From Boomers To Zoomers: Examining Generational Sensemaking Of New Media At Work Introduced During COVID-19

Abstract: COVID-19 has triggered rapid digitalization in organizations worldwide. New media at work tools were introduced as companies quickly shifted to remote work. Baby Boomer, Generation-X, Millennial and Generation-Z employees had to use new media at work at short notice. The rapid introduction of new media at work could be problematic for multigenerational organizations, as generational literature suggests older generations face more challenges with technology than younger, tech-savvy generations. However, recent reports conducted during COVID-19 suggest Generation-Zs have been more negatively affected by the use of new media at work. This study investigates how and why different generations of employees have been affected by new media at work introduced during COVID-19. Karl Weick’s (1