The digital revolution has reshaped the way we live, work, and communicate across the globe. In this age of rapid technological advancement, it is essential for nations to equip their workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, are no exception.
Building digital dexterity in this region is crucial for economic growth, innovation, and long-term prosperity. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of digital dexterity and outline societal and workplace methods and approaches, that can be employed in supporting the development of this much-needed skill in today’s workplace.
Digital dexterity, also referred to as digital fluency or digital literacy, is the ability to use digital technologies and tools effectively and efficiently to perform tasks, solve problems, and adapt to evolving digital environments.
According to Harvard Business Review, it is the beliefs, mindset and behaviours that accelerate digital business transformation.
It encompasses a range of skills, including digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, cybersecurity awareness and digital communication skills.
Our Caribbean nations, blessed with unique cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, face unique challenges in the digital domain.
Limited access to resources and educational opportunities in some islands, as well as infrastructure disparities in others, can make it more challenging to foster digital dexterity. Nonetheless, it’s essential for our region to leverage digital technologies for increased productivity, economic growth and competitiveness.
From a country perspective, there must be a cohesive strategy across the various stakeholders – governments through ministries and state agencies responsible for ICTs and digitalisation, private entities, NGOs, educational institutions—in facilitating and implementing the following initiatives.
Some of these initiatives are already underway in some of our Caribbean territories, particularly Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica:
• Investments in Digital Infrastructure Governments and private entities ought to invest in expanding internet access, especially in remote and underserved areas.
• Digital Literacy Programmes and Online Learning Platforms Implement digital literacy programmes in schools, colleges, and vocational training centres that focus on basic digital skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital ethics. Partner with global e-learning platforms that can provide easy access to high-quality educational content in various digital skills, coding, and data analytics.
• Promote Local Innovation and Community Engagement Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting local startups, tech hubs, hackathons, coding clubs, and technology expos, which can ignite interest in digital skills and careers among young people and create opportunities for young talent to gain practical experience in this context.
• Digital Inclusion Ensure the benefits of digital dexterity are accessible to all, irrespective of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Promote diversity and inclusion in the digital workforce.
• Government Support Create favourable policies and incentives like tax breaks, grants and other financial incentives for businesses to invest in technology and digital skills development.
• Cybersecurity Awareness Teach digital dexterity alongside cybersecurity awareness to ensure individuals understand how to protect their data and privacy, and that of their organisations from online risks and threats.
HR professionals play a pivotal role in supporting the development of digital dexterity within their organisations using various methods throughout the employee experience.
• Digital onboarding New employees can be introduced to the digital tools and systems they will use in their roles, ensuring a smooth transition into the digital workplace.
• Digital Skills Assessments Gauge employees’ digital dexterity levels, identifying areas that need improvement. Training and development programmes can then be designed and delivered using online learning platforms, to upskill employees in various aspects of digital competence, from basic computer skills to more advanced topics like data analytics or cybersecurity.
Building digital dexterity in the Caribbean is a long-term investment that promises significant returns.
We are rich with cultural heritage and diverse populations and possess immense potential to contribute to the global digital landscape.
It’s time to harness this potential by nurturing digital dexterity and providing the tools needed to thrive in the digital era.
If you are in the business of people management, be sure to attend HRMATT’s Biennial Conference, “HR into the Metaverse” to be held November 7-9, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency, PoS, where you will learn more about promoting digital dexterity in our Caribbean workspaces.
The Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad & Tobago (HRMATT) is the leading voice of the Human Resource Profession locally.
