This is currently what I hear from companies almost every day in times of a weakening economy.
Companies should not lose sight of their employees’ development. In the digital era and transformation, certain digital skills are required to remain successful in the future and achieve competitive advantages.

We cannot master new things with old habits or knowledge. A digital skillset — a mix of hard and soft skills — also helps companies increase efficiency.

Here are aspects of how you can use digital skills to improve efficiency in your company:

Developing digital leadership skills is a crucial step towards increasing efficiency in organisations. The digital transformation and new demands of the working world require different leadership competences and skills.

The conscious use of technologies, especially generative AI tools, can significantly increase efficiency in companies. These tools not only support improved problem solving but also optimise work processes by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

The correct use and utilisation of digital communication and collaboration tools are essential to increase efficiency in teams. These tools enable smooth and fast communication, facilitate collaboration on projects and thus contribute to increasing productivity.

Effective digital work organisation reduces stress and increases productivity. This includes organising work processes, selecting the right digital tools and establishing a balance between synchronous and asynchronous work phases to ensure efficient use of working time.

In a constantly changing digital world, the ability to adapt quickly is a critical factor for efficiency. By developing resilience, companies can respond flexibly to new challenges and adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

A healthy working environment that supports the mental health and well-being of employees is crucial for increasing efficiency. Companies that invest in the mental health of their employees benefit from higher employee retention and productivity.

After all, digital literacy, i.e. the competent handling of the flood of information, is essential in order to work efficiently. Employees who are able to quickly capture, evaluate and utilise information make a significant contribution to improving work processes and increasing overall efficiency.

These skills are crucial not only for individual performance but also for the growth and success of the entire organisation. Even in a down economy, organisations should invest in digital skills development training to improve the capabilities of their employees and foster a culture that supports digital innovation and continuous learning. Creating a supportive work environment that fosters mental health and developing agile and adaptable working models are key to being able to respond quickly to change. By implementing these measures, companies can not only increase their efficiency but also maintain their position in the digital economy in the long term.