Technology has greatly changed the way we work, and digital skills have become one of the most beneficial personal skills an employee can have in the workplace.
Digital skills are not static, and they are not a set of skills that can only be applied to a particular job. With the use of gadgets such as laptops and mobile devices across all industries, digital skills continuously change to meet technological advances.
They are also transferable skills that can help the individual overcome different and diverse situations.
Australia’s digital transformation in the last few years has seen the rise of the need for workers to acquire digital skills training in order to improve an organisation’s business operations.
In fact, local governments have even taken it upon themselves to provide Australians with the necessary digital skills training via new programs.
With the need for employees to have enough skill to manage themselves and their work in the digital field, here are ten digital skills that are beneficial to the workplace.
1. Cyber and data security
With data changing the way people and organisations work, it has become critical to ensure that the data is properly and effectively protected.
Cybercrime has become one of the biggest issues the digital world is facing. So much so that the Australian Government has even introduced new legislation that will provide added protection against cyber criminals.
Losing data through a cyber attack can hugely damage an organisation. Thus, it is important that employees understand and know how to minimise the risks of a cyber attack, safeguard their employer’s data and ensure data compliance.
2. SaaS or “cloud software”
The use of SaaS, or “Software as a Service”, has grown exponentially in the last few years. This method of software delivery and licensing, where the software is accessed online via a subscription, has taken away organisations’ burden of managing their own systems.
Since an organisation’s operations are now being run ‘in the cloud’, employees should be taught and informed about how the cloud system works and how it will impact their jobs.
3. Storage and management of data
Aside from being aware of cyber security and SaaS, employees must also know about the storage and management of their organisation’s data. Especially considering how often workers save, share, move and delete files on a daily basis.
If the storage and management of data are not taken into consideration, then any issue that may arise from this can cost the organisation a lot. Establishing a trained staff that will focus on all aspects of data storage and management can be invaluable in reducing costly risks.
4. Data-presenting software
Presenting data is an important aspect of an organisation as it allows its leaders to be informed and to make decisions. Thus, it should be presented in a clear and concise manner so as to not confuse and misinform others.
Thankfully, there are different kinds of software that can be utilised to present data in different ways depending on how the employee wants to present it. Applications such as Microsoft Office have a plethora of software that can be used for various purposes, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Powerpoint.
5. Securing mobile devices
Using mobile devices in the workplace has become increasingly popular, as they allow workers to increase their productivity and time beyond the usual work hours.
However, they also present security risks to organisations. Mobile devices that do not have sufficient security settings to ensure data safety can be an entryway for hackers to access an organisation’s data.
Thus, employees who do not have a work mobile should be trained on how to configure the required security settings. Aside from this, they should also be trained on configuring secure access, anti-virus software, use of wifi, storage of company data and use in line with company policy.
6. Digital problem-solving
With the use of digital devices and systems becoming the norm all over the world, employees are required to have good digital problem-solving skills in order to stay ahead of any arising issues.
In order to develop this, employees must understand why, when and how technology is being used in the organisation. They must have the needed data on this so that they can use it to resolve any issues they face.
7. Effectively using the Internet
Everyone knows how to use the Internet, but an employee should know how to effectively use the Internet.
The Internet can be used for a variety of purposes. Employees who are skilled with using the Internet can use a range of search techniques to quickly obtain the required information online. Likewise, a good understanding of the Internet can also help employees identify and avoid fake and sketchy websites and news.
8. Online communication and collaborative tools
With more and more organisations turning towards hybrid and remote working as a response to the pandemic, the use of online communication and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom have increased.
Although these online tools are incredibly helpful in conducting internal and external communications, many can experience a learning curve with them and end up struggling to communicate with co-workers. This can be detrimental to an organisation since the lack of proper communication can cause delays in work.
As such, an organisation should train their staff on how to properly use these tools in order to prevent any hindrances in the workflow.
9. Using social media to connect with customers
Social media has become its own field in the last few years. No longer is it seen as a digital space where people merely communicate with one another, but it is now a channel where organisations can reach out to their audiences.
Using social media for personal endeavours is very different from using social media in the workplace. There are various skills and strategies that should be learned in order to effectively utilise it.
Any organisation that uses social media for its audiences should provide basic social media training for all of its staff. This is so as to ensure that the organisation’s online reputation is not damaged.
10. Content creation
Content creation is an essential part of maintaining engagement with stakeholders. This is mainly done by producing online content such as blogging, sending e-newsletters, event reporting, etc.
This skill, although can be easily overlooked, is valuable to a digitally connected organisation. Thus, employees should be equipped with the skills to create content by understanding why, when and how the content is to be used.
10 digital skills that are beneficial to the workplace
Attaining digital skills should not stop just because an individual has left the education system. Employers must also teach their employees the appropriate digital skills that could help both them and the organisation in the future.
As technology continues to grow and change the workplace, having the necessary digital skills can help employees and organisations stay on top and benefit from these changes.
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
