How to help your elderly workforce adapt to digital transformation

Digital transformation was once a desire that any small corporation and company aspired to. Now that we have new technologies and artificial intelligence that make our tasks easier in almost every field, we can say that this desire has turned into something tangible that must be taken to the next level, in the near future. However, not everyone has become accustomed to the thought that physical processes are beginning to disappear, being replaced by digitized and robotic ones. The youth and people up to the age of 40 are the categories that accepted change and they are constantly using technology in their fields of activity. The group that is most affected by such changes is, with no doubt, represented by people over the age of 40, often called baby boomers. It is paramount, for any company that relies on the wisdom and experience of the elderly, for such people to understand the importance of digital transformation, but also what it entails. There are many ways in which seniors can become familiar with the new processes in the company but here are the most common ones:

1.     Create easy, but impactful training programmes

This measure that you can adopt is used very often, being one of the most effective in the long run. Young employees practically grew up in the digital era and they are familiar to using tools such as Google, Facebook, Slack or Instagram. Middle-aged employees, 30+,  are probably included in the same category as 20 year olds, although there may be rare exceptions. Training programmes should be destined for people over the age of 40, who may have come in contact with online platforms and tools, but need more time to get used to its full potential. In addition to the flexible program courses you can implement, another great way of learning is mentoring. Create teams of two: a millennial and a babyboomer. The young one will guide the old person and thus the learning process will be more practical and efficient. This can also represent a solution to breaking down age barriers that are created in the office. 

2.    Promote the connection between digital transformation and career advancement 

Another way you can encourage your older employees to embrace change is to expose them to the benefits of the digital transformation transposed into career advancement and personal growth. Make sure the employee understands the importance of digitalization on all current processes. 

3.    Agree to the idea of a virtual workplace 

 The work environment should allow employees to stay connected, even remotely. Such a virtual work environment gives older employees the freedom they need to continue living their lives, while constantly keeping in touch with their colleagues, but also with their career goals. As employees age, they tend to seek more freedom, away from the office. That’s why you, as an entrepreneur, should give them the vision of how digital tools offers them that freedom, while increasing work efficiency.