Key Takeaways:
- A Whooping 58%: Workers believe they missed promotions due to lack of digital know-how.
- Younger Generation Concern: 70% of 18-24 age group feel training neglect in the workplace.
- Upskilling Cost Concerns: 63% believe high costs of training deter organizations from offering upskilling opportunities.
Digital Skills: The Invisible Barrier in the Financial Industry
The financial sector has always been at the forefront of innovation, from introducing online banking to adopting high-frequency trading algorithms. However, a recent study reveals an alarming trend – a majority of the workforce believes a lack of digital skills may be costing them career progression.
A Crisis Underneath the Surface
A recent survey conducted by FDM Group, involving 250 decision-makers across UK financial institutions, highlighted an alarming statistic. 58% of the respondents believe they have missed out on promotions simply because of their inadequate digital skill set. The results underscore a pressing concern within the industry, given the rapid pace of technological advancements.
Young Workers Feeling the Heat
Delving deeper into the numbers, younger employees, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 24, express significant discontent. A staggering 70% believe they are overlooked when it comes to training opportunities. This generational difference paints a troubling picture. With technology evolving at a breakneck pace, younger employees, despite being digital natives, may feel inadequately equipped to handle emerging technologies in the financial sector.
Upskilling: A Widespread Solution, Yet Not Widely Adopted?
Encouragingly, 91% of workers stated that their organizations offer upskilling or reskilling opportunities. Yet, there’s a flip side to this coin. Concerns over the financial viability of such programmes loom large. 63% believe that prohibitive costs deter institutions from offering these crucial training sessions. This sentiment is even more pronounced among the 18-24 age demographic, with a whopping 94% echoing this sentiment.
The Outsourcing Advantage
The digital skills conundrum may have a solution in sight. 84% of respondents believe that outsourcing digital training could be a key strategy. Such an approach would not only keep costs in check but also ensure comprehensive training for staff members.
Resistance to New Technology
In a surprising revelation, three out of four workers stated that they’ve witnessed colleagues resist new technologies. The reason? A sheer lack of understanding and digital skills. A massive 86% of younger respondents (18-24) corroborated this sentiment. This resistance underscores the urgent need for robust training programmes.
An Expert’s Perspective
Sheila Flavell CBE, COO for FDM Group, weighed in on the findings, emphasizing the critical role of tech skills across sectors, especially financial services. Flavell believes that the current shortfall of skilled professionals is stymying the adoption of innovative technologies. This, in turn, hinders growth.
Flavell passionately advocates for bridging the digital skills divide. By offering extensive training programmes, institutions can empower their employees, setting them up for roles that demand a higher degree of technical expertise.
Conclusion
The financial sector stands at a critical juncture. As technologies such as AI and data analytics become integral, addressing the digital skills gap is non-negotiable. While it might not be an overnight solution, consistent efforts toward upskilling the workforce will undoubtedly pave the way for industry-wide progress and personal career growth.
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