Bridging the digital skills divide

Updated on: 15 November 2023

Neil C. Hughes
Contributor

Adobe's recent study on employee competency and employer support for skill development exposed a digital literacy gap between staff satisfaction and employer perception. The question now is: how can employers effectively address this issue?

Adobe recently surveyed 501 employees and 501 business owners to gauge employee competency in role-specific skills and examine employer support for skill development. Predictably, the results revealed a mismatch between employee satisfaction and employer opinion. Employers expressed frustration with their staff's reluctance to learn new skills, while employees are increasingly irritated by outdated tech and slow machines.

Technology has become the backbone of modern society. But the digital literacy gap remains a critical yet often overlooked obstacle to business success and employee satisfaction. Addressing this disparity requires a renewed focus on enhancing workplace efficiency and empowering individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. So, what is everyone so unhappy about?

Employees are frustrated with workplace tech

In today's fast-paced digital world, many employees are frustrated with outdated technology in the workplace. Stepping into the office can feel like a trip back in time, with clunky software, budget constraints, software bugs, and dealing with unsympathetic IT departments further contributing to employee dissatisfaction.

Inconsistency in accessibility and difficulty obtaining adequate hardware are also aggravating factors. From the viewpoint of employees, some bosses seem to be spending more on workplace surveillance tools than the end-user experience. The real problems impacting their productivity are slow computers, severely out-of-date equipment, and a lack of leadership support for investing in modern technologies.

While these frustrations target different aspects, the overarching theme is that outdated resources and limited technological support negatively impact employee morale. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize the digital literacy of our workforce, empowering them with the tools and training necessary for success.

Addressing the digital literacy gap and investing in user-friendly tools and programs can help employees feel more confident in their digital skills, fostering higher satisfaction and improved business outcomes. Ultimately, employees who feel comfortable with technology are more inclined to engage in continuous learning and development.

Employers are frustrated with their staff

Not only do budgets and training resources play a crucial role in achieving success, but staff attitudes and engagement are also pivotal factors. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why employers' top frustration is the lack of desire among employees to learn new skills and improve. In addition, some employers expressed irritation with older employees who struggle with or refuse to learn basic technology skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The study further uncovered that employers are often frustrated by their workforce's apparent laziness and lack of initiative. Likewise, many feel exasperated by employees who fail to perform at their full potential and lack the motivation to enhance their skills and abilities. But invasive monitoring tools will only exacerbate this dysfunctional relationship rather than improve it.

Investing in employee development may pose challenges, particularly regarding budget and time allocation. Yet, whether you're part of a large, established business or a budding startup, upskilling employees can yield significant returns. Not only will staff feel more motivated and competent in their field, but their enhanced skills will contribute to overall business revenue, reinforcing the adage that money spent equals money made.

Generational differences

Generational differences in the workplace bring a diverse range of skills to the table. For example, millennials may be tech-savvy, but do they have the same level of expertise as Gen Z in social media? Meanwhile, Baby Boomers boast strong communication and organizational skills. Embracing these differences allows for cross-generational collaboration, where employees can learn from one another and share their unique insights, experiences, and strengths.

Experts anticipate that by 2050, older workers will surpass the younger generation for the first time in recorded history. The number of individuals aged 60 and above is projected to exceed one billion within the next four years, highlighting a significant shift in age demographics. But statistics also reveal that 1 in 10 Baby Boomers lack confidence in keeping up with workplace technology, while 1 in 4 Gen-Xers feel very confident.

However, when it comes to communication skills, 73% of Baby Boomers report being advanced, followed by 66% of Gen X. Gen Z is trailing slightly at 60%, and reports struggles with leadership, teamwork, research, and adaptability. Nevertheless, Gen Z shines regarding social media expertise, with 42% being advanced or expert level, compared to 32% of Millennials and 20% of Baby Boomers. Collectively, these stats highlight a multigenerational workforce's opportunity to learn from each other.

Instead of monitoring the clicks of employees, implementing user-friendly technological processes that cater to all generations is crucial. These varying skill sets demonstrate the importance of leveraging generational diversity to drive innovation and growth in the workplace. So, by encouraging knowledge sharing and mentoring, businesses cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment that promotes learning and development.

Continuous learning: fostering agility and bridging skill gaps for organizational success

Continuous learning is the lifeblood of individual and organizational success. In a world of constant change, employees must stay agile, adapting and learning new skills to remain competitive. By cultivating a culture of continuous learning, businesses spark innovation, boost employee engagement, and improve retention.

The ultimate goal is to create a collaborative environment that transcends generational boundaries, propelling businesses toward a bright, innovative future. However, a growing disconnect between company needs and candidate skills presents challenges. Shockingly, over 25% of employees hesitate to request tech training, while 34% of employers don't consider it their responsibility to provide it.

Consequently, entry-level employees face skill gaps, feeling unprepared for communication and time management. Bridging this divide demands a collaborative approach, with individuals prioritizing personal growth and organizations investing in upskilling initiatives. But bosses must accept that every employee is unique, and teams will consist of individuals with various learning styles.

Visual learners excel with how-to videos, images, and diagrams, while auditory learners prefer spoken words. Reading/writing learners gravitate towards text-based information, and kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on experiences. Acknowledging that individuals often possess a mix of learning preferences, understanding one's unique style can maximize learning efficacy and strengthen information retention.

Bridging the digital literacy gap

To tackle the digital skills divide, employers must invest in employee training, create user-friendly workflows, and prioritize digital tools that foster collaboration and skill development. Government policies and initiatives will also play a vital role in bridging the digital skills gap to improve employee satisfaction and business outcomes.

Bridging the digital literacy gap is essential for businesses to thrive in today's digital age. By investing in user-friendly tools and programs, encouraging cross-generational collaboration, and championing employee development, organizations can establish a more inclusive, supportive, and efficient work environment that yields improved results for employees and enterprise alike.

The time has come for employers to embrace the potential of their diverse workforce, leveraging their unique skills to drive innovation and growth. Together, we can bridge the digital literacy gap, fostering a future where technology and talent harmoniously coexist to propel businesses and individuals toward new heights of success.