https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Tech-shame-explained-Everything-you-need-to-know
Recognizing and addressing tech shame is critical for businesses and employees to prevent embarrassment in the workplace. Generation Z was raised on technology, but not all technology is the same. Using a printer or fax machine is a task not everyone has done in their lifetime, and not knowing how to do so can cause shame.
Tech shame can affect anyone, but Gen Z workers get hit hard because coworkers think they know how to handle all technology since they grew up with it. But that's not always the case. Older technology can cause younger workers trouble.
Older employees turn to the tech-savvy younger generation for technical help, but these generations may have just as many questions. Tech shame causes them to keep their struggles to themselves for fear of embarrassment.
When faced with a technical issue at work, an employee may experience tech shame, which is a personal sensation of inadequateness or embarrassment. When employees are unable to use any type of technology -- such as office printers, software or desktop computers -- they feel condemned by their coworkers.
Remote workers also face tech shame through proximity bias, which describes the tendency for management to favor employees on site versus in remote locations due to being physically present. Remote workers rely on tech and cannot watch and learn from coworkers, so they are often left to figure things out on their own.
One in five young office workers feels judged when experiencing technical difficulties, compared to one in 25 older counterparts, according to an HP survey. Accordingly, Gen Z employees are 10 times more likely than their older colleagues to experience tech shame.
When surveyed, Gen Z graduates said technical skills are the top reason they feel unprepared to enter the job market, according to a report from LaSalle Network. Some job tasks require technology beyond social media and videos that require training, such as using software, creating presentations and participating in online meetings. Other offices use technology that younger workers don't have experience with, such as fax machines, photocopiers and phone systems.
But there are other groups equally susceptible to tech shame. Employees who took an extended break from their jobs -- such as those on extended parental leaves -- experience tech guilt because they think they fell behind on technological developments.
If businesses and employees don't address tech shame, it can negatively affect a company. Areas that face the long-term effects of tech shame including the following:
Tech shame exists, and it may go beyond a select group. It can be a challenging issue for both businesses and employees. But there are ways to help prevent tech shame in the workplace.
Keep talking and stay in contact with employees. Regular check-ins should include questions about software and tools to make sure employees are comfortable with them. Ask what the company can do to make their jobs easier, and don't assume employees know how to use any tool. Be honest with personal struggles so employees do not feel alone.
Some platforms are easier to use than others. Consider updating old technology to more intuitive systems. Using outdated systems may make it more difficult for employees to learn.
When onboarding new employees, train employees on all needed tools, including a printer and fax machine. Don't assume that someone knows how to use them. Include guides for all processes -- such as converting files to other formats -- so employees don't feel ashamed to ask questions. Also remember to go over all technology during onboarding for remote employees so they are not left to figure it out on their own.
People are typically reluctant to share their tech troubles, so companies need to take a proactive approach. This means companies need to reach out and make sure employees feel comfortable with all technology. It is hard to identify tech shame, so be sure to be proactive and offer training.
Provide employees with a mentor that can give them insight beyond their manager. A mentor can be a go-to person if the employee feels uncomfortable talking to their manager or co-workers. Mentors are there to provide support on all levels of an employee's career, and employees may feel more comfortable asking a mentor for help with technology.
Learn more about starting an inclusive mentorship program.
01 Jun 2023