To upskill a company, PwC says to create a 'digital baseline'

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: As we continue our exploration of how to upskill an organization’s workforce, in addition to supporting employees’ future growth, we’ll consider one vital question: Where do you start??

When it comes to making sure an entire employee population is prepared for an increasingly digital future, Suneet Dua , 普华永道 ’s product and technology chief growth officer, says employers must first understand what skills and comfort levels currently exist.?

“What skills do you have?” Dua says. “What skills do you want to have? What roles do you want to eliminate and what processes do you want to automate?"?

From there, it’s time to upskill. Read his best tips for how to bring your team along with you.?

Read: To upskill a company, PwC says to create a 'digital baseline'

A BRIGHTER FUTURE: For some talent, education and mentorship at work can be the key to a fresh start.?

Between 70-100 million Americans have some type of criminal record, according to the Sentencing Project, a research and advocacy organization. Once they leave the justice system, the unemployment rate for those with a criminal background is 27%, according to analysis by the Prison Policy Initiative, compared to the national unemployment rate of just 3.5%

"We have millions of Americans who have felony records, and a lot of them have been on the sidelines, trying to get jobs at livable wages, but aren't able to compete," says Tony Lowden , vice president of reintegration and community engagement at ViaPath Technologies , a technology platform that provides upskilling for incarcerated individuals. "Now, because of the Great Resignation and because of the pandemic, these folks are dying to get into the workplace. The retention is unbelievable because they are loyal and they are grateful and they want to be able to support their families. We have jobs that need to be filled."?

Here’s how to embrace and support this valuable talent pool.?

Read: A criminal background shouldn't be a life sentence: How to mentor and upskill employees so they thrive at your business

NEW SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT: As Americans continue to grapple with the impact of increasingly limited abortion access in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s overturning by SCOTUS, employers are finding new strategies to provide care to their employees.?

"Companies must make it clear they will provide guidance but also a safe space that hinders on employee privacy," ays Mandy Price , co-founder and CEO of Kanarys? , a technology platform that helps organizations prioritize DEI efforts.? "This isn't about taking a side on Roe v. Wade, but supporting all employees."

Read: 4 ways to support employees who have lost access to abortion care