Most in-demand skill in the future workplace? Data literacy

New research shows that data literacy will be the most in-demand skill by 2030. According to a report developed by Qlik in partnership with The Future Labs, business leaders and employees alike predict that data literacy, defined in the report as the ability to read, work with, analyze and communicate with data, will be the most in-demand skill by 2030. With 85% of executives saying it will become as vital in the future as the ability to use a computer is today.

According to research from analytics software company Qlik, at least 1 in 5 employees believe their employer is preparing them for a more data-oriented and automated workplace (21%). Which holds true in the findings that global employees report their use of data, and its importance in decision-making, has doubled over the past year. While 89% of executives now expect all team members to be able to explain how data has informed their decisions.

This demand for data skills reflects a significant shift in the workplace due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Enterprise leaders surveyed believe employee working practices will change to become more collaborative, with intelligent tools helping them make better decisions (84%) and become more productive (83%). As a result, 40% of C-level respondents predict their organization will hire a chief automation officer within the next three years, and 99% say they will add that role within the next decade. 58% of employees surveyed believe that data literacy will help them stay relevant in their role with the growing use of AI and automation in the workplace.

In conclusion, the move toward a more data-oriented and automated workplace creates a massive opportunity for those with data literacy skills. 

For more about the study, click here.