Enhancing Digital and Soft Skills of the Ageing Workforce: MENDELU’s Contribution to the EDSAW Project

The EDSAW (Enhancing Digital and Soft Skills for Ageing Workforce) project (project no. 2023-1-SK01-KA220-ADU-000159273) represents an important European initiative aimed at increasing the employability, productivity, and digital confidence of workers aged 50+. The project brings together partners from several EU countries and develops training courses designed to respond to the growing need for upskilling the older workforce in the face of rapid technological and organizational changes. At Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU), employees from the Faculty of Business and Economics (PEF) and the Institute for Lifelong Learning (ICV) have played a key role in developing and piloting several training modules targeted at this demographic group. Their active involvement ensures that the Czech context and specific needs of local workers aged 50–64 are fully reflected in the course content, structure, and learning support.

The project has led to the development of several high-quality, accessible courses that combine digital skills, soft competencies, and practical tools needed for success in today’s evolving workplaces. Among the courses co-created by MENDELU staff are:

• Adaptability and Teamwork for the Workplace (Ondřej Pavelek, Amar Khairi) - Focused on building resilience, communication, and conflict resolution skills, this course helps older workers thrive in dynamic, intergenerational teams and adapt to technological and organizational change.

• Cloud Computing (Aneta Krejčová, Ondřej Klíma) - Introduces participants to cloud-based tools and services, making data access and collaboration more flexible and secure without the need for physical infrastructure.

• Digital Technologies for Office Use (Martina Rašticová, Eva Šerá) - Tailored for workers 55+, this course offers a step-by-step guide to using office software, managing tasks digitally, sharing files in the cloud, and enhancing digital literacy and online safety.

• Effective Presentation Methods (Jitka Matějková, Eva Šerá) - Strengthens public speaking and digital presentation skills, with a special focus on using modern tools (e.g., PowerPoint, virtual platforms) in both live and remote formats.

• Lean Management Principles for Business (Martina Rašticová, Pavel Žufan) - Helps older workers apply lean principles to improve productivity, reduce waste, and support continuous improvement, not only in manufacturing but also in office and service settings.

• Principles of Cybersecurity (Jana Mikušová, Ondřej Klíma) - A course covering essential digital safety topics such as password protection, email security, online fraud, and mobile device safety.

• Principles of Effective Communication (Nataliia Tkalenko, Kateřina Pevná, Lenka Kamanová) Focuses on interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, and handling workplace interactions more effectively.

• Using Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace (Aneta Krejčová, Ondřej Pavelek) - Introduces practical uses of AI, outlines key ethical and legal considerations, and prepares employees to work alongside AI technologies with confidence and critical awareness.

Thanks to the EDSAW project, MENDELU has significantly contributed to the creation of a flexible, blended learning model that addresses both digital and soft skill development. The training materials are interactive, relevant, and tailored to the learning preferences and life experience of older learners. As the Czech population ages, and as the labour market continues to digitize, such courses are not only relevant—they are essential. In addition to curriculum development, MENDELU also plays an important role in testing and validating these courses with target groups in the Czech Republic. The practical outcomes of the EDSAW project are expected to directly benefit Czech companies, public sector employers, and educational institutions by offering tools to keep their senior employees active, motivated, and digitally competent. Ultimately, EDSAW is not just a project about teaching new tools—it is about empowerment, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Through this initiative, MENDELU demonstrates its leadership in supporting a more inclusive and future-ready labour force.

Acknowledgement: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Slovak Academic Association for International Cooperation (Slovenská akademická asociácia pre medzinárodnú spoluprácu). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.