ServiceNow has released findings from a recent study examining how employees view the impact of technology and digital skills on their careers and the future of the workplace. In the UAE, 79 per cent of surveyed employees believe that digital skills provide a competitive advantage in business, and 84 per cent express that new technologies are instrumental in realising their potential.
A survey of 5,500 working adults in Europe and the UAE showed that UAE employees are more optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI) than their European counterparts. In the UAE, 74 per cent see AI as a significant opportunity for the workforce, 26 percentage points higher than in Europe.
Despite positive views on technology, 54 per cent feel their formal education didn’t prepare them for today’s work, and 82 per cent believe additional tech education would boost their career confidence. To address this, 72 per cent suggest mandatory AI education before age 18, and 81 per cent believe businesses should play a role in promoting AI skill development.
From the study, there are two important things to consider. First, employees in the UAE like having more digital tools at work, but companies should be careful about how they introduce these technologies. It’s important to have a plan that simplifies processes, making sure technology benefits both employees and customers. Second, companies need to promise not only a career path for their employees but also opportunities for learning new skills. This includes training programmes to help employees grow and contribute more to the company and the community.
