The first step in upskilling mature aged workers is identifying the issues that are being caused by the current skills gap. Common challenges that arise due to the tech skills gap among mature age workers include the following areas.
Untapped potential
Mature workers often come with years of industry experience and a deep understanding of the business landscape. Their skills in problem-solving, leadership, and client management can be invaluable assets. However, if these workers are not tech-savvy, their true potential may remain untapped. By not utilising their extensive skills, companies miss out on a wealth of knowledge and expertise that could drive innovation and growth.
Lost productivity
While mature workers are generally skilled in many aspects of their roles, a lack of familiarity with newer technologies can slow down their workflow. This could translate into missed deadlines or delayed projects, thereby affecting the overall productivity of the team and, subsequently, the entire organisation.
Low confidence and morale
The inability to effectively use technological tools can make older workers feel less competent, leading to diminished self-esteem and job satisfaction. When an employee lacks confidence, it can create a ripple effect, affecting their interactions with colleagues and their overall performance, which in turn can lower workplace morale.
Perception and stereotyping
In a tech-centric work environment, younger colleagues may form negative opinions about the capabilities of older workers. These perceptions can perpetuate age-related stereotypes, creating a divide between age groups within the workplace. This divide can disrupt team dynamics and result in a less cohesive work environment.
Task overload
Younger employees may find themselves assisting older colleagues with technological issues or even taking on additional tasks to compensate for the productivity gap. This could lead to task overload for younger workers, affecting their own productivity and job satisfaction.
Remote work challenges
The shift towards remote working has posed unique challenges for older employees who may not be as adept at using digital collaboration tools or setting up a functional home office. This can affect their ability to contribute effectively to the team and meet performance metrics.
Errors and inefficiencies
A lack of technological proficiency among older workers can result in errors and inefficiencies. For example, improperly inputting data into a system can generate inaccuracies that require correction, creating additional work for tech support teams and managers. Such errors can be costly in terms of both time and resources.
Security risks
Older workers who are not familiar with the latest cybersecurity protocols are more susceptible to falling for scams, phishing emails, or inadvertently causing data breaches. This poses a significant security risk, which can have legal and financial repercussions for the organisation.
Communication barriers
Effective online communication and collaboration are key to the success of any modern business. Older workers who are not as familiar with modern digital etiquette or using collaboration tools such as Slack or Teams can face barriers in communicating effectively with clients and colleagues. This can lead to misunderstandings and hamper the building of strong working relationships.
Understanding and addressing these issues are crucial steps in creating a more inclusive and productive work environment. By investing in targeted tech training for mature workers, organisations can bridge these gaps and fully harness the diverse strengths of their entire workforce. Find out more about how to quantify the benefits of improved tech skills for mature age workers.
This post is part of our series Tech skills training for mature age workers: A comprehensive guide for employers
