The New York Times has an interesting article on how the ever-accelerating pace of technological change may be creating a series of mini-generation gaps. In fact, recent studies have shown that 16- to 18-year-olds are able to perform seven tasks, on average, in their free time, like texting, sending instant messages and checking Facebook while sitting in front of the television. People in their early 20s can handle only six tasks, and those in their 30s can perform about five and a half, the research found. The heightened ability to multitask has created concerns that younger generations may not be able to focus in school or in the workplace.
We've already heard the concerns among many human resource leaders about current generation gaps in the federal workforce, particularly when it comes to technology. But as the digital divide becomes more prominent between workers who are just a few years apart in age, what does this mean for the future federal workforce as well as the overall definition of work?
Brittany Ballenstedt
Brittany Ballenstedt writes Nextgov's Wired Workplace blog, which delves into the issues facing employees who work in the federal information technology sector. Before joining Nextgov, Brittany covered federal pay and benefits issues as a staff correspondent for Government Executive and served as an associate editor for National Journal's Technology Daily. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mansfield University and originally hails from Pennsylvania. She currently lives near Travis Air Force Base, Calif., where her husband is stationed.
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