Digital education deficits still widespread in the world of work

CRM provider Salesforce has launched its new Global Digital Skills Index published. More than 23,500 professionals between the ages of 18 and 65 in 19 countries were surveyed for this study in November-December 2021. The study sheds light on digital literacy deficits that prove to be a challenge for many professionals but also for companies. This is because almost three-quarters of employees (73 %) do not feel they have the digital skills that companies need now and in the future. 76 percent therefore feel inadequately prepared for the digital future. Despite this, only 28 percent of them are actively participating in relevant learning and training programs to date. Accordingly, the study shows the growing Global capability gap in digital skills and the urgent need for action.

Emerging markets much more confident than industrialized nations

Respondents from emerging markets are generally more confident about their digital future than their counterparts from industrialized countries: India reaches the Global Digital Skills Index the highest value. Three quarters of respondents in India feel equipped for a digitally driven workplace today, and seven out of ten employees are actively learning new digital skills - the figures are four times higher than in Germany, for example. In addition to India, respondents from Brazil, Thailand and Mexico are also optimistic about a digital future. By contrast, respondents from Australia, South Korea and Japan are less confident.

Digital skills from everyday life do not help in the workplace

Everyday skills such as social media and web navigation are not the same as core digital skills in the workplace. The vast majority of respondents in North America (83 %), Europe (82 %) and Asia Pacific (70 %) say they have "advanced" or "intermediate" social media skills. At the same time, only about a third in each case (31 %, 24 % and 34 %, respectively) feel prepared for the digital demands their workplace will place on them in the next five years. These include tools for digital collaboration, data analysis, administration, e-commerce and project management.

The index also shows that younger professionals have more confidence and ambition to continue their education: over one-third of Generation Z respondents are actively learning and training for the skills they will need in the next five years. Among members of Generation X, only 12 percent plan to be active in this regard. "A large proportion of employees worldwide do not rate their digital skills as sufficient. In Switzerland, it is no different and there is immense pent-up demand. Support measures are now required at the political and corporate level," says Petra Jenner, Head of Switzerland at Salesforce.

Companies are called upon to combat digital literacy deficits

Bridging the digital divide is crucial for successful economic development. Far too often, employees are dissatisfied with the continuing education offerings in their companies or do not receive any offerings at all. The cooperation of companies with public agencies and educational institutions is central to this: This is the only way to create the right training and continuing education opportunities that reach all sectors of society equally, according to the study authors.

More information and source: Salesforce