Technology in the workplace: generational differences

A study on digital natives and digital immigrants

How can the often disparate digital skills between different generations be aligned in the workplace? A recent study sheds light on the different attitudes of “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” towards modern technology, showing that despite convergence, differences remain that make the integration of AI and other digital tools more difficult.

Digital natives – comprising Millennials (Generation Y) and Generation Z – have grown up with and use digital technologies naturally. In contrast, digital immigrants, including Generation X and baby boomers, were not exposed to digital media until adulthood. Although this group has more experience with traditional working methods, they are willing to learn and adapt.

One A study conducted by IT consulting company Software Advice, which includes members from all generational groups, highlights the growing importance of digital tools in the workplace. 83% of those surveyed believe that their professional activities are increasingly influenced by digital tools. Millennials in particular (88%) recognize the rapid increase in technological applications in daily work. However, interest in digital innovations varies greatly between generations: while 40% of Generation Z are interested in new technologies, this percentage is only 22% of baby boomers.

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