneys

on in Technology

Based on the stats below from surveyed Millenials in the work place, it is becoming clear that law firms really need an IT Policy for data security which discusses the computer behavior of young employees’ (specifically, Millenials).

  •  70% percent of all young employees break their companies’ IT policies – regularly.
  •  33% of these employees really don’t think they are doing anything wrong
  •  22% felt they needed access to unauthorized applications for their jobs
  •  19% said they do it because the policies aren’t’ really being enforced
  •  18% admitted they don’t have time to think about IT policies
  •  16% say the policies are just plain inconvenient
  •  15% just plain ‘forget’ to follow the policies
  •  61% said it’s not their responsibility and it should fall on the shoulders of the IT service provider

Justice Scale

These numbers are not only alarming, they are screaming for the need for updated IT Support policies. These Millenials are the next generation of employees who will eventually take on a greater role in your firms. Communication of IT Security policies is the single most important step to making sure your IT security is safe, especially where internet usage is concerned. If you or your firm don’t have policies in place and communicated, it’s beyond time to do so.

IT Support is not the only area that Law Firms need to address, especially when working with multi-generational employees. Earlier this year, The Greater Cleveland Partnership shared this information which addresses other areas employers should pay particular attention to.

Creating a cohesive team among the different genders and life experiences within employees is another area that needs work. Generational differences in particular can cause opposition and misunderstandings between employees.

In the working world there are 3 generations—Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials—Each bring different styles of communication, leadership, work ethic and motivation to the office. Meshing all of the differences is truly the key to creating a harmony within the group so that the business can thrive.

What should you or your managers do to minimize the generational differences proactively?

1. Build your team: 

this won’t happen overnight but it’s a great start.  There are many team building exercises that are effective. You can even plan an all-day team-building session to really focus on the task. It’s a great idea to plan these sessions away from the distractions of the office.

2. Since communication is the key, plan regular meetings:

Don’t stop with a day-long strategy team-building session. Even if the discussion was dynamic, all ideas need to be re-evaluated for their success post-implementation. Follow up will keep all of those great ideas in place and help you tweak those that just aren’t working. Open dialog at meetings will help address any misunderstandings and problems.

This proactive approach is so positive and generally relates well to those participating rather than waiting for a problem to emerge and then holding a meeting to fix it.

3. Create balanced teams:

Managers will have to monitor their choices as they are creating teams or committees. These groups can be a mix of ages and genders, so all voices and viewpoints can be represented. When committees that favor one generation over another are created it will destroy the goodwill and team building that the talk session created.

Don’t get me wrong, young employees are a great asset for law firms. They bring fresh ideas and new perspectives, and endless vigor and energy that their predecessors may not still have.  But steps must be taken to make they are fitting in well and adding value and efficiency to your firm.

Creating a good work environment across generations, and ensuring that you have written rules for internet and network usage will go a long way in both your IT security and your firm’s security for the future.

Robert A. Martin is the President of Great Lakes Computer Bob has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Akron.  He joined the company in 1995 and has held multiple positions including Large Account Sales, Sales Manager, VP of Operations, and now serves as President.

Although he oversees all operations, Bob’s primary focus is in the areas of sales development, strategic direction, government sales and large account management.   Bob lives in Avon, Ohio, is married and the father of two, and is an avid outdoorsman. Bob is the author of Great Lakes Tips on Tech Blog