Gen Z workers struggle with office tech


Gen Z is often viewed as a tech-savvy generation because of the fact that they are used to using smartphones and other gadgets. Recent studies show that people between 18 and 26 are not as adept at using office tools as they think. People from that age group have reported having problems using video conference apps, such as Google Meet, and printers.

The Generation Z generation is usually criticized because they are obsessed with gadgets, apps, and other technology. This age group is the future of global employment. We must help them advance in their careers to improve their countries.

This article will discuss why studies say Gen Z employees face “tech shame” in the workplace. Next, I will discuss how to help these individuals overcome these challenges.

Why are Gen Z employees struggling at work?

Illustration of a diverse group of workers, including Gen Z individuals, discussing office-related challenges.

Hewlett-Packard, a tech company, is among those who have examined this trend in young workers. HP calls their problem “tech shame,” defining how overwhelming young people feel using office tools.

According to its study, “1 in 5 young office workers feel judged when experiencing tech issues.” In contrast, only 1 to 25 of their mature colleagues have this issue.

Gen Z employees are “10x more likely to feel shame in these scenarios than their older peers. Dell Technologies has also done a similar research.

Fast Company reported that this tech firm conducted a survey of over 15,000 people in 15 different countries, aged between 18 and 26, according to Fast Company. Find out more about the main findings:

  • About 50% of Gen Z will be willing to accept temporary economic pain in exchange for long-term solutions. But only a quarter of respondents believe that government investments are promoting a flourishing economy.
  • Also, 44% stated that the schools only taught elementary computer skills.
  • Generation Z members believe that they will need to acquire new digital skills in order to succeed in their future careers. 37% of Generation Z believe that their education didn’t prepare them for the skills they need to succeed in their future careers.
  • A third of respondents want flexible work and remote work. Another third wants office roles.

What do Gen Z workers think about tech shame?

Illustration of a Gen Z worker holding a sign with the words 'Tech Shaming' and a group of diverse coworkers listening attentively.

The Guardian, for example, interviewed Gen Z workers in order to better understand this trend. The Guardian, for instance, asked 25-year-old Garrett Bemiller his opinion.

NY publicist says he has grown up using screens, but struggles with the simple office printer. Bemiller said, “Things like scanners and copy machines are complicated.”

“It kept coming out as a blank page, and it took me a couple of times to realize that I had to place the paper upside-down in the machine for it to work,” he added.

He broke his laptop accidentally because he accepted pop-ups from Dropbox without reading them. The computer began to slow down. His company ordered the IT staff to investigate the problem and replace the mobile computer.

Logitech Home Office Essentials: Must-Have Home Office Products

Bemiller has inadvertently allowed Dropbox to back up all files on the computer’s disk. The app also gave permission for the laptop to backup to Dropbox. “It was constantly backing up everything onto itself,” he said.

“Murdering that poor laptop is still so funny to me,” the publicist added. Some people older than Gen Z struggle with their workplace tools.

Max Simon, 29-years-old, is a content designer for a Toronto company. He expressed his frustration in The Guardian. “When I see a printer, I’m like, ‘Oh my God!’ It seems like I’m uncovering an ancient artifact,” he added.

How can we adapt to the needs of Gen Z?

Sarah Dexter is an associate professor of Education at the University of Virginia. She explained the trend. “There is a myth that kids were born into an information age, and this all comes intuitively to them.”

“But that is not realistic. How would they know how to scan something if they’ve never been taught how to do it?” Dexter added. The Guardian explained that Gen Z workers usually work with mobile applications.

They know how to edit photos and videos on their phones, for example. This age group is familiar with Wix, Squarespace and other website-building tools.

Google also offers tools for remote work planning

TikTok, for example, is so easy to use even children who have little or no reading ability can use it. Office machines, such as scanners and printers, are more difficult to use. They are often so complex that they come with manuals.

A brand new smartphone can be used in just a few seconds. Dell Technologies is aware of the problem, and sees other institutions as a solution. It recommended to Forbes that they take the following measures:

  • These platforms will allow students to learn at their own pace and in the comfort of their home. These platforms will offer courses that complement classroom learning by providing essential digital skills.
  • Coding bootcamps and apprenticeships are great ways to increase tech literacy in Gen Z workers. More importantly, the latter offers hands-on experience and the chance to work for the world’s leading tech companies.
  • In addition to cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science certifications, young workers can also obtain the most-in-demand tech skills by 2023.

The conclusion of the article is:

The global majority of workers will be Generation Z. We must equip these young and aspiring career-minded people with the digital skills they need to succeed.

They will be able to improve their economic and social status, which will allow them to turbocharge our economies. They can buy more products and services that will boost their business.

A better future for them will lead to a better world. Inquirer Tech will guide you in upgrading your career by learning these digital skills.



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