Hardwood Floors April/May 2017

TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

By Jodi O’Toole

10

Ways to Use Technology to Engage Your Multigenerational Workforce

Which technologies did you grow up using? It’s staggering to think about how various technologies have rapidly evolved over the years. Consider the camera, for example. Boomers owned film-based cameras, Generation X saw digital cameras become mainstream, and Millennials have mobile phones that double as cameras to share photos instantly worldwide. What amazing differences these are in such a short time! Every generation is accustomed to differing technologies. Some of us prefer phone calls over texts and some of us fancy Instagram over printed photos. This variation in technology acceptance presents a clear challenge when adopting and using technology in a multigenerational workplace. Of course, business owners strive to invest in technologies that further the success of the business, not just throw money after the latest gadgets. Choosing the right technologies to employ may be an undertaking, but this article identifies 10 technology trends you can use in your business that will help you connect with and increase engagement of your workforce. Some of these ideas are quick wins whereas others may require discussion with a larger team to implement well. Some are inexpensive, and others require budgetary planning and timing considerations. However, all of them should be on your radar to investigate. 1. Use Your Smartphone…Wisely The Nielsen Company, a consumer research firm, reports that 83 percent of Millennials sleep with their smartphones. Does that mean everyone should? No, it means we should all have one and know how to use the functions. It also means we may need to be reminded how and when not to use them. Even though we might feel we are multitasking, a meeting is never the appropriate venue for responding to nonemergency texts. 2. Embrace Instant Messaging Fear of productivity loss is usually the reason why companies don’t employ an instant messaging system. Those same conversations are happening in the lunch room already, though.

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