By Fiona Maher

In my previous article, we explored how digital skills form the foundation for innovation and inclusion. But having the tools alone isn’t enough. People need the confidence and support to use them effectively.

In today’s workplace, technology drives success, but it’s the people who steer the wheel. Without the right skills, even the best tools can feel like a high-tech car without a driver. So, how do we empower teams to confidently navigate the digital landscape? Let’s dive into practical strategies that can help close the digital skills gap with leadership, culture, and a team-focused approach.

Creating clear pathways to learn and grow

We’ve all experienced being handed a new digital tool with little guidance and told, “good luck!” No wonder some employees feel overwhelmed. Accessible learning pathways can make all the difference, offering a clear roadmap instead of a confusing maze.

Workshops create a safe space for teams to explore new tools together, making the learning process feel less daunting. For example, one team shifted from paper-heavy processes to a streamlined digital workflow. This change not only saved time and reduced costs, but it also freed up employees to focus on more meaningful work, building confidence in the process.

Mentoring is like having a co-pilot; someone to guide you through the turbulence of change. Senior leaders may feel uneasy about learning alongside junior employees, but by creating a supportive environment where everyone learns together, leaders can gain confidence at their own pace. The result? Leaders who advocate digital change and inspire others to embrace it.

Blended learning offers flexibility, catering to different learning styles. Whether through workshops or bite-sized e-learning, it’s about providing options so employees can learn at their own pace. This approach makes learning accessible and stress-free, allowing teams to build confidence on their terms.

Champions networks tap into the influence of trusted individuals, the ones everyone turns to for help. These “super connectors” can bridge skill gaps, naturally fostering a culture of learning and support. By harnessing their influence, organisations can speed up adoption and create an environment where learning happens organically.

What’s your organisation doing to make learning easy and engaging?

HR and Beyond: Building a Growth Engine Through Digital Skills

In today’s world, growth is a team effort. It’s not just HR driving things; it’s a collective effort across departments working together to build a culture where digital skills are at the heart of success. When everyone’s aligned from HR to IT, comms, estates and beyond, the engine of growth runs smoothly.

• Digital skills as a shared focus:

When digital skills are integrated into employee development plans across departments, it sends a strong message that growth is a priority for everyone. It’s not just HR’s job; it’s a collective effort to ensure the workforce is prepared for the future.

• Celebrating progress together:

Recognising achievements, whether it’s mastering a new tool or completing an online course, is crucial. Comms play a key role here. When Joe sees that Emily has mastered something, he’s more likely to believe he can do it too. Constant communication fosters a culture where learning is a shared, ongoing effort. You can never communicate enough.

• Collaboration drives success:

Bringing in outside expertise benefits the whole organisation, not just one department. In my experience, when departments e.g. IT, HR, comms and others collaborate, outcomes are more successful. It’s not about ownership of the initiative; it’s about working together to achieve a common goal.

I recently worked with an organisation where digital skills were being integrated across departments.

The reason it was successful?

The people involved understood that collaboration was key. By aligning goals and working together, they created a shared vision for development and career growth. This made performance reviews more focused and meaningful, centered around true skill advancement.

It’s not about individual departments pushing their own agenda; it’s about coming together to create a culture of growth and digital capability. When the whole team is aligned, the growth engine runs smoother and faster.

How does your organisation encourage collaboration to build digital skills and drive growth?

Tackling resistance: turning ‘I can’t’ into ‘I did’

Resistance to change is natural; it’s part of being human. The key is understanding the “why” behind it. Maybe it’s fear of making mistakes or the belief that new tools will create more work.

• Start with small wins:

One team was overwhelmed by paper forms. Switching to an online form seemed simple, but it saved time and reduced the burden on employees, making the process much more efficient.

• Make it relevant:

Tools should simplify tasks, not add more work. A team was hesitant about using a new scheduling tool. After a demo and some tweaks to fit in with how they worked, they saw how it reduced double-booking and saved time, making it an integral part of their routine.

• Listen and adapt:

When employees feel heard, they’re more likely to engage. Initially, a team resisted moving to SharePoint, but after feedback sessions and system adjustments, the tool worked better for their needs, and adoption grew.

How often do you ask your team what’s holding them back from fully embracing digital tools? You might be surprised by their answers.

Empowering Your Team to Succeed

At the end of the day, digital skills aren’t just about tools; they’re about creating an environment where employees feel confident, supported, and ready to embrace change. Whether it’s through structured learning pathways, peer-to-peer support, or empowering HR to drive digital growth, it all comes down to fostering a culture that prioritises development.

If your team is struggling to bridge the digital skills gap, you don’t have to do it alone. At FSP, we’re passionate about helping businesses unlock the full potential of their teams through tailored learning, coaching, and strategy development. From specific tools to long-term strategies for digital transformation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Are you ready to make digital learning part of your organisation’s DNA? Let’s create a roadmap for success together: Fiona.maher@fsp.co