How to Effectively Roll Out Training/Upskilling Strategies for Retention.

Africa's talent development and recruitment landscape is evolving rapidly, mirroring global trends and shifts in the workforce. From the rise of gig work to changes in hiring approaches and the emphasis on upskilling, numerous factors are shaping the future of work across the continent. To stay ahead and emerge as leaders in this dynamic environment, companies must be proactive and intentional in their strategies.

In this article, we will delve into the role of upskilling in enhancing workforce retention.?

In today's dynamic workforce, organisations must redefine their employee retention approach beyond traditional monetary incentives. Training and upskilling initiatives have emerged as powerful tools for fostering employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. A study from Forbes in April 2023 found that 59% of workers still needed training at work.?

Training often gets overlooked because companies see it as a cost, not a valuable investment.?

This could not be more incorrect; a skilled workforce benefits the employees and is an anchor for increased productivity and, ultimately, business success. Therefore, it is evident that putting plans in place to tap into the power of upskilling your workforce is the right step in the right direction.

First, let’s address a common concern. When companies consider allocating budgets and developing strategies for upskilling employees, they often wonder about the additional benefits beyond retention. Another common concern is the possibility of employees leaving after receiving training. To address these concerns, it's essential to highlight the numerous significant benefits of upskilling beyond just retaining employees.

Why companies must invest in upskilling?

1. The business landscape is constantly evolving due to rapid advancements in technology. Equipping employees with diverse skill sets gives them a distinct advantage in such a dynamic environment. They are better positioned to tackle new challenges, think innovatively, and adapt to changing circumstances. Upskilling is crucial in equipping employees with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively.?

1. Offering upskilling opportunities demonstrates your organisation's investment in your employees' professional development and growth. When employees feel supported in their career advancement, they are more satisfied and engaged in their work.

1. Upskilling provides employees with the tools and knowledge needed to excel. This leads to improved performance, increased productivity, and better business outcomes for your organisation.

1. Investing in upskilling fosters camaraderie and teamwork among your employees. As they learn and grow together, they become a stronger, more cohesive team capable of overcoming any challenge that comes their way.

Upskilling for success - a 5-step guide

For successful upskilling initiatives, laying the right foundation, building upon it effectively, and continuously monitoring progress is essential. These five pointers provide valuable insights into the best approach and strategies to achieve success

1. Needs Assessment

Training and upskilling are central to our organisational mission. We assist organisations in optimising their training strategies and implement these practices within our own brands, Jobberman and BrighterMonday. It's safe to say that we prioritise internal development, adhering to the adage that charity begins at home.

According to Samantha Ifezulike, Head of People & Culture at Jobberman Nigeria, the key to initiating an effective internal upskilling program is a thorough assessment of the organisation's skill gaps and development needs. This assessment involves collaboration with department heads and individuals to identify areas of improvement, essential skills, and additional competencies that can enhance team performance and align with business priorities.

This skills assessment not only guides upskilling intervention but also forms the basis for monitoring and measuring the impact of the initiatives.

Pro-tip: Having a solid performance management system makes this process a lot more seamless.

Our starting point for the corporate training we deploy for organisations involves understanding the company’s context, practising standards, and analysing their current skills gap. Jobberman’s corporate training begins with a pre-assessment exercise for the client’s employees. Adopting this diagnostic approach is the key to developing training interventions and tailored solutions to address the needs of each client.

1. Embracing a tailored approach for each one

To ensure the effectiveness of upskilling strategies, they must be tailored to meet employees' current skill levels and align with their career aspirations. While specific training needs are universal, others require a personalised approach to address individual growth trajectories. It's essential to cover both aspects of the spectrum.

Initially, it's crucial to identify core competencies essential across all levels of the organisation and those specific to each hierarchy and role. For instance, skills like effective communication, creativity, innovation, and time management are indispensable for employees at every level, from entry-level graduates to C-suite executives.

Additionally, level-specific training programs are essential to equip employees with role-relevant skills. Jobberman's corporate training is designed to cater for these needs at diverse skill levels. The Junior Executive program targets recent graduates, enhancing their productivity, creativity, and workplace understanding. It provides a structured platform for leveraging academic achievements and gaining practical experience. Conversely, the Management course is tailored for mid-to senior-level employees, focusing on developing emotional intelligence and people management skills that are crucial for leading cross-functional teams as they progress.

1. Leave no one behind - especially the Senior Management

Regarding upskilling discussions, the spotlight tends to shine on mid-level and entry-level employees. Yet, it's crucial to recognise the development needs of senior managers, CEOs, and other C-suite executives.?

Upskilling at the top levels of the organisation ensures alignment between leadership priorities and organisational goals. This is why we created the Jobberman Corporate training for C-Suite executives, which is perfect for CEOs and senior leaders.??

With modules including Sustaining a High-Performance Culture for the Global CEO (SHPC), Mastering International Business Growth & Expansion Course (MIBGE), Succession Planning, and Strategic Planning & Thinking, the programme ensures they are better equipped to drive strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and navigate complex challenges, ultimately driving business performance and sustainable growth.

1. The suitable methodology guarantees optimal results

Organisations must intentionally choose the right training methodology for upskilling initiatives to yield optimal results. We have found that programs that prioritise hands-on, practical learning experiences enriched with case studies and scenario-based activities are more likely to make a lasting impact on participants.

By immersing our participants in real-world situations through case studies, they gain valuable insights into how to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills in practical settings. These scenarios provide a platform for employees to analyse challenges, devise solutions, and make informed decisions, thus enhancing their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.?

Additionally, engaging in scenario-building activities allows employees to explore different perspectives, test hypotheses, and collaborate with colleagues, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

1. Monitoring and evaluation

Measuring the impact of upskilling initiatives and continuously evaluating their effectiveness are essential components of a successful strategy. This process should be conducted in stages to provide comprehensive insights into the training outcomes. For instance, our corporate training programs begin with a pre-assessment to gauge participants' baseline knowledge and skills, followed by a post-assessment upon completion of the training. This immediate comparison reveals the extent of knowledge and understanding gained during the training and identifies areas for improvement. Additionally, it highlights key aspects that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

Subsequently, periodic assessments are conducted over months or years, tailored to each organisation's unique needs and objectives. These ongoing evaluations allow for tracking long-term progress and identifying evolving training needs or skill gaps.?

In summary…

Embracing upskilling as a strategic imperative is critical to unlocking employees' full potential and driving organisational success in today's dynamic business landscape. Organisations can cultivate a skilled workforce equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world by prioritising employee development and investing in continuous learning.

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Is your organisation ready to implement upskilling strategies but still figuring out where to begin? Look no further - you have a valuable ally in our brands across West and East Africa.

We have a proven track record of curating, designing, and implementing corporate training programs for various organisations, all of which have experienced significant benefits as a result.

Contact our brands, including Jobberman Nigeria , Jobberman Ghana , BrighterMonday Kenya , and BrighterMonday Uganda , to address your training needs and take your workforce to the next level.