Digital Capability in the Workforce
The contemporary work landscape has experienced a seismic shift towards digitalisation, with a growing demand for digital capability. It's no longer sufficient to be proficient in one or two software packages; today's workforce needs to be tech-savvy and conversant with a myriad of digital tools and platforms. This is not limited to the white-collar workforce. Trades, retail & hospitality, and other employment avenues also need digital skills, as identified by the Future Skills Organisation in their Initial Workforce Plan with reference to the Digital Capability Gap.
The Imperative of Digital Capability in the Contemporary Workforce
I was once asked why a tiler would need digital skills, as laying tiles doesn't require them. While that may be true, other tasks involved in the job may require digital skills, such as ordering materials and supplies online, invoicing or accepting payments from customers online, accessing electronic plans and drawings, or even submitting digital timesheets. Digitalisation impacts all industries.
““The ability to leverage digital technologies to communicate, collaborate, and analyse data can significantly enhance an organisation’s productivity and competitiveness.””
This is particularly true for companies adopting a remote work setup. Digital tools and platforms enable employees to work remotely, communicate effectively with colleagues and clients globally, and access information and resources instantaneously. If employees can use digital tools and platforms proficiently, these advantages can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved customer or client satisfaction. On the other hand, if remote employees do not have satisfactory digital skills, productivity and client satisfaction can easily drop.
The Escalating Requirement for Digital Skills in the Modern Workplace
The demand for digital capability is only set to increase as new technologies emerge and the digital economy continues to grow. In the United States, businesses were already losing $1.3 trillion annually due to a shortage of digitally capable workers as far back as 2014. The gap has only worsened since then, with a similar pattern emerging in Australia.
Research shows that 60% of business owners believe their reliance on advanced digital skills will increase over the next few years, while 88% of young workers think digital skills will be essential for their careers. However, while employers' demand for digital skills continues to rise, participation in digital skills training has decreased.
Why? At Digital Literacy Licence, we believe this is because there is an assumption that people, especially young people, don’t need digital skills training or that they can find anything they need online. However, it can be challenging for someone who is not digitally fluent to know what is possible without participating in structured training, or they may not know where to look or begin. There is also an assumption that all young people are digitally literate. They are excellent at games, entertainment, and social media. However, other digital skills and knowledge are often lacking in the workplace.
Essential Digital Skills for our Workforce
In today's and tomorrow's workplaces, the digital skills needed to succeed vary depending on the industry, job function, and the specific digital tools and platforms used by the organisation. However, some of the most critical digital skills include:
Computer skills: Basic computer skills, such as navigating operating systems, using word processing software, and browsing the Internet, are essential for employees in every industry. This is how timesheets are usually submitted, and stock or other supplies are purchased.
Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively using digital tools such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media is crucial for collaboration among team members and with clients. If an employee has a low level of digital literacy, then digital literacy can allow them to access tools that will improve their ability to communicate online.
Data analysis: The ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data using digital tools such as spreadsheets, databases, and analytics software is becoming increasingly important for decision-making in a range of industries, including small businesses. While many jobs won’t require data analysis, it is becoming essential at some level within every organisation.
Cybersecurity: With the rise in cybersecurity incidents, employees must understand how to protect sensitive information and follow best practices to avoid compromises that may jeopardise their employers’ cybersecurity defence systems and, in turn, their livelihoods. Some of the most straightforward strategies, such as password hygiene, multi-factor authentication and understanding phishing and other scams, are essential for all workers to understand and follow.
Project management: Digital project management platforms can effectively manage tasks, deadlines, and resources. Traditionally, we would think of this software as specific to project managers; however, it can be used for a range of functions, including sales and client account tracking, customer database, employee compliance and HR, marketing, and many others.
Addressing the Digital Skills Gap in Business
Closing the current digital skills gap is a challenge to business owners and is a long-term process that requires sustained effort and investment. Some practical ways businesses can address the digital skills shortage in their organisations include:
Identifying skills gaps: The first step in addressing the issue is identifying the gaps within the organisation. Conduct a skills analysis by assessing your employees' competencies, comparing them to the unique digital capabilities required for their job roles, and identifying the areas that need improvement. Hint: talk to our team if you need assistance with this step.
Providing digital training and development opportunities: Once you have identified the skills gaps, provide your employees with the digital training and development opportunities they need to close them. This could include online courses, in-house training programs, workshops, and mentorship. Hint: look at our online Digital Literacy Licence program to meet the baseline digital literacy needed for the workplace or our micro-courses for particular areas.
Encouraging self-directed learning: Inspire your employees to take ownership of their education and development by providing access to online resources, such as tutorials, webinars, and blogs. Create a culture that promotes continuous learning and encourages employees to share their knowledge and skills with their colleagues. This could be through a central repository of resources and recommendations.
Fostering a digital mindset: Instill a digital mindset within the organisation by emphasising the importance of digital skills and highlighting the benefits of digital transformation. Embrace change and innovation and share ideas for better ways of working. Don’t leave it up to one person to develop these ideas. Work together as it is in everyone’s best interests.
Investing in technology: Plan to make the latest relevant digital tools and technologies available to your employees to improve their digital skills continually. This could include software, hardware, and cloud-based platforms that enable collaboration and communication.
The increasing demand for digital skills makes investing in digital training and education a sound investment for all. With the right digital skills, individuals can enhance their employability and career prospects, while organisations can gain a competitive edge and succeed in today's digital economy.