HBR IdeaCast Global Workers Are Ready for Retraining
May 7, 2019
Joseph Fuller, a professor at Harvard Business School and co-author of "Your Workforce is More Adaptable Than You Think," discusses the untapped potential of global workers. He reveals that many employees are eager for retraining and new skills, despite misconceptions about job insecurity. Fuller highlights survey findings showing optimisms about technology and the need for organizations to better identify skills gaps. He advocates for collaborations between industries and educational institutions to create effective retraining strategies that can keep pace with evolving labor demands.
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Workers' Positive Outlook on Technology
- Contrary to popular belief, middle-skill workers are excited about new technologies.
- They see them as opportunities for more interesting, less dangerous, and potentially more lucrative work.
Managerial Misconceptions about Workers
- Managers underestimate their workers' adaptability and willingness to learn.
- They often perceive workers as scared and resistant to change, while workers see themselves as responsible for their own skill development.
Overcoming Barriers to Retraining
- Address the knowledge gap by clearly communicating needed future skills.
- Alleviate economic barriers by providing financial aid and flexible training schedules to accommodate workers' limited resources.