What is Tech Shame, and How Can Your Company Avoid It?

What is Tech Shame?

Tech shaming is a relatively recent phenomenon that emerged as technology became more integrated into our daily lives. In short, it is the act of making individuals feel embarrassed or inferior for their lack of knowledge or expertise in using technology.

This can occur in personal and professional settings and take many forms, from condescending comments to outright belittlement. Tech shaming can damage a person's confidence and self-esteem, particularly in a world where technology is seen as a prerequisite for success.

In the modern workplace, technology is everywhere, and those unfamiliar with the latest devices or software can feel left behind. Businesses like yours need to recognize and address tech shaming to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Failing to address the issue may produce unmotivated, discouraged employees that cost you money and sap your resources.

The Top Five Ways to Prevent Tech Shaming

Stamping out tech shaming won’t be easy, but it can be done.

To create a great work culture that is positive, welcoming, and inclusive, try implementing these strategies at your organization:

Read More: What is Productivity Paranoia and How Is It Hurting Your Business?

Don’t Make Assumptions

Just because Gen Z spends 24 hours a day on TikTok doesn’t mean they know how to run a copy machine.

Unfortunately, older generations, especially boomers, don’t always get this. They expect younger generations to understand how to use technology just because they grew up in the 21st century. This underlying expectation of tech competence promotes and perpetuates tech shaming.

Instead of throwing your workers into the technology ocean assuming they’ll swim, not sink, be open to the possibility that younger workers don’t know it all. Throughout onboarding, approach technology as if it’s normal not to understand every piece of equipment or software solution, and that it’s okay to make mistakes.

Some IT teams are even sticking labels on monitor power buttons or taping instructions to scanners to reduce the pressure. The more welcoming an environment you create, the better!

Open Communication

An office that shuts down questions is the worst environment for growth. To prevent tech shaming, you need to create a culture where asking questions about technology is not only accepted but encouraged.

When your team embraces dialogue about technology rather than mockery, you’ll make it easy for workers to turn their tech deficiencies into tech efficiencies.

Remember that communication is a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to ask employees about their experience levels or to reach out with help preemptively. When workers know it’s okay to ask for guidance because you’ve set a great example, they’ll be more likely to develop their tech skills and contribute to the team effort.

Provide Training

You can’t expect employees to know how to use your tech if you never show them.

A recent study by Salesforce revealed that 33% of workers aren’t receiving any digital skills training, while almost 50% wish they had more digital education at school or earlier in their careers. There’s a high probability that you could do more to close your team’s technology skills gap.

If there’s any silver lining, the tech shaming situation provides a great opportunity to improve. By offering more technology training, you’ll get your team up to speed and increase their skills while making your company a more attractive place to work. 

Skilled employees are also good for business. When employees know how to use technology correctly, they become more productive, proficient, and confident.   

Read More: 5 Ways To Improve Inclusivity in the Workplace

Pick User-Friendly Products

Let’s face it. Some software and devices are easier to use than others. Your company can nip tech-shaming in the bud by choosing tech that prioritizes usability and accessibility.

User-friendly products cut down on awkward or embarrassing moments by being straightforward. Replacing hard-to-use tech will contribute to a tech-positive atmosphere as long as you aren’t sacrificing critical capabilities.

Foster Mentorships

Many successful companies are jumpstarting junior employees’ careers with workplace mentorship programs.

Partnering less experienced workers with tech veterans like yourself can quickly distribute knowledge and build relationships that contribute to company goals. As an added benefit, such initiatives can help promote interoperability beyond tech and into other key aspects of your business.

Read More: What is Reverse Mentoring, and Should My Company Do It?

Tech shaming can cause your employees to distrust not only technology but each other. Once introduced to the workplace, these feelings might linger for a long time, or even permanently, if you don’t take steps to counter them.

While technology is meant to bring people together, tech shaming only succeeds in driving them apart. Fortunately, there are many remedies your company can implement today to create a positive environment that breeds success and confidence tomorrow.

Create the Ultimate Work Environment With Nexus HR

Building a great workplace starts with Nexus HR. Our team of human resource specialists knows how to develop and implement the best work environment possible so that your company can stop tech shaming before it starts.

From payroll and recruiting to full-service HR solutions, Nexus HR offers all the services you need to get your company staffed, paid, and trained. If you’re ready to save money and boost your professionalism overnight, contact Nexus HR today and let us take care of your human resources responsibilities.