Your IT Support Service & The Digital Divide
How Your IT Support Service Is Bridging the Technology Age Gap
The great digital divide is an enduring legacy of the pandemic. With centralised locations closed, your IT support service would have been put to the ultimate test.
For many, working from home became the norm overnight as a series of rolling lockdowns were implemented. Covid-19 regulations disproportionately impacted older people. Resigned to their homes as restrictions took hold, many found themselves unable to use the digital tools younger generations easily employ for effective communication.
What is the digital divide?
Across the globe, modern society’s reliance on technology and IT is undisputed. Accessibility to the internet is especially important, with stable, at-home connectivity being crucial during the chaos of Covid-19. Your digital infrastructure and assets, whether that be hardware or software, forms an essential part of running a modern business and maintaining business continuity. In the UK alone, IT downtime costs businesses around £12 billion annually – and that was before Covid-19 hit the headlines.
The digital divide was of particular concern during the pandemic. Social isolation made it harder for older people to work and access health services and information. Connecting with loved ones and participating in everyday activities like grocery shopping also proved difficult. In a recent ONS study, 46% of people over the age of 75 hadn’t recently used the internet. 32% of those surveyed between the ages of 50 and 69 had either never or not recently used the internet.
There are many reasons people may be digitally excluded, including accessibility. However, digital inclusion is not just about a lack of infrastructure and/or devices. Modern technology also requires a level of technical skill many of us take for granted, as well as confidence.
How can your IT support service bridge the gap?
Outsourcing the management of your IT support to a professional service gives you and your team access to an entire team of digital technicians and specialists. From cyber security to IT consultancy, your IT support service will have the skills and expertise to optimise your digital networks and infrastructure, as well as assist with technical enquiries from your staff.
For example, if your staff don’t know the difference between a genuine email and a phishing attempt, your managed IT service will be able to educate you and your team. Paired with a business or organisation, regardless of size, managed IT support services are able to bridge the digital divide in your workplace by delivering hassle-free solutions to your team with patience and expertise.
IT management services at Acronyms IT Support
Digital inclusion isn’t just about accessibility. It’s important to give affected people the tools and support they need to confidently utilise IT infrastructure and assets.
Specialising in hassle-free digital solutions, Acronyms IT support offers bespoke, cost-effective services to businesses large and small. Our specialist team of technicians and engineers can deliver both solutions to your business, regardless of skill level or expertise.
If you have any questions about how we can bridge the age gap in your workforce, or are ready for an initial consultation, then please contact us today.
