When we talk about digital transformation, we usually focus on technology.
We discuss new tools, artificial intelligence, automation, digital platforms and the skills people need to use them. But there is another part of the conversation that deserves just as much attention:
Are people actually prepared to adapt to the changes technology brings?
Having access to digital tools does not automatically mean someone feels confident using them. And knowing how to use a particular technology does not necessarily mean someone can adapt when the workplace changes, solve unfamiliar problems or communicate effectively in a digital environment.
This is where soft skills and digital resilience become essential.
The skills gap goes beyond technical knowledge
Research conducted during the European EARTHE project, involving participants across Romania, Serbia and Cyprus, highlighted an important challenge: 71% of surveyed employees reported difficulties adapting to changes in their work environment.
Employers also pointed to a recurring mismatch between employees' technical qualifications and the soft skills needed to succeed in their roles.
This raises an important question:
What happens when someone has the technical knowledge to perform a job but struggles to adapt, manage time, communicate with colleagues or respond to unexpected challenges?
Digital readiness is not exclusively a technical matter. It is also about confidence, flexibility, problem-solving and the ability to learn continuously.
Making soft skills practical through digital learning
To address this challenge, the Erasmus+ funded EARTHE project (Lifelong Learning for Empowerment: Upskilling and Reskilling Pathways) developed a set of free digital and educational resources for adult educators and adult learners.
Rather than approaching soft skills as abstract concepts, the project focuses on practical learning and real-life situations.
Its resources include:
A digital self-assessment tool: allowing users to explore their strengths and development needs across ten competency areas, including communication, leadership, time management, flexibility, adaptability, problem-solving and digital resilience.
Scenario-based learning resources: presenting realistic situations that encourage users to reflect on their decisions and responses.
A training toolkit for adult educators: providing structured activities, case studies, role plays, group exercises and other practical methods for developing soft skills.
The idea is simple: people learn to respond to change by practising, reflecting and applying what they learn to situations they may encounter in everyday working life.
Why digital resilience needs more attention
Digital resilience is not simply the ability to use technology.
It also involves being able to navigate uncertainty, respond to unexpected situations, overcome difficulties and remain adaptable when familiar ways of working change.
For someone entering a new profession, returning to employment or trying to keep up with changing workplace requirements, these abilities can make a meaningful difference.
This is particularly important for adults who may have limited access to digital training opportunities, including people from rural communities, migrants and individuals facing financial difficulties.
That is why EARTHE placed inclusion at the centre of its approach, setting a target for at least 50% of participating adult learners to come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The project's workshops were delivered face-to-face in Romania, Serbia and Cyprus, while its digital resources were developed in four languages: English, Romanian, Greek and Serbian.
What can technology professionals take away from this?
Although EARTHE focuses primarily on adult education, its approach raises questions that are relevant to the wider technology community.
When developing digital products, how often do we consider users with limited digital confidence?
Are we designing learning experiences that help people build confidence, rather than simply providing information?
How can scenario-based learning help people prepare for unfamiliar situations?
Are soft skills receiving enough attention in discussions about the future of work?
Technology can create opportunities, but people need the confidence and skills to make use of them.
Building a more digitally capable society requires more than access to devices, software and online platforms. It requires learning opportunities that are accessible, practical and inclusive.
Explore the EARTHE resources
EARTHE is an 18-month Erasmus+ KA210-ADU partnership coordinated by Asociația Centru pentru Inovare și Performanță (Romania), together with the Western Balkans Institute (Serbia) and WECHANGE Research and Outreach Ltd (Cyprus).
The project's digital resources, self-assessment tool and educational materials are freely available in English, Romanian, Greek and Serbian through its eLearning platform and partner websites.
Explore the project: https://earthe.eu
We would love to hear from the DEV Community:
What do you think is the most overlooked skill people need to thrive in an increasingly digital workplace?
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