Strategies for Securing Employees in the Digital Realm
In today's rapidly digitalizing world, employees in businesses are increasingly required to understand the underlying mechanisms of artificial intelligence tools and data analyses. This shift is not a mere trend but a necessity, as companies strive to stay competitive in the ever-evolving landscape.
One company leading this charge is Schnorr, a machine builder in Sindelfingen. In collaboration with the consulting network RKW Baden-Württemberg, Schnorr is carrying out a pilot project called "Qualidigi," focusing on equipping employees with digital skills as part of their digital transformation.
Schnorr has analyzed its personnel processes to identify necessary and lacking IT and digitalization competencies. The first digital core competency they've identified is the competent handling of digital information and data. Technical basic understanding and ethical sensitivity are crucial for following decisions and evaluating results in a digitalized working world.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Munich recommends viewing the digitalization of the working world as a continuous learning process. Chambers in Baden-Württemberg, such as IHK Rhein-Neckar, offer courses on "Future Skills" to help employees adapt to new situations and act flexibly in the context of digitalization.
For medium-sized businesses to effectively train their employees for digitalization, several strategies and resources can be employed.
Training Strategies for Digitalization
- Reskilling and Upskilling Programs: Invest in ongoing training programs such as digital academies, job rotation/shadowing, and certification paths. These programs help employees build cross-functional understanding and adapt to emerging digital competencies.
- Involvement of Employees: Ensure that employees are involved from the outset. This includes providing clear responsibilities, practical training, and an open approach to feedback. Internal 'digital champions' can also help in anchoring new solutions quickly.
- Pilot Projects: Start with pilot projects in specific areas like sales or accounting to test new tools and measure their effectiveness. This approach reduces risk and helps in identifying areas for improvement.
- Alignment with Business Goals: Align training with the organization's culture, goals, and workflows. This ensures that employees can access the right information at the right time, enhancing their digital competencies.
Tools and Resources for Analyzing and Developing Digital Competencies
- IT Business Process Assessments: Conduct assessments to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement in IT infrastructure and workflows. This helps in pinpointing where digital competencies need development.
- Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Solutions: Use ECM to streamline information management, improving collaboration among employees. This is particularly useful for developing digital competencies related to information sharing and teamwork.
- AI-Powered Automation Tools: Leverage AI to optimize processes and enhance decision-making. This can involve automating routine tasks and replacing manual processes with digital workflows.
- Managed IT Service Providers: Partner with managed service providers to access specialists and advanced technologies without the overhead of building an in-house team. This can provide flexible solutions for developing specific digital competencies.
- Digital Training Platforms: Utilize digital platforms that offer courses and certifications in areas such as cloud computing, data analytics, and agile methodologies. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX are popular resources for developing digital skills.
By implementing these strategies and utilizing these tools, medium-sized businesses can effectively prepare their employees for the challenges of digitalization and enhance their digital competencies over time.
It's worth noting that only three quarters of all companies train their employees digitally, according to a study by the digital association Bitkom. In two thirds of these companies, there are only sporadic training offers. However, the importance of digital training in today's business landscape cannot be overstated.
Corinna Schindler, personnel director at Schnorr, emphasizes the importance of empowering employees in a digitalized working world. The second digital core competency she highlights is digital communication and cooperation, such as secure handling of email or videoconferencing systems.
In conclusion, as the digital world continues to evolve, it's essential for businesses to adapt and equip their employees with the necessary digital skills. By implementing strategic training programs, leveraging digital resources, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, businesses can thrive in the digital age.
- To stay competitive in the digital age, further education in digital communication and cooperation, such as secure handling of email or videoconferencing systems, is important for employees within businesses, as highlighted by Corinna Schindler, personnel director at Schnorr.
- For medium-sized businesses, using enterprise content management (ECM) solutions can aid in enhancing digital competencies related to information sharing and teamwork, particularly by streamlining information management and improving collaboration among employees.
