New Gen Research

Early last month LexisNexis released the results of a study examining the use of technology, and attitudes towards technology, in the workplace by generation (baby boomers, gen x, and gen y).  You can find a pdf copy of the report here.

Ultimately the study does not find too much you would not expect.  Generally younger generations report to use technology more often in the workplace and are more accepting of its use.  The survey does not differentiate based on position responsibilities, which I believe could help explain some of the variation, but no matter the reasons the study does highlight a generation gap in the attitudes toward and use of new technology.

Highlighting the Difference

For those in the younger generation the lines between work and social life seem to be more blurred than ever.  A social life on the web does not need to wait until work is over.  HR policies are often geared towards darkening these lines, including sometimes the prohibition of all online social technologies.  But new web technologies, even those tagged as “social media,” most certainly have applications for the working world.  In the field of social research, social networks can connect previously disconnected researchers and blogs can help individuals and groups effectively communicate new ideas.

For many, especially those in older generations, the influx of new technology can appear daunting.  It’s tough enough to keep up with email, much less blogs, social networks, and other media.  Even for the inclined sorting through the variety of applications can become a job in itself.

It is likely that the generation gap is really just a proxy for the gap existing between those who have found uses for new technologies and those who have not.  Having spent their high school and college lives on the web has given the younger generations increased exposure.

How to Bridge the Gap

Explaining New Technologies: The difference between accepting a new technology and discarding it with a roll of the eyes begins by knowing what the technology does.  For simple explanations of common new technologies take a look at Common Craft’s “In Plain English” videos.  You can find them here http://www.commoncraft.com/show or by searching “In Plain English” on youtube.  I suggest starting with the videos on Blogs, Wikis, and RSS feeds.

Start Small: There is no need to learn everything at once.  If you are tech savvy and would like to show all the wonders of new tech start by showing how a certain technology could help solve a common problem.  One day a coworker of mine was having a hard time with the cumbersome links.  It turned out to be an ideal situation to use TinyURL.  Sometimes if you can gain acceptance of a few online tools it can leave an opening for new tech expansion.

How Will it Help?: The question about whether or not a new tool is worthwhile is an important one.  If a “free” online tool requires a heavy investment of time it is no longer free in the true sense of the word.  Before making a heavy investment of either time or money first convince yourself if it is really worth it.  If you can do that then you will be set when it comes time to convince others.

Time: Finally, some things just take time.  Just remember that when one divide ends a new one begins.