Technology doesn’t have to be so scary: Keeping up with the Younger Generation

More than ever, we are seeing a blend of generations working together to collaborate on the ways a jobsite is run. While the older generation has the “if it ain’t broke, why fix it” mentality, the younger generation is eager to bring new technologies and change to the construction workplace. As you may imagine, this has the tendency to bring feelings of conflict to the surface.

In recent concerns over the wide-spread labor shortage, many companies have begun to implement new technologies in hopes that the younger generation may stick around a little longer. According to BuildZoom, the percentage of young construction workers has declined by 30% from 2005 - 2016. This is leaving the older generation feeling a little hopeless for the future of the trades. What’s the cause? Most believe it’s the older generation’s lag in adopting technology.
Generally speaking, the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation is finding themselves running many construction projects in a managerial position; driving the strategy and growing leadership traits. This comes with wearing many different hats, working long hours, and searching for new efficiencies. On the other hand, the ‘Millennials’ are finding themselves comfortable with jumping from job to job, working on flexible schedules and relying on technology for instant communication and jobsite efficiencies. If they’re in a position that doesn’t offer such
technology, it’s no question they’ll jump to the next best opportunity.
While it may seem that the generation gap is something that needs to be overlooked, it doesn’t have to be that way. Each generation brings a different benefit to the industry and has the power to influence positive change. In order for that to happen, it’s important to have an open mind and adopt change, like technology.

But we have good news! It doesn’t have to be so scary. In this white paper by Trimble, we will dive into the path of adopting technology and how you can implement it in your own business practices.

Check it out!