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The generational tech usage gap is old news, but new research shows that the gap in uptake is not due to a lack of employee appetite.
It’s undeniable that tech is redefining the way we work. Virtually every aspect of every occupation in all industries stands to be affected by the advent and adoption of new technologies. Since 2020, major digital transformations have taken place across operations, customer interactions, cyber security, and collaboration platforms, said Capterra.
From hybrid work to automation, global connectivity, and artificial intelligence, ensuring employees across generations take advantage of the new offerings together is increasingly becoming a focus of business leaders.
Let’s consider the new insights from Capterra and ask how workplaces can ensure their workers – of all ages – become, and remain, tech-savvy.
Work is changing
Eighty-five per cent of surveyed individuals told Capterra that job skills are becoming more reliant on the use of digital tools, while 83 per cent called for greater workplace support to ease the transition.
The top three barriers to faster and better tech adoption, the survey found, are usage gaps among employees (at 36 per cent), limited access to training and resources (at 35 per cent), and the “constant introduction of new tools making it difficult to adapt” (at 32 per cent).
As noted in a recent HR Leader article, for the first time in history, offices are filled with people from five generations. Age diversity, when carefully managed, can be a business asset.
When it goes wrong, however, it can limit collaboration, spark emotional conflict, and contribute to lower performance and productivity, according to Megan W Gerhardt, professor of management at Miami University. Central to getting it right is keeping all employees up to date on business operations, including the use of tech.
Despite the evident gaps in tech uptake between generations, the Capterra survey found that the appetites for tech skills development and use are fairly even across age groups. Eighty-five per cent of Baby Boomers and Gen Zers, for example, are drawn to new tech, while Millennials only scored 3 percentage points higher at 88 per cent.
“The appetite is definitely there. It’s a matter of how these employees are facilitated and bridging the digital generation gap is crucial. A cookie-cutter approach to training and support doesn’t work in a divergent workforce – as their alignment differs,” said Greg Weiss, founder of Career365.
How to train your workforce
Clearly, there is an appetite for tech-related upskilling among employees of all ages, and doubts persist around organisational willingness to spend on training. As noted by Capterra, regular workplace training can not only boost employee adaptability and promote tailored growth, but it can also help to “instil a culture of adaptability”.
The survey found that 64 per cent of respondents had received some kind of training or support on digital skills from their employer. Of these respondents, 83 per cent believe their companies should be making more of an effort in training and development.
Building on the survey insights, Capterra said the following principles should guide company training offerings:
- Conduct digital proficiency level assessments.
- Customise training content.
- Start with the basics.
- Use multiple communication channels.
- Gather feedback.
- Provide flexibility.
- Celebrate progress.
“Generational differences in the workplace can significantly impact communication, collaboration, and employee engagement,” concluded Capterra.
“Preparing employees of all ages for the digital future ensures companies remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Moreover, it supports a culture of ongoing learning across generations within the workplace.”
Nick Wilson
Nick Wilson is a journalist with HR Leader. With a background in environmental law and communications consultancy, Nick has a passion for language and fact-driven storytelling.
