The digital skills gap is often framed in terms of computer skills for older people. While this presents a genuine challenge in modern workplaces, it’s one that the younger generations may be equally vulnerable to. Many basic computer skills appear to be vanishing among Gen Z and Gen Alpha—presenting a problem for educators, and an equivalent conundrum for employers.
At the same time as a computer skills crisis may be developing, entirely new computer skills are entering the equation—baffling all generations equally, and potentially putting jobs at risk. So what are the skills that are valuable in today’s workplace, what are the issues with not having them, and what can we all do to combat this looming issue?
The traditional computer skills gap
For years, discussions about the digital skills gap have largely focused on older generations who grew up in the ‘analogue era’. While computers have existed for the majority of most working people’s lives at this point, what we recognise as a modern computer begins closer to the late 1990s. This is when graphical user interfaces (GUIs) became more or less locked in, and software like Microsoft Office established the template for most productivity software today.
Even then, the extent to which you might have used this software growing up will vary. In 1998, just 34% of homes had a computer at all, climbing to 54% by 2002. If you did have one, you may not have used the software that extensively, either in terms of time or features. Beyond the basics of using word processors and spreadsheet software, many of the useful features have traditionally only been taught in elective IT GCSEs or A Levels and their older equivalents, where uptake has been predominantly male. Others will simply have forgotten whatever they learned while working in jobs or periods where they didn’t need these skills.
The result is that many people from millennials upwards lack what are now key skills in the workplace. This is true not just of Office applications, which remain in wise use everywhere from offices to retail to doctors’ surgeries, but also things like CRM and project management software. Using these tools effectively is fundamental to many roles with little apparent relation to IT, and in some cases increasingly so, with public and private sector organisations alike looking to increase transparency, and to better track performance.
New generations, new tech
There’s a truism that young people are good with tech, and it holds up in a lot of areas. Indeed, it holds up in at least one aspect of working life, which may be why it persists. Gen Z employees—the first true “digital natives”—are frequently hired to manage social media, and with good reason. Where millennials may have been around for the birth of platforms like Twitter and Facebook, the zeitgeist has started to shift elsewhere, and the way information is shared online has changed.
Yet while young employees may have been born ‘phone in hand’, an increasing number seem to struggle with older tech. Many kids now get phones at an early age, either through peer pressure or as a way to stay in touch with their parents, the capabilities of phones are such that computers often aren’t necessary. This is borne out by the divide in what people are comfortable doing on a phone versus a computer, with older generations hesitating about online shopping or banking, and Gen Z not thinking twice.
The end result is that traditional computing skills are to some extent being lost. While schools will generally still mandate the use of Word and Excel, and may dabble in design software or web development tools, many students will use these sparingly, and in only as much depth as they need to. The rise of another tool may also be reducing the need for them to actually complete these tasks themselves—a tool which employees of all stripes need to get a grip on.
Adapting to the age of AI
If the shift from desktop computing to mobile usage has changed the digital skills landscape, the rise of AI is about to transform it beyond recognition. As anyone who’s seen the wave of Ghibli-inspired art or heard Spongebob singing pop tunes will know, AI is no longer a futuristic concept. Some form of AI has already been integrated into everyday tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and customer service chatbots, pervading many people’s working lives whether they wanted it or not.
For employees, this presents both an opportunity and a threat. On one hand, AI can genuinely improve productivity when applied to certain tasks. Idea generation, correcting spelling and grammar mistakes, automating repetitive tasks, creating templates, or formatting data are all legitimate uses of AI tools. Employees who know how to leverage AI effectively can save time, cut out errors, and increase their value to their employers.
On the other hand, AI is also replacing certain job functions—not just for artists or designers, but in areas like data entry, customer service, and basic administrative work. The progress of this technology is such that job losses as a result of AI adoption no longer seem so far-fetched, or so far away. Employees who can both understand and use AI ethically and effectively will benefit, but so will those that focus on skills that AI cannot easily replicate—critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.
