Compared to their predecessors, younger generations of employees have shown that they are more open about technology use and adoption. Global statistics on digital literacy indicate that Internet penetration in Africa was expected to reach 47.1% by 2020. The growth in digital device use among younger folks in African countries shows adaptability and willingness to embrace technological innovations. This growth in digital literacy is also aimed to help close global labor gaps and support the next generation of employees to thrive in digital workplaces.
That said, this doesn't mean the use of technology and innovations in the workplace are limited to the younger generations. In our article ‘9 Facts on Generational Differences and Work Outcomes’, we noted how research hasn't actually shown clear generational differences in the workplace. For example, there's no significant difference in work ethic or work values between different generational cohorts, and there's no strong enough connection between which generation you belong to and how well you do at work. Even though statistics tend to focus on the youth, there's no reason employees of all ages shouldn't benefit from digital technology. Below, we'll look at some ways younger generations are using technology for success and how others can work smarter as well:
Advertisment
Collaborative tools
Collaboration is an essential element for younger generations at work. Thanks to the Internet, it has become much easier for people to share and collaborate, translating well into collaborative tools at work. Of course, collaboration tools aren't limited to the workplace. Note-sharing platform Studocu allows college and university students around the world to compile and share top-rated study notes with each other. This includes over 20 million study resources across various colleges, courses, and subjects, making it easier for students to review and study together.
Increased usage of platforms like Studocu helps cultivate collaborative instincts in younger generations, as working closely with peers is integral to fast-paced, digital work. Collaborating and communicating effectively helps boost overall productivity, encouraging everyone to work together towards a shared business or project goal.
Automation
While some people remain hesitant about artificial intelligence (AI), others optimize their businesses by relying on it with automation to re-focus other resources for different aspects of the organization. In this age of AI and automation, workplaces must integrate automation tools into the workplace to provide smoother and more seamless operations. An example of automation in the workplace today is businesses that automate client onboarding to help scale. Tools like Zapier help companies create automated workflows within project management, onboarding, or even marketing, saving time and money with no coding required.
Many younger workers today also rely on automation and AI for mundane tasks such as spell-checking and e-mail compositions to focus their energy and brainpower on other, more challenging aspects of their work. Instead of antagonizing automation and AI as human replacements, we can learn a lot from younger generations of employees who are more than willing to work alongside automation to boost their productivity.
Cloud storage
Another critical element of the modern, digital workplace is the cloud. Cloud computing lets users access and store information and data over the Internet instead of traditional local storage. The new generation of employees prioritizes convenience as much as they do function, so instead of carrying around external hard drives and USBs, the ability to work and view data on any device wherever they go is a valued efficiency boost. Today, organizations benefit from many cloud storage options, from Dropbox to Google Drive.
Cloud technology also allows real-time collaboration over the Internet. Many younger employees today value this improved connectivity and instant access, as it reduces the need for physical meetings and joint work sessions unless necessary. Employees can work on projects in real time for a more seamless workflow using their smartphones, laptops, or tablets whenever and wherever they wish.
Social media
Finally, younger employees are undoubtedly more familiar with social media than their predecessors. This know-how helps them stand out from people who many dismiss social media as mere distractions and pastimes. Today, many businesses and personalities expertly use social media to reach their target audiences and convert engagements into proper sales and business. A prime example is the widespread use of social media marketing on popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter — an innovative marketing practice that even major brands like McDonald's have tapped into.
The ability for younger employees to not only navigate but utilize social media apps and platforms as viable opportunities for business and branding has led to a high demand for employees who are proficient in handling social media. If your wondering ‘How Personal Branding Helps Your Career’, aside from marketing purposes, many have also used social media to expose themselves to new career opportunities and to build their professional networks of likeminded people, enhancing their personal branding to gain visibility and advantage over other job seekers.
Ultimately, while the workplace technologies mentioned may seem trivial, the next-generation workforce is setting themselves apart by using these technologies to their advantage and setting themselves up for success. They still work hard but maximize technology, so their energy goes to more high-value tasks. In a world where people fear the implications of technology at work, the younger generation faces innovation head-on to make work easier and more efficient.
For more information on Empowering The HR Profession do go through our site.
