Lenovo has launched Work for Humankind, a bold initiative that calls on volunteers from around the world to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to make a long-lasting difference while working from one of the most remote places in the world with some of the most advanced, smarter technology.
Lenovo is inviting volunteers from across the globe to apply for the opportunity to participate in daily life of this island community.
Work for Humankind’s location – Robinson Crusoe Island, a destination more than 400 miles west of mainland Chile and is one of the most ecologically rich places on the planet. Today, it faces many challenges in our changing world, this includes access to education, 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 challenges.
Despite this, the island community is committed to protecting their 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 select volunteers with a range of skills, backgrounds, and specialties to Robinson Crusoe to help prevent the extinction of endangered species and support the local community as it works toward achieving sustainability, all while being able to continue working their current jobs remotely. 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.
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 remotely while also volunteering to 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 for 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 global study, which surveyed more than 15,000 people across 10 different markets, finds just how willing global 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 70% of 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.
The data reveals that more than three out of four 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 86% of 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.
Emily Ketchen, Vice President and CMO of Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo, comments: “Whether it’s due to the life-changing nature of the pandemic, or society’s increased focus on sustainability, people are recognizing the weight of doing good and technology’s role in enabling that.
“To help us achieve this, we need to work differently, and we’re relying on tech to help us do so. 79% of those surveyed believe technology and tech companies are the most critical factors in enabling people to work from anywhere. Companies like Lenovo can be a powerful catalyst for this change.
“That’s why we’re launching Work for Humankind, to draw attention to the importance of our individual wellbeing as well as that of our communities, by showcasing how innovation in tech can enable us to achieve both.”
David Will, Head of Innovation at Island Conservation, comments: “We are looking forward to working closely with Lenovo and Robinson Crusoe on this exciting new community-led initiative, which is set to have a hugely positive and lasting impact on the island.
“The innovation will enable us to develop much-needed connectivity solutions which will accelerate our ability to implement proven conservation actions. This will preserve the island’s rich habitats and endangered species that thrive on this beautiful island. It will improve our ability to work with island communities in the region for years to come while preventing the extinction of globally threatened species.”
Pablo Manríquez Angulo, Mayor of Robinson Crusoe, comments: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Lenovo and to welcome volunteers from around the world to our Island.
“We’re so excited to get started and to see the positive impact that the volunteers can bring to our community, the biodiversity, and island ecosystems on Robinson Crusoe.”
