Dive Brief:
- A new PwC survey found that while 90% of company leaders said they're focused on technology with their employees in mind, only 53% of workers agreed. The company polled 12,000 people from around the world, including C-suite members and those from various generations and industries, on how they view the technology tools they use.
- Most respondents said they prefer face-to-face communication in most interactions, except completing training. Respondents also preferred digital tools for HR tasks, such as updating personal or HR information, reviewing benefits, enrolling in benefits or scheduling vacation time. But generally, when asked what drives their interest in advancing their digital skills, 37% of respondents said status, such as promotions and recognition, 34% said curiosity or efficiency, and 29% said individual achievement.
- To get employees' buy-in for technology initiatives, PwC recommends that employers: 1) don't separate technology from employees' experience and what motivates them; 2) understand what performing employees' jobs involves; 3) include people from various levels and departments in making decisions; and 4) change the organization's mindset when non-traditional training is required.
Dive Insight:
HR has had to grapple with a business world that demands improved user experience and more self-service — all while help employees with technology that's changing how they do their jobs.
Before investing in new technology, experts say employers should think about what kind of skills development might be required. Luckily for employers, employee development is shaping up to be an in-demand benefit offering, as the PwC study makes clear.
As employment experts have predicted, the future of work will require new sets of skills. The skills gap shows no signs of narrowing, which means the search for workers with the most in-demand skills could get even more arduous. Low unemployment, combined with strict immigration policies, means that training current employees to fill those jobs might be the only choice organizations have. Those looking to not only survive, but thrive, also might need to start training workers for jobs that don't yet exist.