The case for professional development
No matter which generation you’re from, the broad problems appear to be the same. Entering this new future of work means acknowledging this, and embracing the need for personal and professional development. Whether through your company or your own initiative, equipping yourself with the right skills will make you more confident in your role, and provide a bulwark against the coming storm. Here are just a few areas of focus:
Traditional software
Microsoft Word and Excel (and their Google equivalents) remain fundamental to most office jobs, yet many employees do not know how to use them effectively. This is true even for writing straightforward content, whether that’s a report, proposal, meeting minutes, or a blog post for the company website. Beyond issues of formatting and presentation, there are all manner of small tricks and features that can make your life and that of everyone who needs to use the document significantly easier.
If Word is a box of tricks, Excel is the whole Magic Circle. The spreadsheet software remains essential for data management, analysis, and automation in many business settings. Without proper training, a significant number of employees struggle with even basic spreadsheet functions, leading to inefficiencies and errors. Learning how to use formulas, as well as features like pivot tables and automation, allows employees to work smarter and avoid costly mistakes—improving accuracy and reducing the time spent on what should be simple tasks.
Building AI literacy
AI isn’t going away anytime soon, so employees need to learn how to work with it. AI tools are already embedded in workplace applications, from auto-generated email suggestions to advanced data analytics. The trick is not just understanding how to use these applications, but how to sort the wheat from the chaff. In an age where every company seems desperate to stuff AI into their software regardless of its actual usefulness, not every AI tool is equally valuable, and some may produce subpar results. The more you use Ai software and identify its quirks, the easier it will become to learn when to use it, and how to use it responsibly.
Understanding AI also means staying competitive in the job market. People who know how to use AI effectively are a genuine resource at present, and using AI to drive efficiency improvements is something many employers are actively looking for. Those who embrace AI literacy will find themselves in higher demand, as businesses seek workers who can integrate technology seamlessly into their roles, as well as the wider business. Investing in AI not only gives you confidence in using these tools, but also helps to position yourself as a valuable asset in an increasingly automated world.
Improving time management
Many of us spend most of our waking hours being bombarded with endless notifications, emails, and other digital distractions. In this environment, time management has become an even more crucial skill. Employees who can effectively manage their workload and prioritise tasks will always be in demand. This means mastering time management apps, but also learning techniques to survive away from software.
Today’s employees should ideally have a grasp on digital calendars, and some experience with task management apps like Monday.com or Todoist, as well as project tracking software depending on the industry. Beyond this, training options like our Time Management course can help you to better prioritise tasks; set more realistic deadlines; and maintain focus even as Slack starts pinging, and your phone vibrates itself onto the floor. Time management training not only equips you to work more efficiently, but can also reduce stress, helping you to achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Building confidence in an AI world
As AI looks set to genuinely reshape workplaces, it’s human qualities that will help you stand out. As well as having the confidence to adapt, you’ll also need the resilience to handle change. Many workers naturally feel anxious about the rapid pace of technological advancements, worried that their roles will become obsolete. A course like Developing Self-Confidence and Personal Resilience can equip you to navigate these changes with a more positive mindset.
Confidence in your own abilities is crucial for career progression. Employees who believe in their skills are more likely to take on new challenges, embrace learning opportunities, and make better contributions to their teams. Resilience, meanwhile, helps employees remain adaptable in the face of change—whether that involves learning new software, or collaborating with AI-driven tools.
And finally…
As automation becomes more sophisticated, it’s an inevitable truth that workers not only need to develop traditional digital literacy, but also learn how to integrate AI into their roles. This may be daunting for people of all ages, but it’s a challenge that everyone is capable of not just embracing, but overcoming.
The digital skills gap presents a clear argument for all kinds of ongoing skills training—not just in software like Excel and Word, but also in areas of professional development such as time management and personal resilience. While it will pay to have a handle on AI and whatever other new development Silicon Valley throws at us, it’s those human qualities that define us—and will continue to propel your career.
