What Do Older Workers in Slovakia Really Need to Stay Digitally Confident?

As Slovakia’s workforce continues to age, digital transformation is leaving many behind. According to the 2024 labour force statistics, workers aged 55 and over make up nearly 19% of the total active workforce—a figure that has more than doubled since 2005. Despite their experience and dedication, these employees often lack the digital skills necessary to thrive in modern work environments.

To better understand how to support this demographic, the EDSAW project conducted a national survey involving 150 respondents aged 50–65. The survey spanned all Slovak regions and provides a representative snapshot of older workers' digital knowledge, confidence, and training gaps.

What Did the Survey Reveal?

1. Digital Skills: Usage vs. Understanding

• While 42% of respondents use digital tools often, 15% rarely or never use them at work.

• Only 27% have received comprehensive digital training. Another 40% report receiving either none or minimal instruction.

• Tasks like organising digital files or using video conferencing tools are still a challenge for many.

• Cloud storage remains a barrier—31% feel uncomfortable using it, while 51% are unsure about its security.

2. AI and Emerging Technologies

• 55% of respondents are unfamiliar or very unfamiliar with artificial intelligence (AI).

• This is concerning as AI increasingly influences how decisions are made in administration, management, and industry.

• Incorporating basic AI literacy into training will be essential for future-proofing this segment of the workforce.

3. Cybersecurity and Data Protection

• Only 2% of respondents feel very familiar with cybersecurity concepts.

• Almost half don’t consistently use two-factor authentication.

• While most are cautious when opening suspicious links, there’s a general lack of deeper understanding of how to stay secure online.

4. The Role of Employers

• The survey shows a clear training gap in employer support.

• Older employees are willing to learn—but training must be accessible, practical, and confidence-building.

Recommendations Going Forward

Based on the findings, here are the top priorities for digital upskilling:

• Expand structured digital training, especially in cloud tools, digital file management, cybersecurity, and video conferencing.

• Promote AI literacy with user-friendly introductions to how AI is used at work.

• Increase awareness and comfort with cloud technologies through transparent, hands-on learning.

• Support from employers is essential—digital upskilling should be a shared responsibility between organisations and workers.

What’s Next?

The EDSAW project is using this data to design a free, accessible e-learning platform (available in Slovak, Czech, and English) with practical, real-world courses tailored to the needs of the 50+ workforce. These will cover:

• Cybersecurity

• Cloud computing

• AI in the workplace

• Digital tools for office use

• Communication and soft skills for modern teams

By listening to older workers and designing training that meets them where they are, EDSAW is helping build a more inclusive, digitally confident, and future-ready workforce in Slovakia.
📚 Enrol soon at: www.everlearning.io