What are Digital Skills?

The rise of digital skills has been a game-changer in the workplace. As new generations have entered the workforce, they've brought with them a new level of technical proficiency that has transformed how work is done.

Millennials were the first to introduce digital skills into the workplace, using their knowledge of technology to streamline processes and improve communication. They were early adopters of cloud computing, collaboration software, and social media, which allowed them to work more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

Gen Z has taken things even further. They were raised in a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of their lives, making them incredibly skilled at navigating digital tools and platforms. They're experts at virtual communication, remote work, and online collaboration, which have become increasingly important in the post-pandemic world.

"If knowledge is power, then digital skills are the superpower of the 21st century."

Today, it is essential that recruiters have a solid understanding of the digital skills and technologies that are driving the modern workplace. From social media and online collaboration tools to data analysis and cybersecurity, there's a whole new set of skills that recruiters need to be familiar with in order to find the best candidates for their organization.

That's where our end-to-end guide comes in. We'll walk you through the latest trends and technologies in the world of digital skills, providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to identify top talent and make informed hiring decisions.

So, put down that magnifying glass and step away from the pile of resumes. With our guide, you'll be equipped to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and find the right candidates for your organization.

Defining Digital Skills: What do they Entail?

Digital skills refer to the ability to use and navigate digital tools and technologies effectively. These skills can include a wide range of competencies, such as basic computer literacy, social media management, data analysis, coding, cybersecurity, digital marketing, cloud computing, and more.

In today's digital age, these skills are essential for success in many fields, from business and finance to healthcare and education. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for digital skills is only increasing, and individuals who can keep up with these changes are often highly valued in the workforce.

Kenneth Pyle, Senior Director of Advisory at Gartner believes that

“The demand for digital skills continues to surge in IT, but the fastest growth is occurring in nontraditional functions like marketing, finance, and sales. And it’s not just happening in Silicon Valley tech companies but across all industries and regions.”

Uncovering the Substance of Digital Skills

The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the way we work and live, and digital skills have become essential for navigating this new reality. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in many industries and has made it clear that individuals with digital skills are better equipped to adapt and thrive in the rapidly changing world.

Digital skills have become a real thing and there is no running away from them for both employers and employees. 24% of recruiters fear that in the upcoming 5 years finding employees with the right set of digital skills is going to be their biggest challenge.

Another stat that reiterates the utmost importance of digital skills was published in a study named Foundational Digital Skills for Career Progress, stating that by 2024 there is going to be a 12% increase in the number of jobs requiring digital skills.

The Need for Digital Skills at Workplace

The importance of digital skills in the workplace cannot be overstated. As technology continues to evolve and play a critical role in business operations, digital literacy has become a necessary skill for employees across all industries and roles.

Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of digital skills in the workplace and are placing greater importance on hiring and retaining employees with these skills. Many businesses are investing in digital skills training programs and offering resources to help their employees upskill and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As of 2021, the global digital transformation market size was evaluated at USD 608.72 billion and is expected to grow further by 23.1% from 2022 to 2030, thus, increasing the demand for digital skills.

Let us delve into how digital skills are important and why they are a desirable entity at every organization today.

1. Increased Efficiency and Productivity

One way that digital skills improve efficiency is through the automation of repetitive tasks. With digital tools, employees can automate tasks such as data entry, report generation, and email responses. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors. Automation also allows employees to focus on more complex and high-value tasks, resulting in improved productivity and job satisfaction.

In research by Pew, 85% of Americans believe that digital skills will be important to success in today’s workplace.

Another way that digital skills improve productivity is by providing faster access to information. With the ability to access and analyze data quickly and accurately, employees can make informed decisions more efficiently. For example, an employee with data analysis skills can quickly identify patterns and insights that may have been missed without those skills.

Digital skills also enable effective collaboration and communication in the workplace. With the rise of remote work, digital collaboration tools are essential for employees to work together seamlessly and effectively, regardless of their location. Digital communication tools such as email, video conferencing, and instant messaging enable employees to communicate and collaborate in real time, improving efficiency and productivity.

2. A Coherent Workflow

With the entry of digital skills, organizations have managed to maintain a more coherent workflow management system. With the use of project management softwares employees can create and manage tasks, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities to team members. Project management software also provides a centralized location for all project-related documents and communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

In addition, digital skills can improve workflow management by providing better access to data and insights. With the ability to access and analyze data quickly and accurately, employees can make informed decisions more efficiently. This leads to better outcomes and improved productivity.

3. Increased Accuracy and Quality

Another important reason why digital skills are essential in the workplace is that they can increase accuracy and quality. Digital tools such as spell-checkers, grammar-checkers, and automated proofreading tools can help ensure that documents and communications are error-free, improving the overall quality of work.

These tools can also help ensure that employees adhere to specific guidelines and standards, which can be particularly important in industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal services. The latest European Commission report found that 90% of professionals should possess basic digital skills.

Moreover, digital tools can help improve the accuracy of data entry, analysis, and reporting. For example, data entry software can help employees input data more quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of errors caused by manual data entry.

Similarly, data analysis tools can help employees analyze large datasets with greater accuracy, reducing the risk of errors that could have serious consequences for the business.

