Lenovo announces the launch of Work for Humankind, a bold initiative that calls on volunteers from around the world – including from India – to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to make a long-lasting difference while simultaneously working at their day job from one of the most remote places in the world, thanks to some of the most advanced, smarter technology. Lenovo is inviting volunteers to apply for the opportunity to participate in the daily life of this island community.
Work for Humankind's location – Robinson Crusoe Island, a destination more than 400 miles west of mainland Chile – is one of the most ecologically rich places on the planet. Today, it faces many challenges. These include access to education and healthcare, the impact of habitat degradation, and invasive species. The local community, the international non-profit Island Conservation, and the Chilean Government have initiated a number of community-driven projects over the last decade to address these problems. However, these efforts are often hindered by telecommunications and technology challenges1. Despite this, the island community is committed to protecting its natural and cultural legacy and intends to achieve sustainability through greater independence to meet food and energy needs, and conservation of its natural and cultural heritage.
Work for Humankind will send selected volunteers with a range of skills, backgrounds, and specialities to work at their day job, from Robinson Crusoe Island, while also volunteering to help prevent the extinction of endangered species and support the local community as it works toward achieving sustainability. This will be done through several life-changing restoration projects in partnership with Island Conservation and the local community on Robinson Crusoe Island, including developing much-needed connectivity solutions for the Island's infrastructure. Volunteers will come from India and from nine other locations around the world.
Lenovo is creating a cutting-edge technology hub with a range of technology devices, services and solutions from the company's Intelligent Devices Group, including high-speed internet connectivity, which will help the Island advance its goals – equipping volunteers to do their day jobs and support conservation projects on this haven of wildlife and cultural diversity. Lenovo is committed to leaving a lasting legacy on the Island to support the community's goals and for the benefits to be felt long after the volunteer project is complete, which includes developing infrastructure to increase internet bandwidth to at least 10Mbps. To this end, a legacy fund will be established to maintain the community hub and support community projects.
Work hybrid like never before
Supporting this initiative is fresh research from Lenovo that reveals the growing significance of remote and hybrid work, especially for Indian Gen Z and Millennials. In addition, the study spotlights an increasing desire for flexibility due to its benefits for individuals and society overall – including saving money, having more time for friends and family, and having a better work-life balance.
The study, which surveyed more than 1,500 people in the Indian market as part of a 15,000-person global survey, finds just how willing knowledge workers are – especially the younger workforce – to change their everyday environments and do their day jobs from a remote destination while contributing to the community. A remarkable 85% of Indian Gen Z and Millennial respondents say they would rather work more hours from a great remote location of their choice than go into the office every day. A whopping 74% of this group would also accept a pay cut to work from a great remote location rather than getting a normal salary in the office every day.
The data reveals that more than six out of seven Indian Gen Z and Millennials feel more productive, creative, and inspired when working remotely. It also shines a light on the younger workforce's mindset in striving to make a positive difference no matter where they're working from, as 91% of Indian Gen Z surveyed see the importance of drawing attention to and supporting the local community they're working from, in areas like environmental and social issues.
Key findings of the study include:
How to become a volunteer
Those interested in becoming one of the volunteers to work at their normal job from Robinson Crusoe Island, while also contributing to Island Conservation, can find out more and apply at www.LenovoWFH.com by November 30, 2021.
