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HR Daily provides valuable contributions in reference to older employees who give the rest of us the bad name. Struggling, for some, with technology does not mean everyone struggles however. Data shows that 69 percent of employees over age 45 plan to continue to work past 65. I am one of them, and I am fortunate to have had such a substantial technology base from my first entry into the workplace. Many have not as this article suggests and the obstacles they face are 2 fold. An employer who doesn't want to help them and their own fears of inadequacy as a result.

Further studies on aiding older employees on how to use technology successfully

Finally, although still facing a struggle, the value of the older employee is realized. Knowledge and history of a position can bring extra efficiency to continue the process or evaluating it for change. Knowing why things were done a certain way aids in solutions for the future and potential increased value to a particular unit or department. Older works shouldn't be dismissed because they lack the perfect tech skill. They should be trained and assisted to succeed as any other employee of value.

A study from 2009 through 2011 looked into the fastest growing job categories and the top 10 had the words computer or software in them. Clearly technology and computer abilities are key to becoming a valuable and successful employee. In the past centuries our automation process have grown substantially, need for computer operating systems and employees who can handle this type of technology.

some of you referenced Turkle's earlier work, Alone Together, on the ways in which technology is shifting not only our attention spans, but our interpersonal relationships - here is a brief review of Turkle's latest work

To Dr. Gal: Thanks for this link. I read the review. Somehow, I think Turkle's book is going to be more interesting than the review of it! Turkle is right. Most people appear to communicate mainly through their technological devices. At work, some younger employees (in their 20s) don't say anything to you (and I am not the only one who says this about some of these employees). It's as though the notion of conversation has become meaningless (and muted -- like sound that has been muted on your computer!) -- to some people -- unless it is done on some technological device. Then it's OK to unmute the sound. Sometimes I want to ask one of those non-talking 20-somethings if I need to download a sound driver, but I just remain muted -- just like them. Just my thoughts. Robert

Hi Robert, I will have to agree with you about the younger generation and how speaking to each other seems to be a thing of the past. Over the years, I been able to witness the oncoming medical students each year and as technology has advanced in the mobile device arena the less they spoke or interacted with each other.

Pros and cons to taking extra time when necessary for teaching older employees new technology

Baby boomers and the aging employee need encouragement and the incentive to speak up and present all that they have to offer. Older workers feel an uncomfortable sense at most work ventures and yet they are relied upon greatly due to their knowledge and expertise on the history of a work related matter. It needs to be understood that in a era of fast paced advances in technology we all need training and innovative ways to learn. It is not necessary just the older employees that might struggle without such a way of approaching the subject of change.

As we seek to prepare young people with skills for career success, Warren Buffet reminds us what makes great employees: In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first one, the other two will kill you.

Sharing the importance of greater knowledge into the older generations and the employees still viable and working within todays digital era. Her we learn the importance of this vital community and what it brings to all of us. We are reminded that we too will be in this age bracket and how we need to ask ourselves, what would we expect and want.