4. Improved Customer Experience

One-way digital skills can improve customer experience is by providing more efficient and convenient customer service. With the help of digital tools such as chatbots, automated phone systems, and online customer service platforms, businesses can provide 24/7 support to their customers. This helps reduce wait times and ensures that customers can receive the help they need when they need it, leading to increased satisfaction.

Another way digital skills can improve customer experience is by providing personalized products and services. By leveraging data analysis and artificial intelligence, businesses can gather information about customer preferences and behaviors, allowing them to tailor their products and services to individual customers. This can help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers feel that their unique needs are being addressed.

In addition, digital skills can help businesses improve their online presence, making it easier for customers to find and interact with them. With the help of search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing, businesses can increase their visibility online and attract more customers to their websites or social media channels. This can help improve customer engagement and satisfaction, as customers are able to find the information they need quickly and easily.

These are some advantages that being a digitally-skilled organization can bring to the table, however, in reality, not every employee at every organization is digitally literate and there is often a huge crevice of digital skills among the employees.

Here, we are going to address the increasing digital skills gap and how you as an organization can overcome it to reach new heights with these new-fangled skills.

To understand the grave situation of the lingering digital skills gaps all across the globe, let us snoop into some eye-opening statistics for a clearer picture.

• One-thirds of the workers in the United States lack the digital skills to survive in today’s job market.
• The need for digital skills in the Asia-Pacific region is touted to increase fivefold by the year 2025.
• By 2030, up to 85 million jobs will go unfilled globally, generating an $8.5 trillion gap between possible and realized annual revenues because of a digital skills shortage.
• 55% of employers believe that digital innovation is lagging behind due to a lack of key digital skills.
• Three out of four workers don’t have the digital skills needed by businesses and only 28% participate in training programs today.
• 54% Believe Technology Will Advance Faster Than the Skills of the Workforce.
• Only 1 in 5 young people are confident they have the advanced digital skills an employer needs.

List of the most In-Demand Digital Skills

Now that you have a fair idea of what a ballgame digital skills is, it is time to reflect upon the skills that are in most demand today.

1. Cloud Computing

It is no secret that cloud computing has become a game-changer for companies looking to stay ahead of the curve. With the rise of remote work and the need for increased efficiency and accessibility, cloud technology has become an essential part of many organizations' operations. As a result, professionals who possess cloud computing skills are highly sought after and can open the door to exciting career opportunities.

As businesses across all industries continue to adopt cloud-based solutions, the demand for professionals with cloud computing skills is expected to increase. You can save yourself from last-minute scouring by using HireQuotient’s sourcing tool to find candidates with top cloud computing skills.

2. Project Management

Project management is a complex and multi-faceted skill that involves planning, organizing, controlling, and executing projects from start to finish. The ability to manage timelines, budgets, resources, and stakeholders is critical in ensuring the success of any project. A project manager is responsible for coordinating and communicating with different teams and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.

Companies across various industries are looking for project management professionals who can effectively manage projects, and deliver them on time, and within budget while ensuring that the final deliverables meet the required quality standards. You can check out project management assessments to find digitally skilled candidates.

3. Data Analytics

Data analytics is a crucial digital skill that is highly sought after in today's job market. As companies generate an overwhelming amount of data every day, they need professionals who can interpret and analyze this information to make informed business decisions. This is where data analysts come in.

Data analytics involves collecting, organizing, and analyzing large sets of data using various software tools and techniques. A skilled data analyst can derive valuable insights from the data and provide recommendations to improve business operations. This skill is in high demand across various industries, from healthcare to finance to e-commerce.

With the rise of big data and the increasing need for data-driven decision-making, data analytics is a skill that will only become more important in the future job market. In fact, a study shows that the demand for data analysis skills is 10 to 15 times higher than any other digital skill across all job roles.

4. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another highly sought-after digital skill in the job market. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems, including learning, reasoning, and self-correction. It involves the development of algorithms and models that can analyze large data sets, learn from the data, and make predictions or decisions based on the insights derived.

As AI continues to transform various industries and automate routine tasks, the demand for skilled AI professionals will continue to grow. Companies that invest in AI talent and technology will have a competitive advantage in the digital age.

5. Digital Marketing

Of course digital marketing has to be on the list of most demanded digital skills.

Digital marketing is a field that has experienced significant growth in recent years. With more businesses moving their operations online, the need for skilled digital marketers has increased. Digital marketing involves promoting products or services through various digital channels, including social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and paid advertising.

The demand for social media skills has increased by 14 times more than any other skill.

In addition, digital marketers must possess strong communication skills and the ability to create compelling content that resonates with their target audience. They must also be knowledgeable in the latest digital marketing tools and technologies, such as marketing automation software, social media management tools, and analytics platforms.

Overall, the demand for skilled digital marketers is on the rise, and companies are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a strong track record of success in driving traffic, generating leads, and increasing conversions through their digital marketing efforts. Use our digital marketing assessments to find those relevant candidates without any hassle.

