AND Digital Survey reveals a lack of digital skills could be halting Reading business growth

According to a recent survey, more than half of Reading employees do not receive enough digital upskilling training from their employers, with a good third of them feeling like they don't have the necessary digital skills for their job function.

The research, which was commissioned by AND Digital and polled 5,000 UK professionals who utilise technology in their jobs. Overall, the study shows that quick action to improve the workforce's digital skills might increase the UK's chances of an economic rebound. According to the study, nearly 70% of employees in Reading think their company is suffering because of a lack of digital skills.

Nearly a quarter (24%) acknowledge that their digital problems have hindered their ability to meet company objectives, cost them clients, or missed out on important commercial prospects. However, this problem is made worse by the fact that more than half (52%) of Reading employees confess their employers have not provided them with digital upskilling.

Nearly seven in ten (68%) of workers in Reading think that a lack of digital skills has severely impacted their ability to advance in their careers. A third (33%) of them claim that this has resulted in their not being considered for promotions, wage raises or both.

AND Digital Reading Club Executive Shan Beerstecher said this about the results: “Digital skills mean so much more than just technical skills. It also includes professional skills, such as product and delivery management, and soft, human skills such as empathy, creativity and teaming. Individuals and teams with such skills are vital in creating a digital future, and for businesses across the UK and in Reading to see continued growth and success.”

“Despite the digital skills gap discussion persisting for over a decade, organisations in Reading are still failing to sufficiently upskill employees, and it is directly impacting business and wider economic growth. This is because we have not come to a shared understanding of what the skills gap is or what digital skills means – this needs to be done to move forward and close the gap.

“In the next three years, AND Digital estimates the UK workforce will require eight million individuals proficient in digital skills to close the gap. A number which even the most effective recruitment teams will struggle with. Organisations in Reading must prioritise digital upskilling – ensuring individuals, teams and organisations as a whole in the region are fit for a digital present and future.”

Main picture courtesy of Creative Commons Licence/Nearshore Americas

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