Are You Investing in Employee Upskilling? If Not, You Could Be Making a Costly Mistake.

Did you know that, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report , employers believe that 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years, and six in 10 staff members will require training before 2027? That’s a pretty significant percentage. If upskilling hasn’t yet become a major focus area for your company, then you’re at risk of experiencing a growing skills gap in your workforce, making it hard for you to stay ahead of your competition.

Soft Skills Reign Supreme when It Comes to Upskilling

You might expect tech skills to be the most popular topic for upskilling, but that’s actually not the case. The rise of AI has made it easier than ever for any employee to use technology successfully, so we’re instead seeing a trend where employers are investing in soft skills like leadership, management, and communication or interpersonal skills. These skills are crucial for teams that work well together and drive business growth down the line.

Top Tip: Implement an Official Upskilling Program?

Creating a formal upskilling program is a great way to build in the training that ensures your team is ready for whatever comes next in your industry. Take a look internally and see if you can identify some areas where you know your employees’ skills can be improved right off the bat. Start there and then expand your training offering to teach workers the new capabilities that will enhance their performance in their existing and future roles. And don't forget to ask employees for feedback on what they feel those skills might be!

Upskilling Is Valuable from the Employee Perspective, Too

Upskilling is not just about professional development; it's a key factor in keeping employees engaged. Additionally, a focus on upskilling growth opportunities opens doors for advancement. We’re seeing a large demand for upskilling among younger employees who have many years ahead in their careers. In fact, a recent study by Amazon found that about three-quarters of Millennials and Gen Z workers would consider leaving a job that doesn't support their desire to learn new skills.?

The Spherion Difference

Upskilling is a big part of attracting and retaining employees while also positioning yourself for future growth. If you suspect that you should explore upskilling for your team (and you should!), Spherion's staffing pros have the tools and expertise to help you start making upskilling a priority. Find out more on the Spherion website: https://www.spherion.com/employers/ ?