They may be experts at navigating TikTok trends and troubleshooting smartphone issues, but when it comes to using an office printer or scanner, Gen Z is hitting a snag. These self-proclaimed digital natives are entering the workforce with an unexpected blind spot—basic office equipment.
The paradox of the digital generation
It’s a classic irony. Born and raised in the digital age, Gen Z is supposed to be the most tech-savvy generation yet. They mastered online learning during the pandemic, communicate through apps like Instagram and Snapchat, and are often seen as go-to troubleshooters for their less tech-literate coworkers. However, put them in front of a printer or scanner, and many are stumped.
According to a recent study by LaSalle Network, 48% of young graduates in 2022 felt technologically unprepared for their jobs. HP’s report Hybrid Work: Are We There Yet? surveyed 10,000 office workers globally and found that 20% of Gen Z employees feel judged for not knowing how to use basic office technology. By comparison, only 4% of older generations reported the same issue.
This phenomenon has even earned a name: “Tech Shame”—the embarrassment of not being able to operate standard office equipment. While older generations might chuckle at this, it raises questions about whether our expectations of Gen Z are truly fair.
Outdated expectations for a modern workforce
The reality is that much of the technology Gen Z struggles with simply doesn’t align with their experiences. Unlike baby boomers, who grew up using typewriters and early office equipment, or millennials, who often had printers at home, Gen Z has grown up in a world dominated by cloud storage and digital workflows. For them, printers and scanners are relics—more of a historical curiosity than a practical necessity.
Consider this: expecting a Gen Z worker to seamlessly operate a finicky office printer is like asking a baby boomer to compose a text message using Morse code. Their lack of familiarity isn’t laziness—it’s a reflection of how the tools of daily life have evolved. After all, why learn to troubleshoot an ink cartridge when you’ve never needed to print something at home?
During the pandemic, HP reported a 21% increase in sales of home printers. This surge wasn’t because people wanted to print more but because remote work and education made it a sudden necessity. Many buyers admitted to being clueless about how to set up or maintain their printers, highlighting a broader trend of declining printing skills across all generations.
The usability gap: Apps versus printers
Another challenge lies in user experience (UX). Gen Z has grown up with apps like TikTok and Instagram, designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. They expect all technology to operate as seamlessly as the swipe of a screen. Office equipment, with its cryptic error messages and outdated interfaces, is a stark contrast to the simplicity they’re used to.
For instance, a 23-year-old new hire might breeze through creating a polished presentation in Canva, only to struggle with printing it out for a meeting. It’s not a lack of intelligence or effort—it’s simply a matter of expectations versus reality.
What this means for the future of work
So, what can we learn from Gen Z’s printer problem? First, it’s a reminder that technological preparedness isn’t just about familiarity with digital tools—it’s about bridging generational gaps in expectations and training. Companies could invest in onboarding programs that include basic tutorials on office equipment to ease this transition.
Second, it’s an opportunity to rethink what skills are genuinely essential in a modern workplace. As we move toward paperless systems and cloud-based solutions, it’s worth questioning whether printers and scanners still deserve their place in the office hierarchy—or if they’re simply relics of a bygone era.
Finally, it’s a gentle nudge to embrace empathy. Every generation has its blind spots. Gen Z’s might be office equipment, but their fluency in digital tools and ability to adapt to remote work environments are strengths worth celebrating. After all, no one’s perfect—not even the digital natives.