Page 33 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2024

What is the Importance of

Digital Skills in the Workplace?

The demand for digital skills in the workplace has however, that these skills range significantly, and
never been greater, and in a progressively digital whilst they can be data and IT focused, they also
world developing these skills can have a hugely include core skills such as problem-solving and
positive impact on your life. With an ever increasing communication.
number of people working remotely, and 82% of all Whilst they range from entry-level tasks to advanced
jobs in the UK listing digital skills as a requirement, abilities, all digital skills are highly transferable and
being adept in a wide variety of these skills is vital for are now considered to be a critical component
your career. for employability. As the use of digital technology
and automation is transforming the jobs market,
Whilst it’s easy to think your digital knowledge is transferable skills, particularly those in the digital
good enough for the workplace, recent research has sphere, are becoming more and more sought after.
shown that 52% of employees lack important digital
skills. But what are these skills? In this article, we The Digital Skills Gap
will define what digital skills are, provide examples, Despite a rise in the use of technology, there is a
discuss why they’re vital in today’s work environment, large digital skills gap which is causing a multitude
and provide insight on how to improve your digital of issues. Digital skills shortages not only hold
skills. individuals back from finding work and progressing in
their career, they also have a negative impact on the
What are Digital Skills for the Workplace? overall growth and productivity of the UK economy.
Digital skills can be hard to define, particularly as
feedback from businesses reveals that the phrase Additionally, and perhaps surprisingly, this affects
encompasses numerous skills and capabilities. In individuals of all ages. Just 1 in 5 young people are
short, it refers to any skills needed to effectively confident they have the advanced digital skills an
operate in an increasingly digital world. employer needs.
Digital skills are broadly described by UNESCO as Add to this the fact that the digital skills required by
the ability to use digital devices, communication employers are constantly changing to keep up with
applications, and networks to access and manage technological advancements, and it’s clear we need
information. They allow us to create and share to do more to ensure a greater number of individuals
content, communicate, and collaborate globally are developing digital skills for the workplace.
and instantaneously. It is important to keep in mind,

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2024/2025 Graduate Recruitment Handbook
2024/2025 Graduate Recruitment Handbook 33