Upskilling staff provides wide range of benefits

Published date22 June 2022
Publication titleCourier, The
With steady economic growth, the multiple impacts of COVID, borders closing and now reopening, restricted working visa entry requirements and the effects of new technology, these are challenging times

There is a significant skills gap as well as a shortage of workers and an imperative to lift productivity as wages are on the rise and inflation bites at profitability.

It has been suggested we need an upskilling revolution.

The benefits to upskilling staff are across the wider economic playing field as well as across every sector of businesses and for the employees themselves.

Staff retention is critical, especially in these times, and with a high proportion of staff leaving due to a perceived lack of career progression and opportunities, providing a clear pathway of development is a must in the workplace. This then leads to improved performance, increased confidence and higher morale.

Yes, this will make your staff more attractive to other employers, but the longer-term benefits outweigh the risks. Businesses will gain a solid reputation and it will assist in recruitment.

We have all learnt over the past two volatile years that we need to be adaptable and flexible and upskilling staff is a key foundation to this.

Draw up a simple plan for your company aligning strategy and priority areas with existing skill sets and then have a targeted investment plan to take your team forward.

Work out what skills you will need in the future and focus on these key areas.

To assist with buy-in from staff, training can...

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