Real-world working for businesses across Europe is looking a lot more digital. Rapid technology advancements have taken businesses into the cloud, while day-to-day workflows and schedules are becoming increasingly automated.
This mirrors the perspectives of business leaders – according to research from Sage, 85% of respondents claimed the adoption of digital tech will be critical for future growth. However, there’s a pressing topic on the cards for smaller businesses. The digital skills gap.
Since the pandemic – and the Great Resignation – ambitions to digitalise have become impacted by a serious lack of digitally-skilled workers. Small businesses in particular are now struggling; new technology can provide rich benefits, but without a tech-savvy workforce this could pose more of a threat than an advantage. According to the European Digital SME Alliance, the number of unskilled workers has climbed to as many as one million, and despite advancements since the pandemic – EU countries are struggling to turn this around.
What can small businesses do?
As the problem becomes more widespread, addressing the digital skills gap can seem daunting. But hope should not be lost. While every small business is different, with varying priorities, there are a number of ways to overcome the skills shortage.
Gather knowledge
The first step is taking stock of the digital skills that current staff either have or don’t have regarding the business’ existing tools and platforms. Does one employee struggle with a platform another employee finds easy to use? Is someone strong in data management but weak in cyber security processes? To find out, it’s worth conducting internal research within the business, either by speaking to people, or running digital workshops. Building this knowledge can help small business leaders understand the scope of their own challenges, and create a benchmark for where to begin.
From here, small business leaders can identify what’s needed to align with future goals. After all, it’s important to focus on what will provide the most significant impact.
Utilise training
It was recently reported that only 54% of people in the EU aged 16-74 can perform basic digital tasks. This can include anything from using the internet securely to setting up and running virtual meetings. As one of the most important factors in driving upskill, training plays a significant part in filling the gap. Small businesses can utilise structured, online learning platforms and resources to provide cost-effective and flexible IT training options. For businesses where the gap is somewhat greater, there are IT services that provide strategic guidance and consultancy to make using new technology easier.
There is also the option for effective peer-to-peer learning programmes. Small businesses can and should implement mentorship programmes where more digitally proficient employees mentor those who are less experienced.
Play to your strengths
In many ways, small businesses already have some advantages for addressing the digital skills gap. Many will often have fewer team members, and a close-knit culture in which employees can more easily collaborate. This type of environment can foster a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing, as well as offer opportunities for more hands-on experience with digital tools.
Increased levels of practical experience can contribute to digital skills development – and can help teams keep up-to-date with the pace of change. Plus, small businesses can use size to their advantage: typically changes can be implemented quickly without navigating complex hierarchies or difficult decision-making protocols.
How Sharp can help?
With another year of business ahead, the current digital skills gap could go either way. For small businesses, pressure is mounting to double-down on digitalisation efforts, and fill important IT roles at the same time. While the initial stretch to do so might appear unsettling, the benefits far outweigh it.
As data breaches become more common, with a third of European SMEs being victim to a computer virus attack, a tech-savvy workforce can help businesses unearth greater resilience. As more partners across supply chains embrace digital tools, and while customers expect ease and speed of service, having digitally-skilled teams can unlock new business models – utilising AI technology and cloud-based services.
To help strengthen digital capabilities, Sharp can take care of IT services for small businesses – offering a diverse range of cyber security services, specialist applications, IT support, and consultancy. With Sharp on board, businesses can overcome the issue of their digital skills gap, filling essential roles with experienced experts.
Not only this, but services and solutions can be adapted to suit individual business specialist needs. This way, teams are free to work on important day-to-day tasks, while IT services are in safe hands.
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