Boosting your marketable career skills: Employers, technology, and productivity

Adapting to technology quickly in the workplace increases your opportunities for success in your career. If you strategically build your career skills your value to employers grows. When you understand technology tools you will boost your productivity too.

Even as technology has revolutionized the way we work and interact with the world around us, people with expertise still drive projects and initiatives in the workplace. Technology brings significant constant change to the workplace, and being quick to adapt to these changes can enhance your career success.

Let’s Talk About Apps and Software

Below, we discuss the disciplines where you can keep up with technology for productivity in the workplace and examples of apps and software where you can build marketable career skills.

1. Communication Tools: Communication is a crucial aspect of any workplace, and technology has made it easier than ever before. Tools like email, instant messaging, and video conferencing have made it possible to communicate with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders around the world in real time. Knowing how to use the latest versions of these apps and software is crucial.
2. Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is another game-changer that has transformed the way we work. Instead of storing data on local servers, cloud computing allows us to store data on remote servers, making it accessible from anywhere, at any time. This has made it easier for employees to collaborate and share information with colleagues in different locations. Google Drive or SharePoint skills are often required in the business environment, generally with specific industries relying on tailored solutions.
3. Project Management Tools: Project management tools like Trello, Monday, Asana, and Basecamp have made it easier to manage projects, assign tasks, and keep track of progress. These tools have made it possible to work collaboratively with colleagues in real time, improving productivity and efficiency.
4. Automation: Automation is becoming increasingly prevalent in the workplace, and those who are skilled in automation tools and software are in high demand. For example, software like Zapier and IFTTT can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more important work.
5. Collaboration: Slack and Microsoft Teams allow collaboration within departments and across companies with chats, scheduling, and files built right in.
6. AI: Open A’s Chat GPT, Google’s BARD AI, Bing’s AI, and similar apps have dominated the news lately. And some companies and schools are implementing user guidelines for these new tools.

Why These Skills Matter

In addition to how technology can improve productivity in the workplace, let’s explore how it helps to build a person’s marketable career skills.

1. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new technologies is a valuable skill in today’s workplace. Those who are quick to learn and adapt to new tools and software are more likely to be successful in their careers.
2. Problem-solving: Technology is constantly evolving, and with it comes new challenges. Those who are skilled in technology are better equipped to find innovative solutions to these challenges.
3. Collaboration: Many of the tools and software used in the workplace today are designed for collaboration. Those who are skilled in these tools are better equipped to work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, improving productivity and efficiency.
4. Efficiency: Technology has made it possible to automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more important work. Those who are skilled in automation tools and software are more efficient, making them more valuable to employers.

So, if you are ready to keep up with technology that is essential for productivity in the workplace and building marketable career skills, how do you take the next step?

Always take advantage of training opportunities and offerings at work. It shows your boss and managers that you are adaptable. Plus, you will unlock a new skill. If your company doesn’t offer resources or opportunities to build technology skills, there are still several ways to proceed without spending money. Here are a few suggestions:

Look for Free Online Resources

There are many free online resources available for building technology skills. Sites like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer free courses in various technology-related fields. Also, websites like Codecademy, W3Schools, and FreeCodeCamp offer free coding and web development tutorials. By taking advantage of these resources, you can learn new skills without spending any money.

Attend Free Webinars

Many companies and organizations offer free webinars on various technology topics. These webinars can be a great way to learn about new technology trends and developments. Find free webinars on sites like Eventbrite, Meetup, and LinkedIn.

Participate in Online Forums

Online forums can be a great place to connect with others in the same industry and learn about new technology trends. Sites like Reddit and Stack Overflow have active communities of technology professionals who share their knowledge and experiences.

Volunteer for Technology Projects

Look for volunteer opportunities that involve working on technology projects. This can be a great way to gain practical experience and build new skills. Non-profit organizations and community groups often need volunteers to help with their technology needs. Plus you’ll build your network of contacts.

Take Advantage of Internal Training

While your company may not offer resources for building technology skills, they may still offer internal training opportunities. Speak to a manager or HR representative to find out if there are any internal training programs available. Or volunteer for projects that use skills you want to learn.

Remember, building technology skills without spending any money is possible with some creativity and effort. There are many free online resources, webinars, online forums, volunteer opportunities, and internal training programs available to take advantage of. By doing so, you build career technology skills and become more valuable to employers.

Keeping current applies to equipment accessibility, too. When working remotely it is important to have a dedicated space and the right connectivity. A few years ago, not everyone knew how to use Zoom, now almost everyone does but video software evolves too, so those skills should be up to speed as well.

It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and software to stay competitive in today’s job market. So, make an effort to improve your productivity, efficiency, and collaboration skills, by taking a  technology initiative you will be a more valuable asset to your employer.