Salesforce has released data from its new digital skills survey of 1000 workers in India which shows that the vast majority think skills are more important than educational qualifications or career background. However, there is a gap between the skills companies need and those currently used by the workforce, with only 4 in 10 Indian workers using AI in their current role, despite it being one of today’s most in-demand digital skills.
The report suggests that companies can help close the digital skills gap by providing continuous, skills-based training to their employees. Indian workers agree that AI skills are important, with 93 per cent reporting excitement about the prospect of using generative AI for their job and 91 per cent saying that their company is considering ways to use generative AI. However, only 40 per cent of Indian workers say that their day-to-day role involves AI, and there is a need for upskilling to meet the evolving workplace needs.
The report highlights the importance of prioritising digital skills development for employees, with 9 in 10 Indian workers believing that businesses should do so. The shift towards skills-based hiring is evident globally, with 82 per cent of people leaders surveyed saying that skills are the most important attribute when evaluating candidates. Most people leaders also believe that prioritising employees’ digital skills development will have positive impacts on wider business performance, such as increased productivity and better problem-solving capabilities.
According to Sanket Atal, Managing Director of Salesforce India Operations & Site Lead, as businesses face current headwinds, it becomes imperative to embed resilience in every aspect of the organisation. This involves investing in the right technology and skills. With more companies adopting AI and automation to streamline their operations and boost efficiencies, the need to train employees to leverage these tools becomes even more critical. Atal further suggests that effective skills development programmes that complement employees’ enthusiasm for these opportunities should be a crucial component of every business leader’s strategic plan.