“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss
The demand for employees to continuously upskill has gradually increased over the last decade, and the emergence of the pandemic has turned upskilling into a necessity due to the rising online platforms that are offering upskilling courses. According to an annual report by Great Learning, 79% of people are planning to upskill in 2022 to meet changing industry demands and personal growth as well. The pandemic also introduced us to a completely new work culture; remote work system, and skill development has never been more crucial than ever.
The rapid change in technology and the shifting work cultures make upskilling a much-needed skill for any organization, business or individual. Companies have now realized the importance of upskilling, and they are now more focused on improving their employees’ skill sets. Here are some reasons on why upskilling is necessary:
1. Relevance
The ability to continually learn new skills is the primary skill needed when it comes to staying relevant, most especially in this century. Whether you’re looking for a new career opportunity or fostering in your current organization, learning new industry-relevant skill sets is critical. Upskilling will empower you to close any skill gaps that you may have, it will also boost your confidence and self-esteem in a way that you’ll easily nail the jobs you’ve been wanting to take. Most organizations are thrilled to acquire a confident and skilled professional to apply for a position in their company since it eliminates the obligation to train them.
2. Career Opportunities
Upskilling will provide you the edge in acquiring different career opportunities, especially those that are competitive. This will increase your chances of claiming jobs with best interests such as higher pay or a higher position in the company. You may also discover a new passion through upskilling, which also presents new career opportunities down the road. You can even make a career change if you discover your new passion is what makes you happy.
3. Future-Proof Career
Upskilling yourself is the path to secure the future of your career. The world is changing quickly, and with it comes the future of work. Even if you’re highly trained and educated, the industry you’re in will keep changing and will require constant adaptation. Upskilling helps you to evolve your skills to keep up with these changes in the industry and further your career. Upskilling your skill sets puts you in an advantageous position and you also naturally become more committed to your work. By learning new skills and understanding the evolution of your industry, you will be more efficient and you will be adding more value to your company.
LinkedIn Learning’s 2022 Workplace Learning Report reveals that upskilling programs have become the top priority for L&D departments across the U.S. as the Great Resignation continues to arise. The availability of development opportunities could be the solution to retaining employees and building a competitive advantage in this fast-changing economy. Here’s how employers can help their employees to upskill:
4. Integrate Upskilling in your Company’s Employee Development Program
Upskilling isn’t a regular part of a company’s talent development road map, and since it’s a priority for most companies, these programs should be improved. Offering upskill opportunities must also be a person-centric activity. You need to collaborate with your employees to further understand each employees’ development needs and career goals, to help them do their current jobs better and have a clear understanding on which training program helps to address it. This could also encourage your employees to set their own career goals and expectations, which would allow them to remain competitive and relevant in their role currently, and in the future.
5. Fill your Company’s Current and Future Skill Gap
Gartner HR Research finds 58% of the workforce will need new skill sets to remain relevant in the future, this is why it’s crucial to identify what your company’s current skill gap is and what skills will be needed in the future to avoid investing in the wrong training program. Conducting a skill gap analysis could be of help in analyzing your employees’ skill level and competencies, as well as how they compare to the industry’s standards. Upskilling in the required skills for the future gives them a goal to look forward to and shows how you value your employees and their career growth.
6. Encourage Learning while Earning
Most employees tend to defer or miss training opportunities that are not easily combinative with their professional careers. In such circumstances, employers might have to find creative ways to revitalize enthusiasm for learning and encourage their employees to learn while they also earn. There are ways to do this:
On-the-job Training: OJTs are paid training that occurs within the business office or place which might require employers to modify their teams’ weekly timetable and work allocation. Organizations will eventually benefit from highly skilled employees who are able to adapt to changes and technology advancement.
Mentoring Programs: You will partner with experts and/or knowledgeable professionals to help your employees map their career progression. This will guide your employees to understand how industry standards develop and determine which of their skills are needed to boost their career development.
Upskilling enables you to nourish your current skills, obtain new ones, attract potential employers and secure your desired career. Upskill is necessary more than ever and with the help of your leaders, we should be prioritizing everyone’s career growth.
“Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it.” ― Confucius
Here at Customized Training Solutions, we help leaders sustain and develop their own leadership skills through coaching, training and consulting. Book a free 30 minute call now to find out how we can help you!
REFERENCES
India Today. (2022). Why is it so important for employees to upskill and reskill right now? Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/jobs-and-careers/story/important-for-employees-to-upskill-and-reskill-1933792-2022-04-05
Pandey, A. (2022). Why it’s vital for businesses and employees to up the game by upskilling. Retrieved from https://yourstory.com/2022/04/upskilling-importance-business-employees-monster-india-scaler-courseplay/amp
Tesnjak, D. (2022). How positive learning culture and upskilling decrease stress. Retrieved from https://www.trainingzone.co.uk/lead/culture/how-positive-learning-culture-and-upskilling-decrease-stress
Turner, R. (2022). How to Support Employee Education and Upskilling in 2022. Retrieved from https://techdayhq.com/community/articles/how-to-support-employee-education-and-upskilling-in-2022
Wooll, M. (2021). Why upskilling yourself is the path to a future-proof career. Retrieved from https://www.betterup.com/blog/upskilling
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