Companies are entering a new era of transitioning to digital workplaces. There is an issue, though, because of a common misconception that the older generation labor force hesitates with technology. These people are of real value to a business’s growth, and their experiences enrich the company. This is why they must be motivated to take the leap.
Why Companies Are Going Digital
In these fast times, efficiency is the secret to better productivity. Companies intend to modernize their workplaces for the following factors:
- To increase employee engagement
- To have independent workers with clear goals
- To automate repetitive tasks
- To prevent downtime searching for apps and data
- To have better interaction within the office
Engaging the Older Generation With Technology
The much older employees have experience and knowledge that technology can not replace. AI can not replace decision-making skills and management abilities. Companies need to invest time to get them to grow with the digital times to utilize their talents to the max. Look for providers that can provide a benchmark report example to enable you to look for the best deals.
These important people need not be intimidated. If they feel threatened by the young ones and the new technology, ease them into the learning. Setting time to let them learn will always lead to a better outcome.
Make Training Easy and Continuous
Have specialists, like representatives from a digital workplace company, head or be present during the training and let them speak this generation’s language. Having grown up with this technology, staff members in their twenties and mid-thirties will easily comprehend everything. Of course, there are those older who are tech savvy but keep in mind there are those that might not be familiar with words that younger ones utilize. Speaking in layman’s terms, explaining acronyms, and keeping them updated will keep them stimulated.
Promote a Friendly Learning Environment
Encourage the workplace to practice motivating each other no matter age. Staff members, managers, and even business owners– have different knowledge levels. Everybody learns in different ways. Have a support team available for everybody, especially those who feel overwhelmed with the new system.
Link Learning With Career Growth
With enough training, there is constant room for growth and improvement. Let them understand the benefits of using technology and how it can help them reach their career goals quicker.
Empower Employees With the Right Tools
When creating the digital workplace, try to find the simplest tools to deal with, whether for communication, HR concerns, software, etc. Think about customizations and intranet management, and take notice of information– anything that can help them can help the company, too.
Support Remote Work
Practice will not make things perfect; however, practice can enable them to know more and enjoy their independence in a digital environment. If allowed to do virtual work, they will find ways to fix their issues. Nonetheless, let support be readily available all the time for all workers.
The Bottomline
Maintaining and retraining the older workers to shift into the new will help strengthen a business’s future. The growth they began will continue to be a leverage to push the business forward. It will be baby steps for some, but the vast expertise and experience this group can offer a business is important and can not be replaced.