91% of businesses demand data literacy from workers, but only few provide training

Only 28% of organisations provide data literacy training, the lowest globally.

The majority (91%) of organisations in Singapore expect their employees to have basic data literacy, but only 28% are working to equip their workers with the data skills they are demanding, a survey has found.

There's also a mismatch between employees and decision-makers in terms of whether their respective departments are providing workers with needed data skills; only 37% of the former agreed with the statement, whilst 78% of the latter concurred.

This disconnect must be addressed for the value of data to be realised, according to JY Pook, senior vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific and Japan, Tableau at Salesforce.

"Businesses today must translate this recognition to commitment by investing in their people through training and development. Only then can they capitalise on the enormous opportunity in our high growth region and drive success,” Pook said.

According to the survey, proving data literacy training can also help retain employees, with 83% saying they are more likely to stay at a company that sufficiently trains them with the data skills they need.

Only 35% of surveyed employees in Singapore believe their organisation has equipped them with the data skills they need.

Meanwhile, 41% of those who provide training only conduct it for those holding traditional data roles (e.g., analytics, data science).