6. User Experience

User experience (UX) is a crucial aspect of digital product design and development. It is the practice of enhancing a user's satisfaction with a product by improving its usability, accessibility, and overall enjoyment during interaction. In today's digital landscape, where the majority of customer interactions take place online, UX has become an increasingly in-demand digital skill.

A strong UX skilled person can provide significant value to companies by improving user engagement and satisfaction, leading to increased customer loyalty and business growth. UX designers can also work in various industries, including e-commerce, software development, healthcare, and finance. Check out our user experience designer test now.

7. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become a critical concern for companies across all industries due to the increasing number of cyber threats and attacks. As a result, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand to safeguard sensitive company and customer data.

Employers seek professionals who can identify and mitigate cyber threats, develop and implement security policies, monitor networks for potential threats, and respond to security incidents. They also look for individuals with strong communication skills, who can educate employees on best practices for cybersecurity and develop comprehensive security awareness training programs.

How can Organizations Address the Digital Skills Gap?

In a world where technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the ever-growing demand for digital skills. With the digital skills gap widening, businesses are at risk of falling behind in the race for innovation and growth.

According to a survey conducted by Capgemini, more than half (54%) of companies with over 1,000 employees believe that a lack of digital talent is responsible for their loss of competitive edge. If this skills gap remains unresolved in the next three to five years, it will have adverse effects not only on product development, delivery, and innovation but also on customer experience and satisfaction.

It's up to organizations to take action and bridge this divide. So, how can organizations address the digital skills gap and build a workforce that's equipped to tackle the challenges of the digital age?

1. Invest in Training and Development Programs

As the saying goes, "Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime." The same principle applies to digital skills in the workplace. Instead of just hiring someone who already has the required skills, organizations can invest in training and development programs to upskill their existing workforce.

Not only does this approach help bridge the digital skills gap, but it also shows employees that their employer values their professional development and wants to invest in their future. Plus, with the rapid pace of technological change, investing in training and development programs is a smart way for organizations to stay ahead of the curve and ensure their employees are equipped with the latest digital tools and techniques.

So, to sum it up: investing in training and development programs is a win-win for both employees and organizations. It's like giving them a fishing rod and teaching them how to fish in the digital ocean - a valuable investment that pays dividends for years to come.

2. Redirect your Hiring Process from Qualifications-based to Skill-based

Many companies struggle to find candidates with the right qualifications and experience, leading to a significant digital skills gap in the workplace. Traditional hiring processes prioritize qualifications over skills, leading to missed opportunities to hire talented candidates who can bring new skills and fresh perspectives to the table.

It's time to shake up the hiring process and shift the focus to skills. By redirecting your hiring process from qualifications-based to skill-based, you can open up a world of possibilities and tap into a broader talent pool. Instead of solely focusing on degrees and certifications, prioritize skills and competencies that align with your company's needs and values.

3. Partner with Educational Institutions

To bridge the digital skills gap, organizations can also turn to educational institutions for support. By partnering with universities, colleges, and technical schools, companies can gain access to a fresh pool of digital talent and help shape the curriculum to align with the skills needed in the industry.

Collaborating with educational institutions can also provide opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs, allowing students to gain practical experience while learning the necessary digital skills. In return, companies benefit from a talent pipeline that is already equipped with the needed skills.

Furthermore, by investing in educational institutions and providing resources such as guest lectures, industry-specific projects, and equipment donations, companies can contribute to the development of the next generation of digital talent while simultaneously building their brand as an employer of choice.

Partnering with educational institutions can also help organizations foster diversity and inclusion within their workforce. By collaborating with institutions that serve underrepresented communities, companies can expand their talent pool and tap into a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.

4. Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements

Embracing flexible work arrangements is another way that organizations can address the digital skills gap. With the ongoing pandemic, remote work has become more popular and is likely to remain a common feature of work even after the pandemic subsides. One of the advantages of remote work is that it allows organizations to tap into talent from all over the world without requiring them to be physically present in a particular location.

Flexible work arrangements also include part-time work, job-sharing, and flexible schedules. These arrangements allow employees to work at a pace and schedule that suits them, which can help to improve their job satisfaction and motivation. Additionally, by offering flexibility in their work arrangements, organizations can attract and retain employees who may not have otherwise considered working for them.

5. Foster a Culture of Innovation and Continuous Learning

Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning is crucial to address the digital skills gap. Organizations should encourage their employees to learn new skills and technologies by providing resources for training and development programs.

To promote a culture of innovation and continuous learning, companies can organize workshops, seminars, and other events to encourage employees to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies. These initiatives can provide employees with the opportunity to learn from experts in their field and to network with colleagues from different departments.

Another way to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning is to provide opportunities for employees to work on challenging and innovative projects. This approach can help employees develop new skills and gain experience in areas outside their usual job responsibilities.

Over to You

As you embark on your journey to build a digital-ready workforce, remember that the digital skills gap can be bridged with the right strategies and tools. With HireQuotient, you can take your recruitment process to the next level, making it faster, more accurate, and more efficient than ever before.

By leveraging technology and data, HireQuotient can help you identify and attract the right digital talent for your organization, ensuring that you stay ahead of the competition and thrive in the digital age.

So what are you waiting for? Start building your digital dream team today with the help of HireQuotient!