Nairobi News

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for employees to possess advanced digital skills has become imperative for organizational success.

According to Kaspersky’s Business Digitization survey (a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company), only 29 percent of companies surveyed in the Africa (META) region organised training on cybersecurity for their employees.

The data further showed that 15 percent of businesses did not organise any IT-related training for their employees, even on basic IT functions.

And if an employee lacks digital skills and knowledge, this could lead to serious risks to the cybersecurity of the whole organisation: this employee could open a phishing link or download ransomware on a corporate device which may result in significant potential financial and reputation losses for the company.

This is why every company should strive to ensure that the employees have digital skills.

Below are some strategies to help employees improve their digital skills:

Incorporate digital tools into daily work

Actively integrate digital tools and technologies into the daily workflow.

Hands-on experience is often one of the most effective ways for employees to enhance their digital skills.

Provide opportunities for employees to apply their learning directly to their job responsibilities.

Provide frequent training programs

Offer comprehensive training programs that cover a range of digital skills relevant to your industry.

These programs could include workshops, webinars, online courses, or in-person training sessions.

Tailor the content to address specific skill gaps identified within your workforce.

Encourage continuous learning

Cultivate a culture of continuous learning within the organization.

Encourage employees to take advantage of online resources, educational platforms, and industry certifications.

Provide support for ongoing education and create a system for employees to share new skills or knowledge with their colleagues.

Mentorship and peer learning

Facilitate mentorship programs or encourage peer-to-peer learning.

Experienced employees can mentor those who are less familiar with certain digital tools and technologies.

This creates a collaborative environment and allows for practical, hands-on learning.

Feedback and recognition

Establish a feedback system that recognizes and rewards employees for their efforts to improve digital skills.

Positive reinforcement encourages a proactive approach to skill development. Constructive feedback can guide employees in areas that require further improvement.

Invest in technology and infrastructure

Ensure that employees have access to up-to-date technology and infrastructure that facilitates digital skill development. This includes providing the necessary software, hardware, and resources for employees to practice and refine their digital skills effectively.

Promote a digital-friendly culture

Foster a workplace culture that values and embraces digital skills.

This includes leadership support for digital initiatives, promoting innovation, and creating an environment where employees feel encouraged to experiment with new technologies without fear of failure.

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