As the workplace evolves, digital skills are becoming essential for older generations to remain competitive and adaptable in the digital age. While Gen Zs are already born and molded by the digital age, there is a growing need for Gen X and Boomers to acquire both technical and soft digital skills in order to stay competitive on the market. 

But is this shift happening at the right pace? As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to ask whether Gen X and Boomers are receiving the necessary education and support to effectively reskill and stay relevant in the workforce.

To learn more about how easy or difficult it actually is for these generations to adopt such skills in the Western Balkans, IT Logs talked to Dr. Olianna Sula from the University Aleksander Moisiu in Durres, Albania. 

Sula had a recent presentation titled “Reskilling strategies for lifelong learning in the workplace through digital education for digital migrants”, in which she outlined the challenges and opportunities facing Gen X and Boomers in the region. 

In her study, she emphasizes the importance of tailored digital education programs that focus on both technical and soft skills, helping older generations integrate more smoothly into the digital workplace.

IT Logs: How do you define “digital migrants,” and why is it crucial for this group to develop both technical and soft digital skills?

Oliana Sula: When I was pursuing my PhD, I attended a EuroDig event in Tallinn about seven years ago. During one session, there was a discussion on “digital migrants.” These aren’t people with digital skills but rather those who, having not grown up in a digital environment, are now transitioning into the digital world. 

This shift has been particularly noticeable in various professions. For instance, in education, we’ve seen teachers who lacked IT backgrounds struggling as technology became more integral in schools. Similarly, for many Baby Boomers in professions heavily influenced by digitalization, adapting to these changes has been a significant challenge.

What are some of the most significant challenges Gen X and Boomers face and did you see a difference between the two generations?

I’m not seeing the same challenges for Generation X. Born in the late 1970s to early 1980s, individuals from this cohort, such as someone born in 1980 who is now 44, have experienced digitalization throughout their lives and careers. This made my research particularly intriguing. Although my research is ongoing and I lack a technical background, I’m focused on understanding the paths and needs of these individuals, rather than diving deep into technical aspects.

For instance, when I began my research on Generation X and Boomers, I initially developed a questionnaire on AI skills that included very technical terms—like MPL and other specialized concepts. The feedback I received, even from those in academia, was that the questionnaire was too technical. This highlighted the need for a more accessible approach to understanding digital skills and challenges.

In your view, how do soft digital skills complement technical skills in the modern workplace?

I decided to pursue this research because I believe the concept of digital skills is becoming somewhat outdated. Articles I’ve read indicate that AI tools, like ChatGPT and other applications, are becoming increasingly used by people born before 1980, including Baby Boomers. These tools offer quick solutions to problems that might be challenging for them to solve on their own. My focus has always been on soft skills, understanding the kinds of skills people need, rather than just technical expertise.

The initial phase of my research involved a pilot questionnaire designed to identify skill gaps by gender, sector, and usage patterns, primarily distributed in Albania. However, academic publishing demands robust variables and extensive data. Therefore, I collaborated with a professor from the University of Lyon, which has a strong faculty in education. They provided valuable insights into how people learn and develop skills.

We decided to focus on the education sector, where there’s significant age diversity among teachers, with men retiring at 65 and women having flexible retirement options due to a current shortage of teachers. It would be beneficial to conduct a regional study to understand the specific needs of educators. While AI tools like ChatGPT might seem to suggest that traditional teaching roles are diminishing, it’s crucial to assess what teachers really need and how we can effectively provide them with the necessary skills through targeted information sessions rather than lengthy training programs.

How can educators use AI tools without compromising students’ critical thinking skills?

I’ve noticed that AI is still a relatively underexplored topic in schools, particularly for older generations. Despite my years of working with educational institutions, there seems to be a lack of awareness about AI among many educators and students. While younger students might be more familiar with AI tools, older generations often find them unfamiliar or surprising.

For Generation X and Baby Boomers, there’s a notable appreciation for the speed and efficiency that AI can bring. Those who have a basic understanding of AI find it particularly useful for tasks like structuring presentations or gaining insights. AI tools, while not a substitute for academic work, offer significant time savings and ease of use, which can be surprising and valuable for older users.

However, there’s also a concern about the balance between leveraging AI and maintaining the intellectual engagement of students. In academia, for instance, it’s important to ensure that while AI tools can aid in structuring and presenting information, they don’t replace the critical thinking and intellectual effort that students need to develop. Even in more technologically advanced countries, these challenges are prevalent. For example, regional meetings with countries like Greece reveal that despite differences in tech advancement, similar issues persist across borders.

In terms of the private sector, what strategies do you recommend companies adopt to facilitate reskilling in their workforce?

The challenge in our region, particularly in the private sector, is the reluctance to invest in the upskilling of older employees. It’s hard to envision many companies here adopting a mindset that prioritizes such investments. 

While companies are bound by inclusion and anti-discrimination obligations, their training programs often focus primarily on younger employees. In sectors like banking or accounting, where specialized software is used, the focus on AI and digital skills is still limited.

For meaningful change, the public sector should take the lead. Improving national strategies to specifically address digital skills and upskilling for all age groups would be a vital first step. Currently, our national strategies on employability and skills lack specific directives on digitalization and skill development.

AI is not just a future trend—it’s very much a part of the present. To stay relevant, everyone needs to embrace and learn to use AI effectively.

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