Generational Technology in the Workplace

If you don’t consider your job in terms of the technology you use, you may be missing out on just how much it has evolved in a relatively short time. Many people of different ages work today, and in this month’s newsletter, we thought we’d take a look at how some people view and interact with their professional technology. 

Before we break down each of the generations, let’s outline them. In today’s business world, there are four generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Let’s break them down and then look at how to bridge the gap between the workers at your business.

Baby Boomers 

Born 1946-1964

Baby Boomers, having witnessed the inception of modern technology, often view it with a mix of skepticism and amazement. They started working at a time before computers were utilized and have skills that many of the younger generations lack. Many Boomers have had to adapt to new technologies later in their careers, which can sometimes be challenging, especially in work life. They often appreciate training programs and value IT support. These workers are retiring at high rates, but when they are still in the modern office, they tend to prefer stable, reliable technologies over the latest technology. Boomers generally favor face-to-face or phone communications over digital methods, though they have increasingly adopted email and video conferencing tools.

Generation X 

Born 1965-1980

Generation X experienced the dawn of the digital age during their adolescence and early adulthood, and many have fully transitioned to the digital workplace. Older Gen Xers witnessed the introduction of personal computers, the Internet, and mobile phones, making them relatively tech-savvy. They typically appreciate technology that makes things more efficient and helps people be more productive. While open to new technology, they tend to be skeptical about entirely relying on technology, often balancing the benefits with potential drawbacks. Gen Xers are typically comfortable with all manners of communication, including email, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions.

Millennials 

Born 1981-1996

Millennials grew up during the rapid expansion of the Internet and mobile technology. They’ve lived in a world that has been using these technologies in business. They tend to be highly comfortable with technology and expect it to be a part of their daily professional lives. Millennials are usually enthusiastic about adopting new technologies and often view themselves as innovators. They are at the forefront of using technology for flexible working arrangements, meaning they value remote work and rely heavily on digital collaboration tools. Many prefer instant messaging, social media, and Internet-based collaborative platforms over traditional methods of workplace collaboration.

Generation Z 

Born 1997-2012

Generation Z has never known a world without smartphones, high-speed Internet connections, and social media. They are true digital natives who integrate technology seamlessly into all aspects of their lives. Gen Z employees are almost always proficient with the latest technologies and often bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the workplace. They often expect intuitive, fast, and efficient technology in the workplace and can be frustrated with any systems they consider outdated. These employees prefer text and instant messaging or any form of direct communication that doesn’t interrupt their work. 

Bridging the Generational Tech Gap

Understanding these generational differences is crucial for creating a cohesive and productive workplace. Here are some strategies to bridge the gap:

• Create training that covers your needs - Offer training that caters to different skill levels, ensuring that everyone can confidently use new technologies.
• Encourage mentorship - Build a mentorship program where younger employees can share their tech knowledge while older employees can impart industry experience and soft skills.
• Keep communications flexible - Provide multiple communication tools to cater to diverse preferences, from emails and phone calls to instant messaging and video conferencing.

You need a plan to keep all of your employees engaged and provide them with the technology they require to do their jobs proficiently. If you would like to discuss your organization’s technology, give us a call today at (321) 282-3290.