Image from Freepik
Benefits Of Gaming For Professional Skill Growth
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Gaming builds critical cognitive and emotional skills for workplace success.
- Video games improve memory and decision-making, valuable in hiring candidates.
- Employers should consider gaming experience in hiring for better performance.
A report published today by the Harvard Business Review (HBR) highlights how gaming can develop critical skills such as cognitive, social, and emotional intelligence, which are increasingly relevant to organizational success.
Traditionally viewed as a sign of disengagement, gaming is now being recognized for its ability to build skills that rival those developed through sports, volunteering, or other hobbies. According to the report, these skills are vital for navigating today’s fast-paced, complex work environments.
The report highlights the benefits of different types of games. Board games, for instance, encourage social interaction, cooperation, and competition.
Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) build creativity, teamwork, and empathy. The HBR states that research shows that regular D&D players experience less anxiety, and greater emotional stability.
This challenges the stereotype of gamers as socially awkward introverts. In fact, gamers often score higher in emotional resilience and adaptability than non-gamers, as noted by the HBR.
Recent studies reveal that video games enhance cognitive skills like perception, attention, and multitasking. Gamers consistently demonstrate faster reaction times, improved spatial awareness, and stronger problem-solving abilities, which often translate into real-world tasks.
According to the HBR, video games also boost memory, decision-making, stress management, and resilience. The authors argue that these skills are increasingly valuable for workplace success
Additionally, a recent study reported a correlation between video game play and improved psychological well-being .
The article urges employers to reconsider their attitudes toward gaming. The HBR recommends asking job candidates about their gaming experience and how it might contribute to their work performance.
Additionally, incorporating gaming-related activities in the workplace, such as game nights or professional development based on gaming, could help destigmatize gaming culture. The HBR argues that normalizing gaming fosters inclusivity and enables organizations to identify and leverage the diverse skills that gaming can contribute to the workforce.
As AI and simulations gain traction in business, the report concludes that recognizing gaming’s value can unlock a diverse pool of talent equipped with vital skills for modern organizational challenges.
Image by Matt_Moloney, from Freerangestock
Cybersecurity Crisis: Professionals Strained As Attacks Surge And Resources Shrink
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- 66% of cybersecurity professionals report increased job stress since five years ago.
- 38% of organizations are experiencing more cyberattacks than last year.
- 52% believe their organization’s cybersecurity budget is inadequate.
Cybersecurity professionals are under unprecedented strain as cyberattacks rise and AI complicates the threat landscape.
A new research from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) indicates that 66% of cybersecurity professionals report their roles have become more stressful than five years ago.
The findings are part of the 2024 State of Cybersecurity report, which surveyed over 1,800 professionals about their experiences and challenges in the field.
The report reveals that the top factors contributing to this increased stress include an increasingly complex threat landscape, low budgets, worsening hiring and retention challenges, and insufficiently trained staff.
The study also found that 38% of organizations are experiencing a rise in cyberattacks, up from 31% last year.
Common types of attacks include social engineering, malware, unpatched systems, and denial of service attacks.
Alarmingly, nearly half of respondents expect their organization to suffer a cyberattack within the next year, with only 40% expressing confidence in their team’s ability to effectively detect and respond to these threats.
In a separate study , ISACA reported that 61% of European cybersecurity professionals believe their teams are understaffed, while over half feel their organizations’ cybersecurity budgets are underfunded.
The impact of these challenges on professionals’ well-being is significant; 68% say their roles are more stressful now compared to five years ago, largely due to the increasingly complex threat landscape.
Furthermore, 41% of respondents reported experiencing more cyberattacks than in the previous year, and 58% anticipate an attack in the coming year.
Chris Dimitriadis, ISACA’s Chief Global Strategy Officer, emphasized the urgency of addressing funding and staffing issues. He warned that without strong, skilled teams, the security resilience of entire ecosystems is at risk, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable.
Despite the pressing need for skilled professionals, 19% of organizations report unfilled entry-level positions, while 48% have vacancies requiring experience or credentials.
The research also highlights a significant skills gap, particularly in soft skills, with 52% of respondents reporting deficiencies. Among these, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking are deemed most crucial.
Mike Mellor, Adobe’s Vice President of Cyber Operations, underlined the importance of adopting secure authentication methods. He emphasized that fostering a culture of security through training is essential for organizations facing evolving cyber threats, as reported by ISACA.
As the cyber landscape continues to evolve, addressing the challenges of funding, staffing, and skill development will be crucial for building resilient cybersecurity teams capable of effectively countering sophisticated threats.
