It’s been assumed that the widespread transition to working from home, one fraught with technological challenges and office culture clashes, has resulted in a generational divide. A new survey suggests that may have come to pass, but not in the way many expect.
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Older workers, perhaps contrary to preconceived notions about their fluency with technology, have actually been faring better than their younger colleagues, according to the new ABBYY COVID-19 Technology and Business Process survey. The global digital intelligence company surveyed 4,000 staff members in 20 industries across four countries — the U.S., UK, Germany and France — and found workers 55 years and older are doing markedly better than their under-35 counterparts.
The survey found the digitally native generation is feeling more challenged, stressed and isolated. About 61% of the 35-and-younger group felt remote work made their jobs more challenging, while just 36% of 55-plus workers felt the same way. Young executives felt particularly frustrated; 85% felt business processes “wasted their time.” Maybe that has to do with expectations and understanding. Two-thirds of the younger workforce felt there wasn’t enough information provided about navigating processes and protocols at work. Younger workers also felt they lacked motivation to work (39%) and roughly 38% felt isolated working from home.
Those who are new to commercial real estate or started last year can easily feel cut off, robbed of valuable in-person learning and networking that can help lead to greater performance and propel a career forward. Young and single workers, particularly those dependent on commission-based compensation, can feel especially burdened by a market in the midst of an unprecedented slowdown.
The survey’s authors suggested a few solutions, including flexible benefits that help younger parents cope with child care stress, more transparency to help digitally native workers understand and navigate the workplace, and a renewed commitment to fostering community among remote workers.
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