ABZ* Digi cafeteria

• March 25, 2024
• admin

ABZ*AUSTRIA as an association to promote work, education and the future of women was founded in 1992. Around 160 employees of different ethnic backgrounds, religions and levels of education have committed themselves to gender equality in the labour market, entrepreneurship and education in more than 10 places and up to 4 Länder.

Format of Digi cafés

The format of Digi cafés was developed at a time when workers were increasingly confronted with the use of digital media during the pandemic. The main idea was not to create self-identified tools, but to use the knowledge of colleagues. Digi cafés have therefore become contact points for collective, free and easy exchange through digital tools.

Participation in Digi Café

Participation in the Digi cafeteria is not mandatory, but it is up to the staff to decide whether they consider them suitable for themselves and therefore wish to attend the meeting. In the start-up phase of 2020, the Digi cafeteria took place for 14 days every two months from 2021. One unit lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and consists of a presentation of the digital tool by a colleague. Participants will then be able to test it and exchange views on it. The tools developed included, for example, Trello, Edupad, CryptPad, Scrumblr, Flinga, MindMeister, Oncoo, Padlet, Easyfeedback, Loom and many others. Each Digi cafeteria is recorded and made available for inspection by all staff.

Digi cafés are very well placed to make the start-up for digital development pleasant and simple. Continuing training is of great importance for ABZ* Austria as an adult education institution. Not only employees but also course participants benefit from the knowledge provided by Digi cafés, as they are often used in advisory situations. This will also lower the threshold of inhibition in the use of digital tools.

In particular, staff in the Digi café themselves appreciate that they are simple and effective. The opportunity to learn and share new digital tools is welcome.

Digi cafés were selected in March 2022 by the European B-WISE project as one of the ten best practices for developing digital skills in the WISE sector.

What is Digi-Cafés doing best practice?

Digi cafés is an innovative training and guidance format that trains employees in digital skills. In particular, participation is not mandatory, which respects the individual freedom of decision-making of employed women.

The format shall promote the exchange and use of digital tools between them. It helps reduce digital barriers and more convenient entry into digital development. The fact that Digi cafés received an international award highlights their effectiveness and importance. This example shows how organisations can adapt to changing conditions and successfully implement innovative training models that benefit employees.