As we continue to advance into an increasingly digital age, it is important for employers to ensure that their workforce feels ready and well-equipped to meet challenges and take full advantage of the benefits. ADP’s 2017 pan-European report The Workforce View in Europe surveyed nearly 10,000 working adults in an attempt to reveal how employees feel about their working lives. Breaking down the data regionally, it is interesting to note the digital barriers faced by employees are particularly noticeable in Scotland.

Scottish potential

It was recently announced that the National Cyber Security Centre is considering setting up a Scottish branch, and back in June the University of Edinburgh was named as Scotland’s first UK Government-approved centre of excellence in cyber security research. These exciting developments point to big potential in Scotland’s tech future, but the reality is that digital knowledge, in Scotland and globally, is still confined to a relatively small number of highly skilled individuals, with industry demand still outstripping supply.

While it’s exciting to see Scotland advancing in the cyber-security realm, we shouldn’t let this blur our vision of Scotland’s tech skills. It’s important to look at the wider picture and find out how the majority of Scots feel about their tech know-how as well as the digital barriers they are facing.

Skills gap or investment gap?

Why is Scotland facing these digital barriers? Data from the Workforce View revealed that it was likely a combination of a lack of digital skills alongside a lack of investment in equipment. Around 16% of Scots reported difficulties with software usability while the UK average stands at just 10%. Similarly, another 16% reported difficulties switching easily between their various devices (such as from a PC to tablet, or smartphone) when the UK average stands again at a considerably lower 10%.

The technology itself seems to emerge as a more severe problem, with the Workforce View findings highlighting a significantly higher proportion of Scottish employees citing outdated technology as one of their key technology frustrations at work (25% v 21% UK average). Furthermore, high proportions of Scottish workers listed technology failing in meetings as a common frustration (13%). It’s difficult to be sure what is causing the problem, but it seems logical that faulty technology may lead to declining tech skills.

Looking forward

So what can Scotland do to face these digital barriers? Primarily, companies need to have open and frank discussions with their staff regarding any obstacles, be it the equipment or abilities of the workforce. This is vital in order for a company to gauge what should be done. From this, solutions should be fairly straightforward, with companies needing to invest in either training or new tools.
Such investments can only lead to improvement not only in employee productivity but also in their general wellbeing and feelings about work. With the world moving in an ever more digital direction, no one wants to be left behind and it is important that employees feel their companies allow them to work at the digital forefront.

These digital barriers ultimately represent opportunity for growth, and the chance for businesses to address areas of concern and work towards a brighter tech-savvy future. Scottish employers should see it as an opportunity to respond, and arm their employees with the skills and devices needed to meet the digital age.