Everyone, right from a school student to a retired octogenarian is using technology today in its innumerable forms. But lack of knowledge of technology does not bother the seniors as much as it does the youngsters. For instance, on being paid in cash, when the neighbourhood vegetable vendor says ‘You don’t use Gpay’, in an almost ridiculing tone, the wise old grandfather is less likely to feel less embarrassed than his teenaged grandson who may want to disown his grandfather for being so tech unsavvy. Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping the way we work, communicate and navigate the world.
The level of technical knowledge varies between the younger and older generations of employees due to their distinct experiences with technology. Younger employees, or digital natives as they are often called, have grown up in a digital age and are typically more technologically proficient. They have been exposed to technology from an early age and tend to possess higher levels of digital literacy. Older employees, on the other hand, have had limited exposure to technology during their formative years and may require more time and effort to adapt to new technological advancements.
Samir Bhiwapurkar, head – HR and general administration, Japfa Comfeed, agrees that older employees tend to feel less tech shame or embarrassment when encountering technical issues compared to younger employees. The older generation, having witnessed the rapid advancements of the IT revolution, has adapted to the change and is more comfortable with the learning process.
“The older generation understands that they may be slower learners and are open to gradually acquiring new skills while on the job. For instance, they may encounter challenges with connecting to technology in conference rooms or using advanced software, but they approach these situations with patience and a willingness to learn over time,” observes Bhiwapurkar.
Older generation: A different perspective
The common notion is that the older generation is less bothered by technology. While this may be true to some extent, it is crucial to approach this assumption with some understanding. The older generation grew up during a time when technology was not as prevalent or accessible as it is today. Many experienced a significant shift in their lifetimes, witnessing the advent of computers, the internet and smartphones.
“The older generation understands that they may be slower learners and are open to gradually acquiring new skills while on the job. For instance, they may encounter challenges with connecting to technology in conference rooms or using advanced software, but they approach these situations with patience and a willingness to learn over time”
Samir Bhiwapurkar, head – HR and general administration, Japfa Comfeed
With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the older generation has often found itself trying to catch up, albeit a bit slowly. However, instead of feeling ashamed or embarrassed, most are aware of their limited knowledge and accept it. They acknowledge that technology is not their forte, and they embrace their reliance on younger generations or tech-savvy individuals for assistance. This acceptance stems from a humility born out of recognising the generational gap and appreciating the value of intergenerational collaboration.
Another reason for the older employees’ seemingly lesser concern for technology lies in their perspective of its role. While they may not be as enthusiastic or knowledgeable about the latest gadgets or social-media platforms, they prioritise functionality and practicality. They view technology as a tool to make life easier rather than an intrinsic part of their identity. Their focus lies more on the value that technology brings to their lives than keeping up with ever-changing trends.
Maneesha Jha Thakur, ex-group HR, Emami, says that organisations often discuss the concept of reverse mentoring, as younger generations are assumed to possess a greater understanding of digital platforms due to their upbringing and tech education. The pressure to be technologically knowledgeable can create a barrier for them to ask questions or seek assistance, as they are expected to have a higher level of proficiency.
“Older individuals exhibit a more varied response. Some of them proactively seek opportunities to learn and engage with technology, recognising it as a chance for personal growth. However, there are also older individuals who may not actively participate in the technological aspects of their work and choose, instead, to focus on conceptual understanding and project management. They may delegate the technical aspects to specialised teams and prioritise their role as overseers,” explains Thakur.
Younger generation: A different expectation
In contrast to the older generation, the younger generation has grown up in a world where technology is omnipresent. These youngsters have witnessed the rapid evolution of digital devices and are, therefore, more likely to adopt them as an integral part of their identity. With this technological immersion come higher expectations as well as a different set of challenges.
Technological literacy and expectations play a significant role in shaping the younger generation’s attitude at work. As digital natives, the younger employees strongly believe that they should possess comprehensive knowledge of technology due to their exposure to it from an early age. This leads them to develop a higher level of digital literacy and set self-imposed expectations of proficiency in various technological domains. Consequently, when they face challenges or make mistakes, they may feel ashamed and frustrated, perceiving themselves as falling short of their own standards. This at times maddening drive for continuous learning and adaptability stems from their recognition that technology is constantly evolving.
The younger generation understands the need to stay updated with the latest advancements to thrive in their personal and professional lives. However, to bridge the generational divide and foster mutual understanding, it is crucial to promote open communication and empathy. The older generation can benefit from embracing technology as a means of broadening their horizons, connecting with loved ones and exploring new possibilities.
“There may be a hesitation or a lag in adopting new technologies, with some older individuals weighing the benefits and relevance of becoming involved. Overall, the expectation of technological proficiency has become a competitive differentiator in the modern landscape, regardless of one’s specific role”
Maneesha Jha Thakur, ex-group HR, Emami
Simultaneously, the younger generation should recognise that a person’s worth is not solely defined by their technological proficiency. It is important for them to respect the wisdom and experiences of their elders, creating an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
Bhiwapurkar adds that, in contrast, the younger generation, having grown up with technology as an integral part of their lives, often faces higher expectations to be tech-savvy.
“When they encounter technical issues or feel less knowledgeable than their tech-savvy peers in the workplace, the younger employees may experience a greater sense of embarrassment or judgement,” admits Bhiwapurkar. This pressure, according to him, arises from the fact that technological proficiency is often taught as part of their academic curriculum, and they assume they are expected to be well-versed in technology upon entering the corporate world. “The disparity in tech knowledge and the resultant feelings of embarrassment can create challenging dynamics between different age groups at the workplace,” observes Bhiwapurkar.
Thakur suggests, “There may be a hesitation or a lag in adopting new technologies, with some older individuals weighing the benefits and relevance of becoming involved. Overall, the expectation of technological proficiency has become a competitive differentiator in the modern landscape, regardless of one’s specific role.”
While it is true that the older generation may appear less bothered by technology, it is crucial to recognise the underlying factors shaping their attitude. Acceptance and practicality play a significant role in their relationship with technology. On the other hand, the younger generation’s expectations and desire for technological mastery can lead to feelings of shame and pressure. By fostering understanding and embracing intergenerational collaboration, the generational divide can be bridged to create a more inclusive and supportive technological landscape for all.
