Getting Over the Communication Barrier with Technology
There is always room for improvement in everything including technology, but sometimes it not the technology its about the person. Not everyone understands technology and that is okay, but there are also problems where those who are teaching about technology have some difficulty figuring out the best teaching style. “Several researchers such as Hengry Jenkins from MIT have found that the digital divide in the United States can now be more accurately characterized as a “participation gap.” This gap is growing between youth who have the opportunities and support to participate in rich digital media experiences through technology and the Internet, and those who are not given opportunities to access, create, and participate in the global digital media culture” (Norman, n.d.). We have to remember that not all generations grew up with the opportunity to learn about technology or need a little help. There is a trend in the workforce now, where by the year of 2024, roughly 25% of workers will be over the age of 55 due to retiring late (Rose, 2019). No need to worry, here is your guide to be able to learn and teach technology to those who need a little push in three steps:
Bridging the Communication Gaps
In order to bridge the communication gaps with technology, it is important to know the learning styles of your team and co-workers. According to an article by Notre Dame of Maryland University, “port-Millennial employees bring their personal experience and proficiency with technology, 65% of Generation Z communications online instead of in-person, and Baby Boomeers are more accustomed to tradition communication technology to include email and telephones (Rose, 2019). With this information, below is how to teach technology to each generations style of Generation Z, Millennials, and Baby Boomers.
Generation Z- Have an in-person training seminar through an online platform, video meeting, or conference call. This way they can quickly use the technology they know to get on a meeting from anywhere in and outside of the office and from any device.
Millennials- Have a meeting through an online platform such as Zoom and have a conversation about improvements in the workplace. This way you will be receiving feedback and they can have that personal factor of discussing feedback and that you care about their opinion.
Baby Boomers- Send a survey with information about asking them what technology they are comfortable with and set up an online school with trainings on the basic technology and skills from customer service on the phone to how to start a Zoom meeting. With this method, they can be consistently learning while at work, they are not pressured or feeling judged, and you can track their progress and skills.
Giving Feedback
Giving feedback to people from different generations is called cross-generational feedback (Rose, 2019). It is important to know how to receive feedback and to make the work environment positive and without any negative consequences. Below are some ways to give feedback while incorporating technology.
Generation X- Listening to their feedback and not micromanaging. They do not receive it well, instead they like to build trust and appreciate small details in regards to positive and negative feedback. The best technology for this an in-person conference through a platform such as Zoom and to have an occasional team building activity. There are many team building options through technology to consider such as an online game, Baamboozle, or interactive powerpoint.
Millennials- Motivated by personal and professional development so they can excel at their job and build their soft skills. They prefer to receive praise for their achievements and will make them feel more comfortable. The best technology for this is to a an in-person conference through a platform such as Zoom or to do a training on soft skills.
Baby Boomers- Motivated to also achieve in their jobs and work their way up the ladder. They understand the value and feedback, taking it all in and performing well afterwards. The best technology for giving feedback is to do a training with the team on something that everyone could use work on to include an interactive powerpoint or a group discussion with someone recording the conversation to use for future trainings.
Enabling Mobility
Mobility is important in the workforce because it shows that flexibility is offered in the workplace. It contributes to the team being comfortable and builds respect within the team and the company. Mobile devices are a vital tool for maintaining mobility and it is easy to use, mobile devices include smartphones, laptops, and tablets. With 94% of mobile workers using a smartphone to accomplish their work, it’s imperative that your company works with tools and services that are mobile-compatible (Rose, 2019).
Generation Z- When it comes to mobile devices, they are all about the smartphones and any mobile device. With no problem using them whether its for clocking in and out or sending their request off forms. One solution to mobile device distractions all depends on the company and for some mobile devices are crucial and others ask their workers to keep their phones away.
Millennials- Mobile devices are seen as positively and negatively, due to growing up with smartphones and internet being introduced midway into their age. Many know how to submit their paperwork online and that is the best method to receive important information and for time off requests.
Baby Boomers- In regards to mobile devices, some have negative opinions on them and therefore do not want to use them. They prefer to skip on the smartphone and use a flip phone due to technology problems. Along with viewing mobile devices as a distraction in the workplace, since they grew up with different ideas. The solution to flexibility is to either discuss the flexible days that they would like or to use the computer or email to turn in dates and times online.
References
Norman, G. (n.d.). Five Ways to Use Technology and Digital Media for Global Learning. Asia Society. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://asiasociety.org/education/five-ways-use-technology-and-digital-media-global-learning
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