Administrative functions: evolving with digitalisation?

A structural shift in administrative professions

Over the past decade, administrative functions have undergone a significant transformation driven by digitalisation, process automation and the integration of digital tools into everyday tasks. Whereas these professions were traditionally associated with repetitive activities (data entry, filing, paper archiving), they now require a much broader range of skills., technical and analytical.

This transformation is visible at several levels:

• Automation of repetitive tasks : many tasks involving data entry, document generation, or planning are now automated using specialised software.

• Electronic document management Paper archives are giving way to digital storage and retrieval systems, requiring skills in information organisation and governance.

• Digital communication and collaboration Messaging tools, collaborative platforms and shared work environments have become standard.

Employment and skills transformation

The digitisation of administrative functions is not limited to a change in methods: it is profoundly transforming the skills required of professionals.

Level of basic digital skills in Europe (2023) in % of adults (aged 16–74)

 Source: Eurostat, Digitalisation in Europe 2024 European Commission

Only 56% of European adults have basic digital skills. There are significant differences between countries, with some reaching over 80% and others remaining below 30%. This disparity highlights the risk that many administrative employees may not have the digital skills essential to adapt to current requirements.

Companies training their employees in digital skills (ICT) 
Comparison of large companies vs SMEs (2024)

Source: Eurostat, Digitalisation in Europe 2025 European Commission[/caption]

Let us consider the training deficit in companies, particularly SMEs. While demand for digital skills is increasing, the majority of small and medium-sized organisations do not offer sufficient training to their employees, creating a risk of technological lag for their administrative functions.

These data highlight that mastery of digital tools and access to training are becoming critical issues for administrative professionals. They pave the way for the next section, which details the skills that are now essential for success in a digitalised work environment.

Skills that are now essential for administrative professionals

– Proficiency in advanced digital and office tools
Simply mastering basic software is no longer enough. Professionals are expected to be able to use collaborative tools, electronic document management solutions, cloud platforms, and advanced data processing functions.

– Document management and information governance
Electronic archiving, indexing and document structuring are becoming key skills. These capabilities meet growing requirements for compliance, security and information accessibility.

– Process automation
The ability to use or supervise automation tools (e.g., macros, simple software robots, or functions).’AI) is now a differentiating asset, enabling increased productivity and strategic value in the administrative role.

– Analytical and adaptive skills
The digital age highly values the ability to analyse data, propose solutions and adapt to rapidly changing environments. This skill is not merely technical: it is cognitive and strategic.

Challenges: risks, opportunities and career prospects

Digitalisation is changing not only the tasks involved in administrative functions, but also the added value expected of them:

• Risk of automation of repetitive tasks : certain jobs are more vulnerable to disappearing or undergoing radical change as technology advances.

• Creation of hybrid roles : automation frees up time for higher-value responsibilities, such as project management, process analysis, or cross-departmental coordination.

• Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration : Administrative professionals often become «bridges» between technical and operational departments, requiring fluid communication and enhanced organisational skills.

Investing in training to remain relevant

Digitalisation is transforming administrative functions into roles with greater expertise and strategic influence. Mastering advanced digital tools, organising and analysing information, and automating processes is becoming essential.

Get trained in advanced office automation and in artificial intelligence Applied to administrative tasks, it is a crucial investment, enabling the acquisition of immediate operational skills and better anticipation of changes in the profession.