Rise of the Citizen Data Analyst: What are they are why are they important?
In today's data-driven world, we're seeing Financial Analysts and Business Analysts job ads with Power BI under the skillsets or the procurement teams needing a knowledge of database to manage stock.
Organisations are increasingly seeking to leverage insights from data to make informed decisions and drive business growth. The surge in accessibility of analytics tools have given rise to a business requirement where the consumer of data & analytics reports needs to be able to manipulate and draw insights themselves. In this article, we'll explore how this trend is reshaping organisational structures and how businesses can benefit from the rise of the Citizen Data Analyst.
A Citizen Data Analyst is an individual who is not a trained data professional but possesses the skills and knowledge to analyse, interpret, and communicate data insights. Typically, such individuals exist in organisations and they're identified by analytics teams by the person who is most switched on an able to utilise reports but also identify areas where data-driven decisions are crucial. They bridge the gap between data experts and other employees by translating data-driven insights into actionable recommendations, thus promoting a data-driven culture and enhancing decision-making processes across the organisation.
But how have they come to be?
1. Democratisation of Data and Analytics Tools
The past decade has witnessed a significant increase in the availability and accessibility of data and analytics tools. From user-friendly business intelligence platforms like Tableau and Microsoft Power BI to open-source programming languages like Python and R, these tools have become more approachable for individuals with diverse backgrounds. This has allowed employees who are not data professionals to analyse data and generate insights, thereby becoming Citizen Data Analysts.
2. Evolving Organisational Structures
As more employees gain access to data and analytics tools, organisations need to adapt their structures to accommodate this change. Traditional hierarchies are being replaced by flatter, more collaborative structures that empower employees to make data-driven decisions. This transformation allows for faster decision-making, improved communication, and increased innovation, ultimately creating a more agile and responsive organisation.
3. The Role of the Citizen Data Analyst in the New Org Structure
In the new organisational structure, Citizen Data Analysts play a crucial role in the decision-making process. They act as a bridge between the data professionals and the rest of the organisation, translating data-driven insights into actionable recommendations. This helps to ensure that data-driven decisions are more widely adopted and that the business remains focused on leveraging data for strategic advantage.
4. Cultivating a Data-Driven Culture
To fully embrace the potential of Citizen Data Analysts, organisations must prioritise cultivating a data-driven culture. This involves fostering a mindset where data is seen as a valuable resource and encouraging employees to think critically and ask data-driven questions. Providing ongoing training, access to tools, and support from data professionals can help employees develop the necessary skills and confidence to become Citizen Data Analysts.
5. The Future of the Data & Analytics Workforce
The rise of the Citizen Data Analyst signals a shift in the traditional data and analytics workforce. As more individuals gain data literacy and analytical skills, the demand for specialised data professionals will continue to grow. However, their roles may evolve to focus more on providing support and mentorship to Citizen Data Analysts, creating a more collaborative and efficient data ecosystem within organisations.
Conclusion:
The rise of the Citizen Data Analyst has the potential to transform organisations and reshape the way businesses approach data-driven decision-making. By embracing the democratisation of data and analytics tools and fostering a culture of data literacy, organisations can unlock new opportunities and drive innovation.
As a data and analytics recruitment agency, we must be prepared to adapt to these changes and help our clients navigate the evolving landscape of the data and analytics workforce.
