Whether your employees are Gen Z or older workers, digital demands are growing in all generations. Being technologically up-to-date in the workplace is incredibly important for recruiting employees of all age groups.
This begs the question for companies aiming to attract and retain top talent: How can you ensure your technology is current and inclusive for everyone?
The Rise of Digital Across Generations
It’s a common misconception that only younger people are tech-savvy. Gen Z may be digital natives, but recent research reveals that elders also embrace technology. Research shows that smartphone ownership in the UK has reached 94%, with 80% of individuals over 65 owning a smartphone. This highlights that the older generation is just as likely to use digital tools, from communicating with family via FaceTime to tracking health information.
Another poll by BT and AbilityNet suggests that almost two-thirds of people over 65 are comfortable using apps such as WhatsApp. This increasing familiarity with digital platforms shows that businesses must adopt cross-generational technology. It’s essential to consider not only younger talent but also to ensure that the more experienced workforce can excel in the digital landscape.
Meeting Evolving Expectations
As the digital revolution continues, expectations are evolving across all age groups. New research from FTRC on behalf of Dynamic Planner shows that firms already understand the need to embrace technology to attract younger recruits. However, the study also emphasises that digital engagement will soon be a key differentiator for retaining older employees.
Here’s what the data tells us:
- Personal interaction remains important: Over 60% of Gen X and Boomer age groups still prefer to receive investment advice from a human (CNN, 2024).
- Younger clients favour digital advice: 30% of Gen Z and 21% of millennials prefer receiving advice digitally (CNN, 2024).
- Digital tools are an expectation: Regardless of age, 62% of people want to track their pensions and investments via a mobile app, including 35% of those aged 55 and over (Society of Actuaries, 2021).
It’s a clear shift, but while face-to-face is still highly valued — particularly among seniors — digital interactions are rapidly becoming the norm. Companies seeking to remain relevant must continue to invest in technology to meet these demands.
Key Challenges in Future-Proofing Technology
A few key issues must be addressed to support employees with technology. A common barrier is closing the digital divide between different workforce generations. Younger workers may be able to adapt quickly to new technologies, whereas older workers may need more training to use digital platforms more efficiently.
Another major challenge is balancing the need for advanced technology with accessibility. Complex systems will alienate less tech-savvy workers, while overly simplistic tools might be unsuitable for work efficiency. Technology designed to accommodate multiple skill levels is key to ensuring everyone can be engaged.
Finally, resistance to change can hinder the adoption of future-ready technology. Although resistance to change is a natural human response, it can also inhibit a company's growth. Employees who are accustomed to existing systems might be hesitant to embrace new tools, requiring businesses to prioritise clear communication and training to demonstrate the benefits of modern technology.
How to Future-Proof Your Technology
Future-proofing technology doesn’t just involve upgrading your devices. You want it to be a seamless experience that works for all employees, young and old. There are a few practical steps you can take to ensure that your technology is ready for the future:
- Integrate Your Tech for a Seamless Experience
The most important part of future-proofing technology is synchronising your systems. Poorly integrated platforms and systems that don’t communicate with each other can be frustrating for everyone. By incorporating technology, you can capture and reuse data safely, confident that the data you deliver will be reliable and stable.
Incorporating your tech can also help you foresee what your company needs in the future. For instance, you’ll be able to monitor what works and what doesn’t and adjust your systems accordingly. Personalisation is becoming more critical as customers require and expect more tailored experiences. - Personalise Technology for Workforce Diversity
Understanding your workforce is essential for making informed technology decisions. Factors such as age, job role, and industry can influence how comfortable employees are with digital devices. By customising your approach to technology adoption, you can create an inclusive and engaging experience for all employees.
Older workers, for example, might care about easy access to necessary tools and support features, whereas young workers might prefer to use gamified or engaging tools. By understanding the preferences of your workforce, you can create a digital workspace that accommodates everyone, leading to increased employee satisfaction and productivity. - Cloud-based Solutions
Cloud-based solutions are essential for creating a flexible and scalable digital system that meets the needs of a modern workforce. By transitioning to cloud-based platforms, companies can offer employees secure, on-demand access to essential tools and resources from any location. This is particularly important for the modern workplace, where hybrid work, or at least flexibility, is considered a given. Moreover, cloud platforms allow organisations to scale their technology as business needs evolve, reducing the cost and complexity of managing outdated systems and processes. - Adopting AI
Machine learning simplifies and optimises workplace operations by utilising artificial intelligence (AI). AI can also help you automate repetitive processes like data entry and scheduling to free employees up for higher-value work. It can also offer individualised learning and development so employees are trained appropriately.
AI-driven analytics provides valuable insights on worker engagement and productivity that allow companies to see patterns and areas of growth. By including AI in your technology plan, you will build a smarter, more productive office that responds to the changing needs of your workforce.
Transform Your Talent Acquisition with NES Advantage
As younger generations accumulate more wealth and seek professional advice, the importance of digital engagement will only grow. However, the need for future-proofing technology doesn’t stop with Gen Z. Workers of all ages are comfortable using technology and expect businesses to offer seamless digital solutions.
NES Advantage can support you in implementing recruitment technology designed to attract and retain top talent across generations. Our solutions help you integrate modern systems, personalise digital experiences, and leverage innovative tools like AI to stay ahead in today’s competitive market. Explore how we can add value to your business by contacting one of our experts today - let us help you build a workforce equipped for the future!
