Seems like e-mail may be going the way of the dinosaur and the Yugo. A new study from tech consultants Accenture warns that “millenials” are shunning electronic mail in favor of more instant and personal forms of communication.

The study, a survey by Accenture of 5,595 employees and students from around the world,  found that communication among this newest generation of workers is shifting away from e-mail and toward instant alternatives.

This could mean that prospective young employees will take a hard look at your organization’s tech capabilities and habits before they sign on. Having old or outdated tech in place could cost you top flight job candidates, and that could impact your bottom line.

In fact, 52% U.S. millenials told Accenture that technology features prominently in their employer decision. The study found that this new generation wants to choose what technologies they use.

Mid-millenials — a group that is just now entering the workforce — increasingly use real-time alternatives to e-mail, such as text or instant messaging. While their older counterparts may spend six hours or more on work-related e-mail, mid-millenials spend only about four.

The balance of their time is divided almost evenly between text and instant messaging.

For a closer look at the Accenture study, visit here.

Tags: Accenture, e-mail, Millenials, study, use