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New Accenture research shows that across developed and developing markets, digital fluency — or having the capabilities/competency needed to carry out internet-related functions — is the single most critical factor in closing the pay gap, because it increases the chances of more women getting paid work.

Digital fluency's potential impact is life-changing. Nearly 100 million women would be added to the paid workforce, with almost two trillion dollars of additional income, while cutting decades off the pay gap—all by 2030.

Early adopters of new technology are overwhelmingly male at the undergrad level — 63% versus 45% female

When it comes to continuously learning important new digital skills, Accenture research shows that male undergraduates again outperform female undergrads, 53% to 44%

When it comes to undertaking specialist coding or computer courses, males are more likely to do so: 83% versus 68% for females

Why it matters: Accenture research shows that 84% of female undergrads believe the pay gap either doesn't exist or will close within 20 years — a sharp contrast to the reality of a gap that will exist for longer than a century without intervention. The message to young women, educators, employers and governments should be clear that digital fluency is vital, internet access is fundamental, and helping women make smart choices to obtain paid work is essential in closing the gender pay gap.

George Marcotte is the Managing Director and Go-to-Market Lead for Accenture Digital UK and Ireland.

Why closing the pay gap relies on digital fluency

The potential impact on the workforce and the economy is life-changing

Technology

Pay equity

Expert Voices

Business

New Accenture research shows that across developed and developing markets, digital fluency — or having the capabilities/competency needed to carry out internet-related functions — is the single most critical factor in closing the pay gap, because it increases the chances of more women getting paid work.Digital fluency&#x27;s potential impact is life-changing. Nearly 100 million women would be added to the paid workforce, with almost two trillion dollars of additional income, while cutting decades off the pay gap—all by 2030.There&#x27;s a long way to go:<ul><li>Early adopters of new technology are overwhelmingly male at the undergrad level — 63% versus 45% female</li><li>When it comes to continuously learning important new digital skills, Accenture research shows that male undergraduates again outperform female undergrads, 53% to 44%</li><li>When it comes to undertaking specialist coding or computer courses, males are more likely to do so: 83% versus 68% for females</li></ul>Why it matters: Accenture research shows that 84% of female undergrads believe the pay gap either doesn&#x27;t exist or will close within 20 years — a sharp contrast to the reality of a gap that will exist for longer than a century without intervention. The message to young women, educators, employers and governments should be clear that digital fluency is vital, internet access is fundamental, and helping women make smart choices to obtain paid work is essential in closing the gender pay gap.George Marcotte is the Managing Director and Go-to-Market Lead for Accenture Digital UK and Ireland.

The days of conventional brand storytelling are over, thanks to the democratization of content creation and the rise of image and video over text.

When conventional brand storytelling is dead, success (however you wish to measure it) will depend on putting people at the core of content to tell stories. A human-centered design approach is a powerful framework for creating compelling content.

Why it matters: The response by companies and publishers  — create yet more content — has been misguided. Not only is it not enough to simply produce more of the same, it's also no longer just about producing high-production-value content.

Three key lessons to heed from content saturation:

Just because you create content doesn't guarantee an audience

Success is not always driven by the highest production-quality content. Brand owners love glossy content, but they will have to get over themselves if they are to fully embrace consumers' growing preference for content that is rough and ready.

Live rocks! Live video allows the audience to participate as the event happens, and their participation helps shape what you do next – driving three times the amount of engagement over pre-recorded video, according to Forrester Research.

What to watch: Brand owners will need to step back, stop driving conversations and instead make room for audiences to shape their own stories. Expect content that's more personal and instant and expect it to play out as short stories and live video.

Human storytelling is the future of digital

Three key lessons to learn from Snapchat and Instagram

Internet

The days of conventional brand storytelling are over, thanks to the democratization of content creation and the rise of image and video over text.When conventional brand storytelling is dead, success (however you wish to measure it) will depend on putting people at the core of content to tell stories. A human-centered design approach is a powerful framework for creating compelling content.Why it matters: The response by companies and publishers — create yet more content — has been misguided. Not only is it not enough to simply produce more of the same, it&#x27;s also no longer just about producing high-production-value content.Three key lessons to heed from content saturation:<ol><li>Just because you create content doesn&#x27;t guarantee an audience</li><li>Success is not always driven by the highest production-quality content. Brand owners love glossy content, but they will have to get over themselves if they are to fully embrace consumers&#x27; growing preference for content that is rough and ready.</li><li>Live rocks! Live video allows the audience to participate as the event happens, and their participation helps shape what you do next – driving three times the amount of engagement over pre-recorded video, according to Forrester Research.</li></ol>What to watch: Brand owners will need to step back, stop driving conversations and instead make room for audiences to shape their own stories. Expect content that&#x27;s more personal and instant and expect it to play out as short stories and live video.George Marcotte is the Managing Director and Go-to-Market Lead for Accenture Digital UK and Ireland.

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

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Why closing the pay gap relies on digital fluency

Human storytelling is the future of digital