Creating a More Just and Merciful World
Steps To Creating A Data-Driven Workplace
Data analysts are providing sought-after expertise as more companies become data-driven. By bridging the business and technical worlds, they perform significant roles in cultivating a data-forward culture.
Companies in industries of all types are moving toward a data-driven work culture. Many see the advantages and positive outcomes from big data and artificial intelligence (AI) efforts. Today, 96% of companies report success from data initiatives, according to the New Vantage Partners Big Data and AI Executive Survey. However, only 24% of companies are truly data-driven.
Build Understanding About Data
One challenge to becoming a data-driven organization is lack of knowledge. Throughout an organization, employees might not have an adequate understanding about data. This is where data analysts can step in and help, according to findings in Experian’s 2022 Global Data Management Research Report.
The report details the characteristics of data-driven organizations, which includes “data masterminds” who are conduits for their company’s knowledge about data. Other characteristics include trustworthy data, better technology and practices so users know how to make data actionable.
Additionally, leadership buy-in is considered essential for the drive toward a company-wide data culture.
Data-Driven Culture Starts with Leadership Buy-in
A data-driven work culture starts from the top, according to NielsenIQ. Leaders set the priorities for their companies. By focusing on facts, data and evidence, they are letting their employees know those things are important. These leaders will also set expectations and decisions based on data.
Data-minded leaders influence their organizations through guidance, the adoption of analytics tools and by expressing the importance of using data in daily work activities. This influence carries throughout the organization to employees at all levels.
Buy-in can also be demonstrated in budget approval for technology to full-fledged company-wide promotion of data initiatives.
Making Data Accessible
Another barrier to implementing a data-driven work culture is accessibility to data. Technology can give employees better access to information. Software assists with quantitative and qualitative analysis of data and automates many of the tasks that are typically time-consuming for humans. This software extracts, categorizes and analyzes data.
Tools also provide a user-friendly experience for anyone in the business. Data is presented in a highly consumable format. With the help of technology, employees at all levels can speak in the common data language of their organization.
Becoming a data-driven organization is not just a technical undertaking, however. A major challenge is shifting the work culture and establishing the processes and habits needed to become data-driven. Data analysts, scientists, architects and engineers may be needed to set this up by training their colleagues.
Importance of Training
Data analysts are the go-to experts who can perform a critical role in training. Data-related training begins with engagement—data experts engaging staff in the process of discovering needs and concerns. By involving staff who do not work with data, an organization’s leaders will know what the pain points are and where they can deliver value.
The next step in training involves equipping colleagues with the skills to begin using data and analytics tools. Training is continuous, requiring patience and adapting as necessary.
Ultimately, data should empower employees. People throughout an organization can contribute their innovation, creativity and cooperation instead of focusing on mundane tasks. Being data-driven does not only support a company, but individuals, too.
A Data-Driven Career
Are you interested in becoming a data expert who can guide your workplace forward? Start with a degree in Data Analytics from Carlow University. In this bachelor’s degree program, you will master data interpretation and gain the foundation needed to help lead an organization on the path to growth.