Why you need to befriend technology to fight ageism in the workplace

It was 1984. I was 10 years old. And I was in love. The object of my affection? My first computer, the Macintosh.

I was obsessed. I logged all my daily activities, from when I flossed my teeth in the morning to when I took a shower at night—and everything in between. I made an inventory of my mother’s wardrobe. A friend and I even set up a make-believe business. Ordinary tasks had an air of novelty when processed through the computer. I’ve never forgotten the sense of excitement that machine brought into my life. It made me feel sophisticated, capable, and ready to take on the world.

There is nothing novel anymore about computers. I open my laptop more than I open my refrigerator. But I still feel an incredible rush and sense of competency when I master a new app or program. And as I get older, I know that staying on top of new technology is more important than ever.

Why?

Because as women age, technology is often weaponized against us. There is a pervasive assumption that as we get older, we are less capable of adapting to the new technology that is needed to stay competitive in the workplace. It’s ageism. It’s wrong. But, unlike a lot of other aspects of getting older, there’s something we can do to fight it: Stay technologically savvy.

Here how:

1. Prioritize. I know there’s very little “free time” in any of our lives, but try to make space for staying on top of tech trends impacting your industry, generally, and your work, specifically. Sign up for relevant seminars or courses—in person or online—a few times a year. Volunteer to be part of new technology rollouts at your company. Be seen as somebody who is a go-to for input on novel initiatives.

2. Network. If I sound like a broken record, there’s a reason: Networking is an essential part of building and maintaining your career at all stages. In this case, find a colleague or mentor who is knowledgeable about tech. And remember that it’s fine—maybe even beneficial—to have a tech mentor who is younger than you. (For more about the benefits of intergenerational teams, see my last newsletter.)

3. Experiment. Don't be afraid to try new technologies and tools in a safe environment. AI is a prime example. If you spend a few minutes playing around with a free chat or design app, you’ll quickly see that it’s not scary or hard to understand. Practice using different software, apps, or devices to gain hands-on experience and improve your technical proficiency. Learning by doing is a great way to stay technologically relevant. Sit with your kids when they’re playing video games. Ask them what they and their friends are into since they’re predisposed to be trying the next and latest.

4. Take the lead. Try to figure out tech snafus yourself before reaching out to IT. It’s tempting to hand off every question to someone more tech savvy—who may also be younger—but change that initial instinct and do some troubleshooting yourself. Best case, you fix it. Worst case, you’ve learned what needs to be addressed and aren’t keeping your head in the sand.

5. Subscribe. What are you reading these days? Who are you following on LinkedIn? Keeping an eye on tech news, industry blogs, and reputable websites is the best way to stay informed about the latest advancements in technology and how they impact your field.

How do you keep on top of new tech? I’d love to hear your strategies for staying up to date. #tothetop