Amber Hickman |
Microsoft Office has been identified as a top technical skill for IT and line of business (LOB) teams, according to a new IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Microsoft.
The report, titled Thriving in an AI-driven Future: Defining Critical Skills and Tools as Jobs Evolve, examines the importance of proficiency in productivity tools that have generative artificial intelligence built in.
Out of 800 business and IT leaders interviewed worldwide, 65 per cent of LOB managers reported that Microsoft Office is the most important tool for the success of their teams.
Furthermore, 65 per cent of respondents stated that Microsoft Teams was the most important tool for collaboration and productivity.
“Skills development has gone from an anchor experience in higher education to being an ongoing experience as part of the flow of work,” said Amy Loomis, vice president of research for Future of Work at IDC. “Whether starting as a new graduate or an experienced professional leader, the end goal is to adapt and learn the most critical tools for driving productivity, business and organisational success.”
In addition to Microsoft Office, department managers also stated that some of the other skills needed for new hires include flexibility (42 per cent), creative problem solving (41 per cent) and organisation (34 per cent).
“Our tools continue to be foundational to success in the knowledge economy,” said Paige Johnson, vice president of education and media industry marketing at Microsoft. “As a leading provider of AI technology, these tools with built-in AI functionality will help ensure that students are ready for what is next in the world of work.”