Why Basic digital skills Are Important in Workplaces

What are Basic Digital Skills?

When we think of the modern workplace, it naturally occurs to us that there are many devices, applications, or software that are being used, therefore, it is a very technologically infused atmosphere. This technology is central to work for most professionals these days. The use of these technologies and concepts invariably involves a certain level of proficiency or skill. These sets of skills can be understood as digital skills. So, why basic digital skills are important, really?

Basic digital skills are the fundamental abilities needed to navigate and interact with technology in everyday life. They can be understood as the building blocks for more advanced digital competencies which are invariably required to accomplish the assorted tasks employees have to accomplish. ¹

We can think of basic digital skills as learning to ride a bike. Once you master the basics and learn to ride, you can pretty much go anywhere your bike can go. Similarly, having acquired basic digital skills, you can confidently explore the streets and parks of the digital world. So let’s look at why digital skills are important for any digital professional.

Competencies of Digital Skills

The essential digital competencies encompassing digital skills include a range of abilities, including:

Why Basic Digital Skills Are Important - Digital Competencies

1. Technology Proficiency

This involves the capability to operate computers, smartphones, or other smart devices and their associated operating systems, navigating various software applications, and basic troubleshooting.

2. Internet Usage

The world that we know of is increasingly impacted by the internet to the extent that we get most of our information from it. Whether it is for work, research entertainment or even to study, the internet is your portal to the world. This means that accessing and retrieving information all the while navigating treacherous traps such as spam or malware on the internet is a crucial skill. This translates into the ability to use search engines effectively and to be able to critically evaluate the credibility of online sources. It also means being able to troubleshoot rudimentary internet issues not limited to software such as Wi-Fi, installation, or configuration.

3. Digital Communication

Effective, real-time, and uninterrupted communication is the primary reason why we have work-from-home or remote work opportunities in the first place. Suffice to say without it none of us could have even thought of working from the comforts of our homes. This includes things remote professionals are already accustomed to, from managing email correspondence to utilizing video conferencing platforms, and from group messaging to online collaboration platforms which are indispensable in today’s digital environment.

4. Information Management

In our information-centric era, where all decisions are subject to information obtained from various applications and software, the capacity to locate, organize, and store digital information is vital. This also means being able to manage and create digital files and directories effectively.

5. Cybersecurity

It is one aspect to gain information and make decisions with it, but the security of the office environment is an entirely different subject altogether. Given how frequently and prodigiously data is shared online for any WFH setup, it is essential to secure this data. Among the caveats of remote work is the fact that each employee needs to be digitally savvy to protect critical business information and this means applying best practices at home without relying on a company firewall or on-location services.

6. Problem Solving

More often than not, working remotely involves smaller problems that require creativity and innovation to solve. These can be anything from cross-device collaboration to making the best use of existing data in analyses. A crucial competency for any remote worker is that of a creative problem solver. A good example can be data-driven decision-making for business leaders or managers.

In essence, these fundamental digital skills have become central to the way we work. Far from being productivity hacks, these skills are now necessary for survival for modern professionals. As our society continues to embrace digital transformation, possessing these competencies will become increasingly paramount in the future.

What are Examples of Digital Skills?

Examples of some basic digital skills could be:

Using a computer and basic software applications for productivity like a word processor, project management tool, smart calendar, etc.
Using your phone and computer interconnectedly to sift through notifications and take important calls
Retrieval of information via the internet making use of advanced search and cybersecurity measures
Video conferencing with colleagues
Brainstorming new ideas and remote collaboration with colleagues or clients
Using software to track and analyze data
Avoiding spam, malware, etc.

Digital Skill Assessment

Are you curious about your current digital literacy level with the digital skills you have?

The European Commission’s Self-Assessment Tool offers a comprehensive evaluation of your digital skills across various domains. By completing this assessment, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop a personalized learning plan to enhance your digital capabilities. ²