Podcast 213: Skilling up your organisation now and for the future
Nov 20, 2024
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Martin Keeler, Human Resources Director at the Government Property Agency, Genefa Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer at Udemy, and Tom Ravenscroft, Founder of The Skills Builder Partnership, dive into the urgent need for upskilling in response to rapid changes in the workforce. They discuss innovative learning strategies for a multi-generational workforce and highlight critical transferable skills like communication and problem-solving. The conversation emphasizes the role of HR in crafting supportive environments for employee growth and the importance of adapting training to fit evolving organizational needs.
Organizations must prioritize a structured skills development framework to address current skill gaps and future workforce demands effectively.
Soft skills are increasingly essential for employee performance, yet many employers are underinvesting in developing these critical interpersonal abilities.
Deep dives
The Urgent Need for Workforce Upskilling
A significant shift in workforce requirements is anticipated, with estimates suggesting that nine out of ten workers will need to reskill by 2030. This need arises not only from advancing technology but also from the evolving demands of various job roles. Current statistics indicate that half of UK employers are actively planning to enhance their employees' skills, underlining the urgency of the issue. This raises questions about how the other half of employers intend to cope with the impending skills gaps.
Essential Skills: A Consistent Demand
A fundamental gap exists in essential skills, also known as soft skills, which encompass communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal abilities. Despite employers recognizing the significance of these skills, there is a noticeable underinvestment in workforce development in this area. Research shows that candidates with strong essential skills are highly sought after, yet many companies fail to develop these abilities internally. Addressing this discrepancy could enhance workforce capabilities and improve overall performance.
The Role of Technology in Upskilling
The integration of technology in workplace learning has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for skills such as creative thinking and problem-solving, particularly in light of AI advancements. Data reveals that there was a 103% surge in the adoption of these skills, highlighting their increasing importance. Companies need to ensure that their employees not only understand these new technologies but can also apply essential interpersonal skills alongside them. This approach encourages a more holistic view of employee development, blending technical skills with human-centric competencies.
Developing a Structured Skills Framework
Establishing a clear framework for skills development is crucial for organizations aiming to address skills gaps effectively. A structured approach allows businesses to assess both the current skillsets of employees and the skills needed for future success. Regular assessments and iterative skill gap analyses are necessary to adapt to rapidly changing workplace demands. Additionally, engaging employees in this process fosters ownership and accountability for their own career development and skill enhancement.
The rapid acceleration of change has left many organisations grappling with the most immediate requirements, but people professionals also have an instrumental role to play in demonstrating necessary upskilling strategies and transforming the skills required for future long-term success. So, what can they do to avoid falling into a familiar cycle of tackling the urgent but neglecting the important?
Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests: Human Resources Director at Government Property Agency, Martin Keeler; Chief Marketing Officer at Udemy, Genefa Murphy; and Tom Ravenscroft, Founder and CEO at The Skills Builder Partnership, as we explore – standing at the precipice of revolutionary technological change – what you need to consider when it comes to implementing a successful upskilling strategy, and ensure your organisation is future-fit.
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