Digital transformation is not only about implementing new technologies—it’s about reshaping how organisations operate and deliver value to their customers. For businesses to truly succeed in the digital age, they must evolve in multiple areas. One of the most critical components of digital transformation is the development of digital skills and talent within the organisation. Without the right expertise, even the most advanced technologies cannot achieve their full potential.
In this blog, we will discover why developing digital skills and talent is so vital for a successful digital transformation and how organisations can build these capabilities across their teams.
The Importance of Digital Skills in the Modern Digital Workplace
As technology continues to change rapidly, organisations need employees who are equipped to leverage these advancements. From cloud computing to artificial intelligence (AI), organisations are adopting various digital tools to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. However, without a skilled workforce, these tools can go underused or misapplied, leading to missed opportunities.
Developing digital skills is no longer optional; it is a necessity. Organisations that fail to build a digitally capable workforce risk falling behind their competitors, while those that invest in upskilling and reskilling employees can foster innovation and agility. This is especially true as the demand for digital talent grows, and companies must ensure they are attracting and retaining the right skills to stay competitive.
Training Existing Staff
One of the first steps in building a digitally skilled workforce is to provide training for existing employees. Many organisations already have valuable talent in-house who are familiar with the business and its operations. Instead of hiring new talent for every digital need, companies can invest in training their current workforce to develop digital capabilities. This approach helps preserve institutional knowledge while ensuring employees feel supported and valued during the transformation process.
Training initiatives can range from offering digital literacy courses to more specialised programs like data analysis, software development, or cybersecurity. Offering online courses, workshops, and access to industry certifications can empower employees to develop the skills they need to thrive in a digital-first world.
For example, Lloyds Banking Group, a major UK financial institution, launched its “Digital Academy”[1] to help its employees build essential digital skills. The program offers employees online courses and in-person workshops at all levels, ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced coding and data analytics skills. By investing in developing its existing workforce, Lloyds has empowered employees to take on new digital roles and keep up with the bank’s digital transformation efforts.
Hiring New Talent with Digital Expertise
While upskilling existing employees is crucial, organisations may also need to hire new talent with specialised digital expertise to fill specific gaps. In many cases, the speed and scale of digital transformation require advanced knowledge in areas such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and data analytics. Hiring external talent with these skills can help accelerate digital initiatives and introduce fresh perspectives into the organisation.
For example, Tesla has been at the forefront of digital transformation in the automotive industry. As part of its ongoing digital efforts, Tesla continuously hires top talent in AI and machine learning to improve its self-driving technology. By bringing in experts in these fields, Tesla has developed some of the most advanced autonomous driving systems in the industry, positioning the company as a leader in the electric automobile market.[2]
Hiring digital talent also means embracing diversity. In today’s competitive job market, attracting diverse talent with varied experiences and backgrounds is essential. A diverse workforce can bring creative solutions to digital challenges and help organisations stay ahead of market trends.
Creating Cross-Functional Teams to Drive Digital Initiatives
In addition to training employees and hiring digital experts, organisations should create cross-functional teams to drive digital initiatives. Digital transformation is not just the responsibility of the IT department—it requires input and collaboration from all areas of the business, including marketing, finance, operations, and customer service. By building cross-functional teams, organisations can ensure digital projects align with business goals and are implemented efficiently across departments.
For example, General Electric (GE), a multinational conglomerate, has successfully integrated digital technologies into its operations by creating cross-functional teams known as “Digital Industrial Teams.” These teams bring together engineers, data scientists, and business leaders to work on projects such as predictive maintenance, supply chain optimisation, and advanced manufacturing techniques. This collaborative approach ensures that GE’s digital transformation is comprehensive and aligned with its broader business strategy.
Cross-functional teams also foster a culture of innovation. When employees from different teams/departments work together, they bring diverse ideas and perspectives to the table, which could lead to more creative and effective digital solutions.
Developing a Continuous Learning Culture
Digital skills cannot be developed once and are left to stagnate. The pace of technological change means that organisations must create a continuous learning culture. By encouraging employees to keep updating their skills and stay educated about the latest trends and tools, organisations can ensure that their workforce remains competitive and adaptable to future challenges.
Companies can support continuous learning by offering resources like access to online courses, providing time for employees to experiment with new technologies, or setting up mentorship programs. Regularly assessing skills gaps and offering personalised development plans can help employees stay on track in their digital learning journeys.
Some Great Examples of Companies Leading the Way
- Accenture is a prime example of a company that has significantly invested in digital skills and talent. The global consulting firm has committed to upskilling over 100,000 employees in areas like cloud computing, AI, and blockchain. By offering comprehensive learning programs, Accenture ensures that its employees are equipped to lead digital transformation projects for clients across various industries. [3]
- Microsoft is another company that has focused heavily on developing digital talent. In addition to offering its employees access to learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Learn, the company has partnered with universities and organisations to provide digital skills training to individuals worldwide. Microsoft’s focus on skill development is part of its broader mission to close the global digital skills gap and empower people to succeed in the digital economy.[4]
- Amazon is known for its innovative approach to hiring and developing talent. Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers free digital skills training programs, particularly in cloud computing and AI, to help individuals build the skills necessary for the digital workforce. This focus on training and development has helped Amazon stay at the forefront of e-commerce and cloud services. [5]
Conclusion
For a successful digital transformation, organisations must evolve across multiple areas, and developing digital skills and talent is at the heart of this change. By training existing staff, hiring new talent with specialised expertise, and creating cross-functional teams, organisations can build a workforce prepared to lead the digital revolution. Companies that prioritise the development of digital skills and adopt a culture of continuous learning will not only stay competitive in the digital age but will also drive innovation, improve efficiencies, and deliver better value to their customers.
As digital transformation continues to reform industries worldwide, investing in digital skills and talent is one of the most important steps organisations can take to ensure long-term success.
References:
[1] https://www.lloydsbankacademy.co.uk/learn-for-business.html
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/innovatorsdna/2016/08/24/teslas-innovations-are-transforming-the-auto-industry/
[3] https://www.accenture.com/us-en/careers/life-at-accenture/learning-development
[4]https://ukstories.microsoft.com/features/access-to-latest-tech-and-digital-skills-key-to-retaining-talent-microsoft-report/
[5] https://aws.amazon.com/training
