Across the Divide

Over at Wired Workplace, Brittany checks in with some of our sources from the piece we wrote on the generational shift in the workplace. The point Brittany's making in the post, and that the folks she's referencing is trying to make is that technology can be a point of connection rather than division in the federal workforce. I think this is true, but it requires receptivity on both sides.

Older workers, who may be less familiar with the latest hardware and software, have to be willing to learn more about technology, and comfortable with the idea that technology can be beneficial. Younger workers have to be willing to help their colleagues learn, and not treat lack of familiarity with technology as a signal of ignorance or failure. Everyone's got to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding technology and information security and be willing to follow them. If those conditions are met, I think conversations about technology in the workplace can be an area where folks come together. But if folks don't follow the rules that they really should follow for all interactions on the job, it's going to divide people rather than help them learn from each other.