While the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic saw a partial or even complete lockdown at several places across the globe, people have been rejuvenating their lives indoors. Just as Covid-19 has been reshaping job market with a grand global experiment in remote learning, so have businesses adapted by shifting operations online.
However, some companies are creaking under pressure with these sudden changes. While this has meant job cuts in some enterprises, others are either delaying key operations or deferring hiring plans. With the massive stress of this dreadful virus, employees are facing a unique challenge. The challenge of making themselves future-proof and elevating their skills to fast track the economy when the pandemic resides. Also, huge section of the workforce is vulnerable to reduced income, furloughs or layoffs as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
The world is shifting at a rapid pace. Regardless of whether the change is brought on by technology or societal shifts, learning has become necessary for adapting and coping with it.
A recent PwC study reported that 79% of CEOs are constantly worried about the existing skills of their workforce and its ability to meet challenging workplace needs.
Another report from Deloitte echoes a similar finding; in the next three years, more than 50% of employees will need significant reskilling and upskilling. Not just in technical capabilities like understanding emerging technologies like AI, but also becoming proficient in soft skills like communication, attention to detail and listening skills. While technical capabilities are much needed, human skills are invaluable too. So, it comes as no surprise that in a Global CEO Survey, 91% of business leaders reported that they need to develop soft skills along with technical skills.
So, L&D will take on a growing responsibility to facilitate employees to challenge their capabilities and build their skill sets.
Through upskilling and reskilling, employees quickly become experts at what they are doing; the more they explore, the more they start seeing things from a different perspective. The training equips them to come up with fresh and better ways of doing their core jobs. It stirs up their level of efficiency. The result? An improved business and individual performance.
Reskilling and upskilling are not only in the interest of the employees; it will attract potential talent as well. According to a recent survey, college and university students ranked ‘growth opportunities’ as their number one job search priority. Most of the students leaving a college or university, lack the essential soft skills to join a workforce. So, a dedicated reskilling & upskilling program will display the prospective talent how it’s helping your current employees’ careers and if they decide the join the organization, how it can do the same for theirs.
Upskilling and reskilling help your employees stay updated with the industry trends, empowering them with the knowledge to offer outstanding customer service to the clients. And when clients are happy, they are willing to pay more and become solid brand advocates for you.
Upskilling & reskilling gives staff a motivation boost. Their newfound skills allow them to work more efficiently with others in the team. They feel more poised about themselves and their work. This helps them gain a sense of fulfilment and purpose. When they feel challenged and valued at work, it helps organizations to increase their loyalty.
So, when learning and development take centre stage, it acts as a catalyst to unleash innovations to make you stand out in the market. Upskilling and reskilling will eventually be embedded in the DNA of the organization, and it will help you succeed in this changing environment.
Let’s look at a stepwise L&D strategy and alignment approach to improve the overall individuals and organizational performance.