Digital talent has long been a necessary skill for members of the workforce. The digitalization of the workforce has resulted in a larger percentage of workers using tools that require digital talent and skills. Between 2002 and 2020, the demand for high digital skills rose from 9 to 26 percent [1]. Almost every industry today utilizes technology and requires employees with digital talent. Hiring employees with digital talent could positively impact a company as it competes in or transitions to a digital market.
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What is digital talent?
Digital talent refers to anyone who works in technology, specifically those who work in information technology, digitalization, analytics, and automation and who help digitally transform an organization. If you are working as a developer, project manager, or engineer, you are most likely contributing to the digital transformation of your company.
An important component of digital talent is digital literacy. This involves staying updated on new and existing technologies implemented in your workplace, managing your company’s ideas and vision through an online environment, and communicating digitally with employees or team members.
Why is digital talent important?
Digital talent is an essential tool for companies to implement, as it is necessary to understand and use technology in the modern workforce. Hiring new employees with digital talent can create new outlets for digital leadership and improve your workforce’s overall capabilities with technology. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the majority of industries to an online or hybrid workforce, now making digital transformation a necessity in the workplace. As you hire new employees, consider if they can use digital resources or possess new technological capabilities not fully developed within your company.
Benefits of digital talent
Digital talent has many benefits that can improve your company’s overall success. By implementing new digital strategies, you can increase customer satisfaction. Customers will find it easier and faster to engage with your company with the added online resources.
Read more:What Is Digital Transformation? Definition, Strategy, and Examples
Having many digital platforms can also improve collaboration within your organization. As employees begin using digital platforms, they will learn how to communicate and share ideas faster, which will increase productivity. Digital talent often utilizes innovative strategies and tools that can transform your company and create new opportunities for success.
Drawbacks of digital talent
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Build Generative AI skills across your organization
Learn more about Coursera’s new Generative AI (GenAI) for everyone.
Opportunities for career development and advancement
Flexibility in the workplace
Work that is meaningful
Competitive compensation and financial benefits
A workplace culture that includes supportive and reliable coworkers
Digital talent skills
As you prepare to make digital talent a priority for your business, ensure that your employees or potential hires possess the digital talent skills that will contribute to success. Here are some principles of a digital talent-focused workforce.
1. Familiarity with digital terms and software
2. Online research skills
Conducting independent online research is a skill employees should strive for, as exploring new topics can help them adapt to your organization’s digital tools and resources. Researching online information proves they can independently expand their skill set and is a necessary skill in the digital age. Conducting research is common in almost every industry, but the ability to do so digitally demonstrates your employees’ comfort with using databases and software programs.
3. Collaboration through digital tools
Digital talent is only useful if employees are able to collaborate and combine their skills. Collaboration is imperative if employees use varying technologies or software that need to merge together cohesively. Cloud-based collaboration tools like Google Drive or Microsoft Teams can help employees connect more efficiently, allowing them to come together digitally and complete projects.
4. Adaptation to new technology
Being well-versed in common technology is highly useful, but employees should also be able to adapt to new and developing technologies. Staying current on the most recent digital tools will ensure a company remains competitive and innovative among other competitors. Adaptation is a useful skill in a number of ways, as it allows your employees to step outside of their comfort zone and explore new options and resources.
5. Teaching others how to use digital resources
Learning how to use digital tools is one thing, but if employees can teach others how to use different software and online resources, the company can operate at a faster pace and with greater efficiency. When employees teach one another about new digital tools they are comfortable using, it results in a wider network of digitally talented employees. Continuing to impart knowledge to one another can expand digital literacy within a company and promote teamwork skills.
Getting started with Coursera
On Coursera, you can explore courses to boost both your and your employees’ digital skill sets. TheExcel Skills for Business Specializationis a course designed to help you navigate Microsoft Excel software, analyze online data, and create spreadsheets.
Likewise, theGoogle Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificatecan help employees gain beginner-level digital marketing skills, including measuring analytics and optimizing your company’s e-commerce stores.
Let’s talk about making talent your advantageConnect with our team to learn how you can prepare your business for rapid change.Learn more
Let’s talk about making talent your advantage
Connect with our team to learn how you can prepare your business for rapid change.
Article sources
1.Brookings. “As the Digitalization of Work Expands, Place-Based Solutions Can Bridge the Gaps.” Accessed October 30, 2023.2.Pew Research Center. “The State of American Jobs.” Accessed October 30, 2023.3.McKinsey & Company. “Cracking the Code on Digital Talent.” Accessed October 30, 2023.View all sources
1.Brookings. “As the Digitalization of Work Expands, Place-Based Solutions Can Bridge the Gaps.” Accessed October 30, 2023.2.Pew Research Center. “The State of American Jobs.” Accessed October 30, 2023.3.McKinsey & Company. “Cracking the Code on Digital Talent.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
1.Brookings. “As the Digitalization of Work Expands, Place-Based Solutions Can Bridge the Gaps.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
Brookings. “As the Digitalization of Work Expands, Place-Based Solutions Can Bridge the Gaps.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
2.Pew Research Center. “The State of American Jobs.” Accessed October 30, 2023.3.McKinsey & Company. “Cracking the Code on Digital Talent.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
2.Pew Research Center. “The State of American Jobs.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
Pew Research Center. “The State of American Jobs.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
3.McKinsey & Company. “Cracking the Code on Digital Talent.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
McKinsey & Company. “Cracking the Code on Digital Talent.” Accessed October 30, 2023.
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
