How Technology Can Help Bridge Generational Divides in the Workplace

The digital workplace offers the means to effect intergenerational harmony between employees, writes Laserfiche Director of Customer Experience Melissa Henley in CMS Wire . "While it's easy to assume 'digital' excludes older generations, a true digital workplace enables employees to communicate across channels, however they prefer," she explains. "And when it comes to dealing with employees of multiple generations, that's key." Henley adds that understanding and respecting each generation's digital habits is critical to spanning the tech gap and attracting multi-generational talent. "Constantly chasing the next update or device, switched on millennials and Gen Z are quick to lap up the latest apps, games, and platforms, while Gen X and boomers are generally slower to embrace technology — both at home and in the workplace," she notes. Henley cites standardized communication channels like e-forms as one useful tool, because "when everyone is submitting a form, there isn't a debate over who said what or who approved what." She adds that "cutting out the busywork associated with expense report submission, invoice, and purchase approval, travel request submission, and contract approval is one way to support efficient-minded millennials that will satisfy Gen X and boomers, too." Henley lists engagement, collaboration, and flexibility as three areas where technological solutions can be applied to drive multi-generational unity.