Why HR Leaders Must Invest in Design Literacy for the Modern Workplace
03/10/2024
As businesses evolve, one critical skill is being overlooked by many: Design literacy.
Amy Schultz, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Canva, emphasizes that visual communication has become essential across all business functions, not just for creative teams. In an era where videos, graphics, and presentations dominate, employees need a baseline understanding of design to effectively convey ideas and engage internal and external audiences.
The Shift to Visual Communication
We live in a world where content consumption is primarily visual. Whether it’s a marketing campaign, an internal pitch, or recruitment material, the ability to tell a compelling story visually has become crucial. According to Canva’s Visual Economy Report, 92% of company leaders want employees in non-design roles to have basic design skills, while 77% believe these skills improve business performance. From streamlining team collaboration to creating engaging recruitment experiences, design literacy boosts communication across the board.
For HR leaders, this shift offers a unique opportunity. Companies can build a more connected and engaged workforce by embedding design literacy into recruitment, onboarding, and employee development. Visually rich job postings and immersive onboarding materials can help attract top talent, while ongoing development content keeps current employees motivated and engaged.
Meeting Employees Where They Are
Not everyone enters the workforce with design skills, and some senior leaders might even resist adopting new tech tools. Schultz points out the importance of understanding where employees are in their design literacy journey before rolling out training programs. A simple questionnaire can help gauge current skill levels and identify the right starting point for each team.
Once you understand the baseline, tailoring design literacy programs is easier. Whether it’s leveraging new tools like Canva, creating visually-driven internal communications, or developing creative recruitment materials, training should be personalized to each employee’s needs. This approach ensures that investments in design literacy pay off and create a more collaborative and creative environment.
Using AI to Scale Visual Content
As companies are tasked with producing more content than ever before, AI-powered tools are becoming essential to meet these demands. Schultz highlights how generative AI can simplify the design process, making it accessible for non-designers while enhancing creativity and productivity. 73% of leaders agree that AI improves productivity, and 71% believe it enhances creativity. Incorporating AI literacy alongside design training is critical for HR teams aiming to create seamless and efficient workflows.
Elevating Ideas with Design Literacy
Ultimately, design literacy is no longer just a bonus skill—it’s a necessity. Businesses are rapidly moving toward a future where visual communication is just as important as written communication. By integrating design skills across your workforce, you’re not only improving how ideas are presented but also fostering an environment of creativity and innovation.
For HR leaders, this shift offers a strategic advantage. By investing in design literacy, you position your organization to communicate more effectively, retain top talent, and stay ahead in a highly visual market.
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