The Evolution of Workplace Skills

As our workplaces and organisations have evolved over the years, so too have the skills required to thrive in these environments. If we rewind to the Industrial Revolution, we witness a monumental shift as Industry 1.0 introduced automation to manufacturing. Workers had to transition from their existing roles and learn to operate new machinery. Fast forward to the late 80s and early 90s, and another tech revolution occurred with the introduction of personal computers.

Personal computers required a whole new set of skills that workers needed to master. Besides their core professional skills - whether they were accountants, statisticians, or procurement officers - employees had to become computer literate. Learning to operate a computer, transitioning from using keyboards to navigating with a mouse, and adapting to graphical user interfaces were all essential skills. They also had to get proficient in applications like Lotus 1-2-3, early versions of Microsoft Excel, word processors, and presentation software like PowerPoint. Job adverts once explicitly asked for Microsoft Office proficiency; today, such skills are assumed.

Now, we're on the brink of another major transformation with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, but let’s park that topic for now. Instead, let's focus on a vital skillset that's essential today: data literacy. We're at a stage where progressing in many careers will be difficult without a reasonable level of data literacy. In this series of articles, I'll explore how organisations can help their staff develop data skills and how individuals can enhance their own capabilities, thereby improving the organisation itself.

Understanding the importance of data literacy is crucial for organisations. Some businesses still haven't realised how transformative data can be. The journey begins with acknowledging the significance of data and how it can enhance business operations. Organisations need to build data capabilities and bring their people along this journey, to help their organisations meet their strategic objectives.

This series will delve into various aspects of data literacy and how to develop it in the organisation. Future posts will cover topics such as building a data-driven culture within organisations, developing data skills for non-data professionals, ethical considerations in data usage, and, of course, data governance. We'll also discuss data storytelling, visualisations, and ultimately how AI relies on robust data capabilities, to add value to an organisation.