We’ve Discovered Gen Z’s Weakness: App Experts Who Can’t Operate a Printer

In a world where Gen Z navigates social media apps like TikTok and Instagram with unmatched agility, one would assume their tech-savvy skills extend to every device. However, there’s a surprising gap in their expertise: office equipment like printers, scanners, and copiers. For a generation raised in the digital era, the disconnect between cutting-edge apps and “old-school” hardware is real—and it’s showing up in the workplace.

A Generation’s Unexpected Tech Struggles

While Gen Z is redefining workplace dynamics with fresh perspectives and adaptability, many young professionals are finding themselves stumped by basic office technology. According to a study from LaSalle Network, nearly 48% of 2022 graduates reported feeling unprepared for the technical demands of their jobs. Add to that another revealing stat from HP’s Hybrid Work report, which found that 20% of Gen Z employees feel judged for not knowing how to use office devices. For comparison, only 4% of older generations experience similar embarrassment.

This phenomenon, sometimes called “Tech Shame,” highlights an ironic reality: growing up immersed in digital tools doesn’t necessarily prepare someone for hands-on experience with physical devices. For Gen Z, printing a document or scanning a file can feel as foreign as using Morse code would for Baby Boomers.

Outdated Expectations?

The misunderstanding cuts both ways. While older colleagues may expect younger employees to effortlessly handle all technology, it’s important to recognize that Gen Z’s formative years were spent in a world moving away from printers and toward cloud storage and mobile devices. Owning a home printer, once a staple, has become increasingly rare. During the pandemic, HP reported a 21% surge in printer sales, which revealed how many people had to scramble to buy one for remote work or school.

To put it bluntly, printers, copiers, and scanners might be more “legacy tech” than Gen Z’s bread and butter. If they’ve spent years mastering intuitive, user-friendly apps, it’s no wonder they expect all technology to be just as simple.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

So, how can workplaces support their younger employees and avoid the pitfalls of “Tech Shame”? Education is key. Rather than assuming proficiency, companies can offer training sessions to familiarize new hires with essential office equipment. It’s a win-win: employees feel more confident, and companies run more efficiently.

Similarly, creating work environments with modernized tools that align with today’s user experience can ease the learning curve. After all, expecting Gen Z to navigate outdated equipment without guidance is like asking Millennials to adapt to typewriters.

The Bigger Picture

Despite these challenges, Gen Z’s adaptability shouldn’t be underestimated. They’re quick learners and thrive when given the tools and support they need. Plus, their expectation for seamless, user-friendly technology serves as a reminder that innovation should make life easier, not harder.

As workplaces evolve, the tension between traditional office hardware and digital-first employees may finally push companies to modernize. Until then, perhaps the best solution is a little patience, some hands-on training, and a mutual understanding that every generation has its strengths—and weaknesses.