The need for upskilling in today’s workforce

The modern workforce faces a relentless march of technological advancements amidst the changing nature of job roles. The need for upskilling has become more pressing than ever.

Upskilling refers to the process of teaching employees new skills or enhancing their existing capabilities to better align with industry needs. The workforce is becoming more digitized, and everyone must embrace the importance of continuous learning. 

In the 510th episode of the Outsource Accelerator Podcast, Maria Sucgang, the CEO and Co-founder of Remotify, emphasizes the need for upskilling in their workforce. 

This article examines the benefits of upskilling and how employers play a crucial part in adapting their employees to new career challenges.  

What drives the need for upskilling? 

Several key factors drive the need for upskilling:

Technological advancements and automation 

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation is transforming industries at an unprecedented rate. 

Many once-manual tasks are now being automated, leaving a skills gap that must be filled with more advanced digital competencies. 

To remain relevant in a tech-driven economy, employees need to develop skills in areas such as data analysis, AI integration, and digital communication.

“I think it’s very important to not be complacent, but also to know how to adapt your strategy to the technologies of now.” Maria remarks. 

Industry disruptions and market shifts 

Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the digital transformation across industries, forcing companies to adapt quickly to survive. 

New technologies and operational models are reshaping how businesses function. This is apparent in several industries, such as retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. 

The skills needed to excel in these sectors are shifting. Upskilling becomes necessary to ensure that employees remain competitive to meet market demands. 

Maria is relieved that institutions also recognize the importance of upskilling.

“The government now has a framework for that, and we just need to really aggressively upskill the talent pool because jobs are evolving. The jobs now won’t be the jobs in five to ten years.” 

Increased demand for specialized skills 

There is a growing emphasis on specialized skills, especially in the fields of IT, cybersecurity, and healthcare. 

Organizations require employees who can quickly adapt to new tools and methods. Upskilling allows workers to keep pace with these changes and ensures businesses can access the talent they need to thrive. 

3 key benefits of upskilling 

For businesses, investing in upskilling offers several advantages that extend beyond immediate productivity gain: 

1. Improved productivity and efficiency 

Employees who receive regular upskilling are more proficient in using the latest tools, technologies, and methods. This proficiency leads to better performance, increased productivity, and higher-quality outputs. 

Maria emphasizes that it’s about using the tool to improve employee performance.

“The fundamental is really elevating how people want to problem solve, and then using these tools to be able to problem solve better is the key to it.” 

2. Employee retention and satisfaction 

Companies that invest in their employees’ growth are more likely to retain top talent. Upskilling creates a sense of value and purpose among workers, leading to higher job satisfaction. 

In fact, a survey by edX found that most professionals expect their employers to provide relevant training and development. 

Employees are less likely to leave organizations that prioritize their professional development. Many workers report that the opportunity to learn new skills is one of the key reasons they choose to stay with a company.

3. Cost savings  

Hiring new employees can be expensive and time-consuming. By upskilling current staff, businesses can save on recruitment costs and reduce turnover rates. 

Internal talent development allows companies to nurture their existing workforce and fill skill gaps without the need to constantly seek external hires.

4 ways to implement effective upskilling programs

There are quite a few ways for how companies can go about when upskilling their employees: 

1. Assess skills gaps in the organization 

The first step in any upskilling initiative is to identify the specific skills gaps within the organization. This can be done through employee surveys, performance reviews, and analyzing current industry trends. 

Pinpointing the areas where the business is lacking allows you to tailor programs to address these specific needs. 

2. Customized training programs and workshops 

Once the skills gaps have been identified, companies should create customized training programs that align with both business goals and employee aspirations. 

Workshops, mentorship programs, and on-the-job training are excellent ways to provide employees with hands-on learning experiences. 

These programs should be designed to be flexible, allowing employees to balance learning with their day-to-day responsibilities.

3. Leverage E-learning and online platforms 

Digital learning platforms have made it easier than ever to implement scalable and accessible upskilling programs. E-learning offers employees the flexibility to learn at their own pace, on their own time. 

Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy provide a wide range of courses for individuals and teams.

4. Encourage a culture of continuous learning 

For upskilling to be successful, businesses must foster a culture that values continuous learning. 

Maria notes that this is a core aspect of the process. 

“If the fundamental is that people don’t have a growth mindset, then that’s going to be a problem because you need to force feed them information. 

[You should] create an environment where you’re able to address the root of it.” 

This can be achieved by providing regular opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and develop new skills. Recognizing and rewarding employees who engage in upskilling initiatives also helps to reinforce the importance of ongoing education.

She says that she’s grateful to be surrounded by innovators in the industry.

“[It’s about] learning from your peers in the industry, from people who had come before you, to learn from their mistakes but also to learn from the best of their successes, how you can get those best practices.” 

The role of employers in promoting upskilling 

Employers are primarily responsible for promoting upskilling. By investing in employee development, businesses enhance their workforce’s capabilities and position themselves for long-standing success. 

Many consider upskilling no longer optional, but essential. It’s one of the best ways to build a more engaged, skilled, and adaptable workforce that can flourish despite ongoing change.