‘How to improve productivity, bridge skills gap in digital learning age’

For businesses to record increased productivity and growth, there is a need to embrace emerging digital trends and bridge skills gaps in workplaces.

This was the view of stakeholders at the Digital Learning Breakfast Roundtable organised by Phillips Consulting (PCL), in Lagos, recently.

According to experts, firms need to proactively mitigate job loss in the face of evolving technology, through investments in training and retaining digital skills to bridge the wide skill gaps in the labour market.

Senior Partner, PCL, Paul Ayim, urged organisations to not only give employees opportunities to learn but should also give room to them to practice acquired skills.

“This is because digital learning is not a game of technology but for efficiency and competitive advantage in the marketplace,” he added.

Ayim, however, advised workers to anticipate and prepare for a change that could make their skills irrelevant in the workplace, while organisations should involve learners in developing learning systems.

He urged managers to up the skill and repurpose their employees, Country Head for Human Capital, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Olufunke Amobi, said digital trends are volatile and could lead to a job.

She stated that the Human Resource and Information Technology departments must align with the strategic intent of the organisation.

According to the Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Skillsoft, Shane Kirwan, many talented people leave great jobs due to lack of opportunity to learn and grow.

He urged employers not to be selfish but to develop themselves as they grow the company.