Over the last 100 years, technology has changed significantly. With four generations at work currently, all growing up with different kinds of technology, this has also impacted how people from each generation get work done.
From paper and typewriters to computers and smart phones, it’s important to address the differences and strengths of having such a diverse workforce.
Let’s take a closer look at Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers to better understand the working landscape.
Gen Z
Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are the first generation to have grown up with technology integrated into their daily lives from a young age. They are the most tech-savvy generation and are heavily reliant on technology for communication, entertainment, and social interactions. They use social media, video games, and streaming services to stay connected with friends and family. Gen Z also uses technology for shopping, banking, and other everyday tasks. Having grown up with so much technology puts them in a unique situation as compared to the other generations.
Millennials
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are the first generation to have grown up with smartphones and social media. They are heavily reliant on technology for communication, entertainment, and social interactions. They use social media to stay connected with friends and family, as well as to build and maintain professional networks. Millennials also use technology for shopping, banking, and other everyday tasks. While not quite as intertwined with technology as Gen Z, Millennials still grew up with technology being a big part of their lives.
Gen X
Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, are the first generation to have grown up with personal computers and the internet. They are more likely to use technology for communication and entertainment than Baby Boomers and are more likely to use social media and instant messaging to stay connected with friends and family. Gen X also uses technology for shopping, banking, and other everyday tasks but tend not to be quite as heavy users as Millennials and Gen Z.
Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are known for being the first generation to grow up with television. As technology advanced, they adopted new technologies such as computers, cell phones, and the internet. However, Baby Boomers are less likely to use technology for communication and entertainment compared to younger generations. They tend to use technology primarily for work and research, and often prefer using traditional forms of communication such as phone calls and face-to-face interactions.
The Challenge
Many organizations neglect to acknowledge this difference in generations at work. What we then have is a fractured workforce that isn’t operating optimally. Forcing Gen Z to work with tech that isn’t mobile optimized or pushing Baby Boomers to use mobile apps to get things done is simply not the way to go. We, as leaders, need to bridge the gap between the generations.
What to Do
Leveraging each generation’s working style and strengths can be a huge asset. For example, mobile friendly devices and more advanced tech can be important in supporting a younger workforce. While the more mature workforce may show their strengths in more direct interactions and phone calls. Automating with a tool like NITRO Studio can be a big help in connecting these different generations and keeping workflows running smoothly. More organizations are finding that acknowledging and adapting to support each generation where they work best is the key to success in this modern age.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology has become an integral part of our lives, and how we use it varies quite a bit between generations. Baby Boomers primarily use technology for work and research, while Millennials and Generation Z use it for communication, entertainment, and social interactions. Generation X falls in between the two.
Studies show that Gen Z and Millennials combined now make up about 56% of the workforce. This number will only increase as Baby Boomers retire and more of Gen Z enters the workforce. As such, it is important to adapt and acknowledge the differences as well as opportunities in having different generations at work.
Studies show that mobile friendly automation is one of the greatest ways to bridge the gap and connect different generations at work…supporting them to work wherever they work best.
Learn more about the #1 business process automation tool here:
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