Gen Z Not Tech Savy, It’s A Problem

[karmakid]

Gen Z workers are not tech-savvy in the workplace – and it's a growing problem

Gen Z may have grown up with instant access to information, and an affinity with digital devices, that older generations had to learn. But that has led to a widespread presumption that they're therefore innately good with tech.

www.worklife.news

It turns out Gen Zers have a common secret. They're not as comfortable with new technology as older generations would typically presume.

Sure, they may have grown up with instant access to information and an affinity for digital devices that older generations had to learn. But that has led to a widespread presumption that Gen Zers are therefore innately good with tech. Now, new research is showing that may not be the case at all when it comes to workplace tech. In fact, this presumption from older generations is leading a larger number of young professionals to experience "tech shame," according to HP's "Hybrid Work: Are We There Yet?" report, published in late November.

One in 5 of the 18-to-29-year-olds polled in the report, which surveyed 10,000 office workers in 10 markets including the U.S. and U.K., said they felt judged when experiencing technical issues, compared to only one in 25 for those aged 40 years and over. Further, 25% of the former age group would actively avoid participating in a meeting if they thought their tech tools might cause disruption, whereas it was just 6% for the latter cohort.

"We were surprised to find out that young workers are feeling more 'tech shame' than their older colleagues, and this could be due to a number of issues," said Debbie Irish, head of human resources in the U.K. and Ireland at HP. First, in a hybrid work scenario, more seasoned colleagues would likely have higher disposable incomes with which to buy better equipment for their homes, she suggested.
Additionally, those who had started their careers during or since the pandemic were probably low on confidence at work. "Some young professionals are entering the workforce for the first time in fully virtual settings," said Irish. "They have less face-to-face time in the office than any other generation and have limited access to senior employees, mentors and even their bosses."

 

[Kerosene31]

One thing I wonder is if tech has gotten so "good" that they really don't develop debugging skills. Back in my day, I remember doing a deep dive into MS-Dos just to get a PC game working. Now, you click on a game and it works. The only real thing that comes up is driver issues.

I learned these skills because back in the day, stuff rarely worked. I see it like old cars vs modern cars.

 

[sharkboy1200]

Part of that is also kids only having access to what amounts to entertainment products, and even that is limited to all-in-one devices like phones, tablets, and smart TVs. Some of these kids have never even touched an actual computer and haven't developed any kind of typing skills.

 

[Videodrome]

I think this article is a bit vague referring to Tech in a very broad way. Is this about hardcore troubleshooting? Or just how to effectively use tech for mundane video conferencing or team chat?

Like, maybe all younger people are using Discord, but then have to use an unfamiliar corporate team chat thing.

Or, if working remotely, does this depend on them using their own personal computer or mobile device that might have compatibility issues?

Maybe corporate remote tools require Microsoft Edge which hardly any young person probably uses lol. When I was taking some college classes, I ran into a situation like that and it was really annoying.

There can also be a situation where long time employees have been introduced to new companies technologies gradually over the years as it's introduced, but the young new hire has to learn it all at once.

 

[bullzeye]

One thing I wonder is if tech has gotten so "good" that they really don't develop debugging skills. Back in my day, I remember doing a deep dive into MS-Dos just to get a PC game working. Now, you click on a game and it works. The only real thing that comes up is driver issues.

I learned these skills because back in the day, stuff rarely worked. I see it like old cars vs modern cars.

That's a good point, I probably knew more about computers when I was a teen trying to get things to run and problem-solving then I do now as things usually just work or easy to Google.

It actually worries me a bit, I'm planning on transitioning to an office job in the near future and I just feel so far behind certain things.