One of the biggest challenges for organisations in this increasingly digital world is employees who lack essential digital skills.

 

In a tight job market, hiring workers who are already digitally proficient is difficult, making upskilling the best solution. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, digital capability is no longer optional – it is a critical factor for business success, but it is not always at the level it needs to be.

 

Despite digital literacy being critical for modern work, a surprising 55% of workers in New Zealand lack the right level of digital competency to thrive in technology-rich environments.

 

Equipping frontline workers with digital skills is crucial. Leaders who invest in digital upskilling for their teams will see direct benefits in productivity, efficiency and workforce resilience.

 

This particular gap directly impacts workplace safety, efficiency and retention. Manufacturing in particular, suffers from low digital adoption, leading to higher error rates, increased waste and lower overall productivity.

Employees and workforces can often become the barrier to digital adoption meaning untapped productivity opportunities are left behind or not even considered. As workplaces become more technology-dependent, leaders who fail to prioritise digital training risk falling far behind.

 

The ROI of Digital Upskilling

 

Investing in digital skills for frontline workers is a direct contribution to business success. Organisations that integrate digital upskilling into their workforce strategy see measurable returns:

  • Increased Productivity – employees who can efficiently navigate digital tools complete task faster and make fewer errors.
  • Higher Engagement and Retention – workers who receive ongoing training feel values and more likely to stay.
  • Improved Operation Efficiency – a digitally capable workforce reduces downtime and optimises processes.

 

We know New Zealand manufacturing companies that introduce structured digital and leadership training report a 3:1 return on investment. Their employees not only gained practical digital skills but also contributed to measurable workplace improvements.

 

Effective Solutions: Digital Transformation for Frontline Workers

 

Leaders who want to future-proof their organisations should prioritise structured digital training and help is out there.

 

One effective solution is the EMA Micro-Credentials Programme delivered by The Learning Wave, specifically designed to equip frontline workers with essential digital skills for manufacturing, engineering and industrial sectors.

 

It’s a two-day face to face workshop with a follow-up online session or in-house options are available for larger workforces wanting to provide this opportunity to groups of employees.

 

This proven and effective approach not only to provide workers with practical digital capabilities but also ensures they can apply their learning in real workplace scenarios, contributing to overall business improvement.

 

As businesses navigate an increasingly digital world, leaders must ensure their workforce is equipped to thrive. Digital capability is no longer a “nice to have” rather, it’s essential for competitiveness, efficiency and long-term success.

 

By investing in digital upskilling today, organisations can create a workforce that is agile, adaptable and prepared for the challenges for tomorrow. The businesses that act now will be the one leading the future.