The digital skills gap is an obviously apparent gap in fluently understanding technology. Most millennials don’t struggle with this, as they’re very tech-fluent. The Baby Boomer generations I and II are generally those who struggle most with closing the digital skills gap because they didn’t grow up with the same technology and were not surrounded by this fast paced tech-edge environment like Generation X or Millenials. If you’re looking to close the skills gap for the employees in your business, read on for some details and suggestions.
Recognizing the Gap
Noticing a gap in your employees’ skills and understanding is the first step. It’s apparent through performance: if an employee has a proven track record, and then struggles with technology and hits a roadblock with the digital aspects of work, they may face the digital gap.
Understanding the Target Audience
Employees, especially those in marketing or sales, need to understand the buyer or the goal of the target audience to whom your business is trying to appeal. If this target is a leading tech consumer, these employees who face the digital skills gap may have a hard time relating to, and furthermore, successfully reaching the audience.
Leaders are Accountable
Leaders must assess, teach, train, and work with these employees to close the gap. In order to fix the issue, a lot of training and understanding must be implemented. It’s not impossible to close the digital skills gap, it just takes time, organization, and a good strategy. The learning tools must be presented to these employees in an easy way for them to understand. Nobody should feel disadvantaged because of the gap. Leaders should feel obliged to at least offer the proper training to their employees until the gap is closed.
Closing the Gap
Every job is different. Obviously someone with a digital skills gap wouldn’t work at Best Buy. But for a job that hires all kinds of people, it’s easy to understand that there may be a digital skills gap. If you’re aiming for employee satisfaction, and more importantly, employee retention, leaders should make it a priority to focus on closing educational, digital gaps.
M&H Consulting can answer questions about your technological business strategies. Contact us today at (866) 964-8324.
Categorised in: Apps, Business Management, computer, Devices, Organization, training