Whether you’re a banker, teacher, HR officer, marketer, or an entrepreneur you need a set of basic technical skills to survive and thrive in the workplace.

Being “just good” at your job is no longer enough.

Thriving in the workplace requires digital literacy and tech-savviness to handle everyday tools and situations.

In Ghana’s maturing job market, where many companies are trying to modernize, professionals who stand out are those who understand how to use technology to make their work faster, cleaner, and smarter.

Let’s break down 5 basic technical skills every Ghanaian professional should master, regardless of industry.

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace

Microsoft dominates Ghana’s corporate workspace, therefore a firm grasp of their Office Applications is a must.

At this point, it’s almost a crime to say “I don’t know how to use Excel.” 😅
Knowing how to create a decent spreadsheet, write a professional document in Word or Google Docs, and prepare presentations in PowerPoint or Google Slides is foundational.

Even if your job doesn’t involve much admin work, being able to format, organize, and present information neatly will always set you apart.

2. Email Etiquette and Digital Communication

Knowing how to write concise, respectful, and clear emails (with proper grammar and tone) is a must-have skill.

If you’ve ever sent an email with “hi” and no subject line, it’s time to level up.

Professionals are judged by how they communicate through emails and internal platforms like Slack.

Also, learn how to schedule meetings, respond to calendar invites, and use video conferencing (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) effectively.

3. Basic Data Entry and Spreadsheet Analysis

You don’t have to be a data analyst, but you should know how to enter, sort, and analyze basic data.

Excel and Google Sheets can do powerful things like create tables, use formulas, filter info, and draw simple charts.

Whether you’re tracking expenses, managing inventory, or analyzing customer feedback, spreadsheets are still king.

4. Online Research and Information Verification

Can you find credible information fast? Can you cross-check a source? Can you pull data from the right platforms?

One of the most underrated skills in the workplace is knowing how to Google properly.

Being resourceful online is more valuable than memorizing facts. It saves time, improves decision-making, and makes you more independent at work.

5. Cloud Storage and File Sharing

Learn how to use Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store files, share links, and collaborate in real time.

Knowing how to organize your digital documents is a small thing that makes a big difference especially when working with remote teams or freelancers.

Conclusion

Regardless of which industry you find yourself in, these 5 technical skills will help you stay relevant in Ghana’s modern job market.

The best part? You don’t need to go back to school. Just 30 minutes a day on YouTube, Coursera, or Google’s free tools can sharpen your digital edge.

Because in this economy, being technically clueless is no longer cute.