Remember when being "computer literate" meant you could type 30 words per minute? Well, folks, times have changed, but apparently, some of our colleagues haven't gotten the memo! These days, you'd expect everyone in the workplace to handle basic tasks like searching Google or managing their email inbox. But according to frustrated workers everywhere, that's not the case at all.
From people who can't spot an obvious scam email to those who never learned to use their "indoor voice," the list of missing basic skills in today's workplace will leave you scratching your head. We've compiled 30 everyday work abilities that, surprisingly, many colleagues just don't seem to possess - sadly, "replying to all" when you shouldn't didn't make the cut. That means there are way worse offences waiting ahead...
#1
Critical thinking. Imagine where we would be if people were more commonly able to assess information and reach reasonable conclusions.
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12points
#3
Showing the slightest amount of appreciation when being helped (granted the help is wanted/needed).
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11points
#4
Admit when you’re wrong, take responsibility for your actions and apologise, if necessary.
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11points
#5
Shape recognition.
Does the end of the cable look like the hole in the machine? It's amazing how many people can't figure that out at work.
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11points
#6
Listening.
A lot of people lack the basic skills of listening to another person in a conversation and not bull-dozing/disregarding them with their next sentence.
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10points
#8
How to use Excel. Went to a job interview and they asked me about Excel and how would I rate myself. I asked them to clarify, like basic spreadsheet functions, formulas or programming in excel. They looked at me in shock and said "You know a lot, you're an advanced user". 🤦♀️ I never answered the question and they moved onto the next question.
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10points
#10
Most people should know at least some basic computer troubleshooting skills, but I find that a lot of people around me have difficulty doing even something simple like moving music from their computer to their phone.
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9points
#11
How to have a civil conversation with people who disagree with them.
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9points
#12
reading, its not super common but illiteracy is more common than it should be.
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9points
#13
Simple math. We were talking about something money related at work, and I added up the two numbers in my head. They all looked at me like I was a freaking genius and asked me how I did that. Kinda sad really.
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8points
#14
Just being reliable. It's amazing how far you can get professionally and in relationships by being the person people feel like they can genuinely depend on. So many are flakes.
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8points
#15
Naming a document. You don't have to use the default img.exe or whatever. You can name it something so you remember what it is so it doesn't get lost. Saved me a lot of frustration in college when I was taught this for an online assignment.
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8points
#16
My college roommate didn't know he could change his desktop background. He was blown away and went to show it to one of our other friends, who was also blown away because she didn't know you could change the background.
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8points
#17
Personal finance.
The number of people who seem unable to comprehend that their paycheck has to last a month is astounding.
The number of people who seem unable to comprehend that their paycheck has to last a month is astounding.
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7points
#19
Email etiquette. I'm not even talking on a spelling and grammar level, I'm talking full-time, white collar professionals who have no idea how their emails are coming across.
I have a client who tells people to get everything done "ASAP!!!!!" There is no discerning what is actually important to him, there is no thank you, just what comes across as a barked order. In person be is extremely nice and reasonable. But he is a late adapter to any kind of tech, and yeah..I still get taken aback by his emails, even though I know he's over there typing with two fingers, trying his hardest to get things done in an world not built for him.
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Believe it or not, they're not really trying to be douches in their emails. They genuinely think this is OK, and that if it works in normal speech it's probably fine. The latter lady considers being a little overly dramatic to be her sense of humor..
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[...]
Believe it or not, they're not really trying to be douches in their emails. They genuinely think this is OK, and that if it works in normal speech it's probably fine. The latter lady considers being a little overly dramatic to be her sense of humor..
[...]
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7points
