Organizations worldwide are experiencing resource constraints and volatility, particularly as the threat of an economic downturn looms. However, companies that have invested in digital transformation have been able to remain resilient during uncertain times. Investing in employee digital dexterity has indisputable value for organizations that want to overcome these challenges and be prepared for the next phase of digital transformation.
The Value of Investing in Employee Digital Dexterity
Digital dexterity refers to an individual’s ability to adapt to new technologies and digital workplace practices. It is a vital skill for organizations as they strive to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. Investing in digital dexterity allows employees to be more innovative, collaborative, and productive. This, in turn, increases organizational agility, improves the customer experience, and boosts profitability. It’s no wonder that 89% of respondents consider “improvement in digital technology skills” as highly important for career advancement.
The Importance of Digital Technology Skills for Career Advancement
As digital technology continues to evolve, so will the skills required of employees. Those who possess digital technology skills and can adapt to new tools and applications will have a significant advantage in the job market. In fact, for many roles, digital technology skills are now more critical than industry-specific skills. Moreover, 95% of employees cite “improvement in digital technology skills” as critical for work effectiveness. Therefore, organizations must invest in their employees’ digital technology skills to remain competitive and retain top talent.
Modernizing Methods for Digital Upskilling
The traditional approach to upskilling, such as classroom training or e-learning, may not be sufficient in today’s rapidly changing workplace. Organizations must establish modernized digital upskilling methods to retain staff and achieve the next phase of digital transformation. These methods could include gamification, simulations, peer-to-peer learning, micro-learning, and mobile-friendly training. It is essential to create a “how we work” narrative that communicates the foundational, intermediate, and advanced skills employees need to support better organizational outcomes with core digital workplace applications.
Digital Side Hustles
Digital side hustles are a “gig” tactic whereby employees can develop technical expertise at their own pace through diverse peer and project interactions. They enable employees to engage in self-directed learning and experiment with new technologies and concepts. Digital side hustles provide employees with growth opportunities while simultaneously contributing to their organization’s digital transformation. These gigs can be as simple as contributing to a hackathon or as complex as participating in a cross-functional project team.
The role of digital workplace leaders
Digital workplace leaders play a crucial role in fostering a culture of digital dexterity in their organizations. They can serve as the champion for organizational alignment, ensuring that employees understand the digital transformation goals and priorities. CIOs are turning to these business technologists to accelerate digital business initiatives and boost organizational resilience. As such, it’s essential for digital workplace leaders to invest in their own digital skills to lead their teams effectively.
By 2027, organizations that prioritize digital dexterity enablement for both managers and employees will experience stronger year-over-year revenue growth than those that do not. However, investing in digital dexterity is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing investment. With technology evolving at an unprecedented pace, businesses need to stay ahead of the curve and continually invest in their employees to be future-ready.
In conclusion, investing in employee digital dexterity is essential for organizations that want to remain competitive in today’s business environment. With the right investments in digital technology skills, culture and training, employees can help organizations innovate, increase productivity, and boost profitability. Therefore, it’s crucial for business leaders to embrace digital transformation and prioritize investing in their employees’ digital dexterity.