How Digital Literacy in the Workplace Can Create a Stronger Workforce

Last Updated: December 16, 2021

Did you know that eight out of ten mid-level jobs now need a basic level of digital literacy in the workplace? But research suggests that employees are often not equipped to meet this requirement. In conversation with Michele Chang from Rework America Task Force (a Markle initiative), we look at:

  • What the current state of digital literacy in the workplace is
  • Three reasons why you should be investing in employees’ digital literacy
  • How the right resources can get you started today

There’s no doubt about it: digital transformation is now a force to reckon with in workplaces across the globe. While fears around automation may be unfounded (McKinsey estimatesOpens a new window that only 5% of occupations will become completely automated), the smaller impacts of technology are far more pervasive. For instance, 60% of jobs will be influenced by technology, with one-third of their daily activities benefiting from automation.

Is the current level of digital literacy in the workplace enough to meet this requirement? Is today’s workforce equipped to maximize the potential of digital technologies? We spoke to Michele Chang, Director of Rework America Task Force (a Markle initiative), to explore the state of digital literacy in the workplace and how HR can help to bridge the gap.

Learn More: Are Your Employees Using the Technology You Provide at Work?Opens a new window

What Does the State of Digital Literacy in the Workplace Look Like in 2019?

First, let’s begin by asking what digital literacy in the workplace is. It refers to an employee’s ability to navigate standard technologies – for example, a retail executive using a mobile point of sale (PoS) or a nurse using electronic health record systems (EHRS).

Interestingly, this does not imply a high degree of digital literacy on a technical level. Employees do not need to know about underlying systems or how the technology works – a basic level of digital literacy is meant to guide everyday duties and boost productivity in the workplace. This, says Chang, is very different from the overwhelming impact of larger technologies like automation and AI.

“When thinking about the impact of technology on American workers, it is easy to focus on the most obvious changes like automation and artificial intelligence, but small, subtle changes – like the nurse who now relies on mobile devices to input patient data – are happening to workers in nearly every industry and at every level, which in aggregate have a profound effect,” she explains.

Markle recently conducted a study Opens a new window on what it calls the “digital blindspot” in the U.S. – in other words, the lack of digital literacy often seen in workplaces today. Here are a few telling insights:

  • Eight out of 10 mid-level jobs now require basic digital literacy – for instance, familiarity with productivity software used in the workplace
  • 84% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are using at least one digital platform, indicating the growing need for digital literacy regardless of the workplace’s size or industry
  • Over half of U.S. employees are reluctant to adopt technology, especially when it comes to using tech to learn something new.
  • 17% of Americans, even with a high school diploma, do not have the required digital literacy to navigate a modern office environment

There is an evident gap between the promise of digital transformation and the on-ground skills that employees bring to the workplace every day. “Despite the prevalence of digital tools, research shows many Americans remain uncomfortable using them and may not be able to meet employers’ current expectations, let alone keep up with the pace of change,” Chang agrees.

This makes it vital for business leaders and HR managers to take up the cause of digital literacy in the workplace and help synchronize demand with the availability of skills.

Learn More: Digital Creative Upskilling – The Answer to Latin America’s Skills Shortage?Opens a new window

Three Reasons Why Digital Literacy Is Integral for a Future-Ready Business

“While we may not know what the jobs of the future will look like, workers must be equipped with the foundational skills and confidence to tackle new technologies, tools, and processes as they arise,” says Chang. By investing in digital literacy in the workplace, you can:

1. Avoid a steep change curve

Organizations are witnessing rapid change waves, and this has a lot to do with the ongoing digital transformation of the workplace in general. By overlooking digital literacy in the workplace, businesses might find themselves in a position where the industry-standard technology has far surpassed the average learning curve. Simply put, investments in digital literacy can future-proof a workplace and ensure employees don’t have to undergo a 360-degree skillset overhaul in the long run.

2. Address generational (and other) gaps

The level of digital literacy differs from workplace to workplace and from employee to employee. A young media agency comprising millennials will find themselves better positioned in terms of digital literacy than a legacy healthcare group with a diverse workforce. Digital literacy courses ensure that every employee in the workplace meets a basic standard of technical knowhow and operational skills. This also helps to foster a sense of inclusivity.

3. Boost productivity and collaboration

Whether you’re working with a field workforce or employees at a contact center, there’s no denying the ubiquitous nature of technology. Tools like email, Google suite, collaboration apps, the company intranet, etc. are now part of any employee’s lexicon. Digital literacy in the workplace can help to make the most of these tools and improve outcomes, both qualitatively as well as quantitatively.

Learn More: How to Develop a Winning Skills Strategy in the Fourth Industrial RevolutionOpens a new window

Start Championing Digital Literacy in the Workplace Today

There are several resources out there for businesses looking to improve digital literacy in their workplaces. Chang shares an example: “The Rework America Business Network (RABN) has created a Getting Started Guide, which provides a framework for digital literacy and outlines a six-step process for taking action, rooted in best practices by leading employers like Microsoft and Stanley Black & Decker.”

By exploring options like this and a host of other L&D programsOpens a new window designed to address digital literacy, you can equip your workforce to succeed in a changing business environment. Also, investments in digital skills enable business growthOpens a new window .

Remember, not every employee will bring the same level of digital literacy to the workplace – it is vital to acknowledge any gaps and proactively address them to avoid a steep change curve while achieving higher productivity and inclusion. 

What steps have you taken to ensure digital literacy in your workplace? Tell us on FacebookOpens a new window LinkedInOpens a new window , or TwitterOpens a new window . We’d love to know more about your strategy!

Chiradeep BasuMallick
Chiradeep is a content marketing professional, a startup incubator, and a tech journalism specialist. He has over 11 years of experience in mainline advertising, marketing communications, corporate communications, and content marketing. He has worked with a number of global majors and Indian MNCs, and currently manages his content marketing startup based out of Kolkata, India. He writes extensively on areas such as IT, BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and financial analysis & stock markets. He studied literature, has a degree in public relations and is an independent contributor for several leading publications.
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