Randstad debuts digital proficiency test for employers

Despite the growth of artificial intelligence and automation in digital tools available to HR departments, more than half of companies are not considered proficient in digital innovation.

Fifty-two percent of 800 companies had little to no completion of digital transformation, low utilization of digital tools, and were slower to embrace new technologies, according to Randstad’s Workplace 2025: The Post-Digital Frontier study. An additional 38% of employers are only moderately proficient.

To help companies struggling with digital transformation, Randstad, a multinational human resource consulting firm based in the Netherlands, released a 27-question quiz. The quiz helps employers assess their digital progress, then directs them to customized digital resources.

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“Digital technologies have fundamentally altered nearly every aspect of business operations today,” says Alan Stukalsky, chief digital officer of Randstad North America. “Yet business leaders are struggling with how to unleash the power and promise that a technology-enabled workforce offers. The simple truth is companies must be willing to adapt and scale traditional business models, in order to effectively compete for talent and drive operational growth.”

For companies with limited proficiency, Randstad recommends embracing technology as an attraction and retention tool, along with showcasing an agile corporate culture.

See also: Northwell Health begins 24-month HCM transition to Oracle

Four in five employees surveyed by Randstad said a company’s use of the latest digital tools would greatly influence their decision to join a company, whereas only 62% of workers said a company’s reputation as a digital leader would sway them.

However, respondents were largely dissatisfied with the offerings made available to them.

Only 13% said their employer has fully embraced technologies like automation, artificial intelligence and collaboration tools, and one-third of workers don’t feel that their employers offer ample opportunities to acquire digital skills with training and on-the-job learning, according to the survey.

Likewise, companies looking to become more digitally savvy should focus on identifying leaders who adopt a growth mindset and take risks.

“Superior companies don’t build a digital strategy — they digitize their business strategy,” according to Randstad. “Effectively transforming your company means understanding that digital strategy isn’t a supporting platform for business strategy.”

Compared to developing companies, superior companies are, on average, 165% more likely to achieve business objectives, increase revenue, save costs and see return on investments, according to Randstad.

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