Upskilling Employees

9 in 10 employees will need to be reskilled by 2030. In today's rapidly changing job market, upskilling employees has become crucial for businesses aiming to stay competitive and agile. With technological advancements, shifting market demands, and the increasing importance of digital literacy, organisations must continuously adapt. For businesses in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, fostering a culture of continuous learning is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity for long-term success.

The nature of work is undergoing a profound transformation. Automation, artificial intelligence, and other technological innovations are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Traditional job roles are evolving, and new ones are emerging, requiring a workforce that can quickly acquire and apply new skills. Upskilling, or enhancing employees' existing skills, is vital in this context.

Upskilling is a proactive approach to workforce development that benefits both employees and employers. For employees, upskilling provides opportunities for career growth, job security, and personal fulfilment. For employers, upskilling means having a more skilled, adaptable, and motivated workforce capable of driving innovation and meeting the challenges of a dynamic market. Analysis by McKinsey indicates that 26 million workers will require upskilling to keep pace with technological and business developments, while another five million will undergo fundamental job changes requiring retraining.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the need for upskilling. Data from the CIPD People Profession surveys in 2020 and 2021 shows noticeable changes, with a higher percentage of respondents needing to upskill or reskill due to new job duties. In the UK, 50% of respondents reported having to upskill, and 11% had to reskill. In Ireland, these figures were 49% and 18%, respectively. Importantly, this trend was seen across eight countries, within companies/employees operating in a broad spectrum of industries, thus highlighting the global necessity for upskilling due to the pandemic.

Some of the benefits of upskilling employees include:

• Enhanced Performance and Productivity: When employees acquire new skills, they can perform their roles more effectively and efficiently. This boosts individual performance and contributes to the overall productivity of the organisation. Skilled employees are better equipped to tackle complex problems, implement innovative solutions, and contribute to the company's strategic goals.
• Increased Employee Retention and Engagement: Employees who feel that their personal and professional development is valued are more likely to remain loyal to their employer. Upskilling initiatives signal to employees that the company is invested in their growth, which can significantly enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates. Engaged employees are also more likely to be motivated, resulting in a positive work environment and higher levels of productivity.
• Fostering Innovation: A workforce that is continuously learning and evolving is better positioned to drive innovation. Employees with up-to-date skills and knowledge can identify new opportunities, improve processes, and develop innovative products or services. This culture of innovation is essential for staying ahead in a competitive market.
• Adaptability to Change: The ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and market conditions is crucial for any organisation. Upskilling employees ensures that the workforce remains flexible and can seamlessly transition into new roles or take on additional responsibilities as needed. This adaptability is particularly important in times of economic uncertainty or when responding to industry disruptions.

Challenges and Practical Steps for Implementing an Upskilling Program

Despite the clear need for upskilling, a significant gap exists between employee desires and employer priorities. A poll conducted by Resource Solutions found that while 97% of UK professionals were keen to upskill, only 5% felt their employer saw upskilling as essential. Additionally, a third of employees felt left behind by the pandemic due to changing skill requirements, and 40% thought their employers placed low importance on upskilling. The pandemic has heightened concerns about automation, with 51% of employees worrying about job replacement by machines. This concern is even higher among directors and top-level management. Norma Gillespie, CEO of Resource Solutions, emphasised the need for businesses to prioritise education and training to retain an engaged workforce. She highlighted the barriers to upskilling, such as a lack of time, and urged businesses to invest heavily in reskilling strategies to remain competitive.

For organisations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland looking to implement effective upskilling programs, several practical steps can help create a culture of continuous learning:

• Conduct a Skills Gap Analysis: Identify the skills currently available within the workforce and determine which skills are needed to meet future business goals. This analysis can highlight areas where training is most needed and help prioritise upskilling efforts.
• Develop Personalised Learning Paths: Tailored training programs that cater to the individual needs and career aspirations of employees are more likely to be effective. These programs can include a mix of online courses, workshops, mentoring, and on-the-job training.
• Leverage Technology for Learning: E-learning platforms and other digital tools offer flexible and accessible training options. These technologies allow employees to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it easier to integrate learning into their daily routines.
• Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Creating an environment where continuous learning is encouraged and supported is crucial. This can be achieved by recognising and rewarding employees who pursue skill development, providing regular feedback, and encouraging knowledge sharing across the organisation.
• Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of upskilling programs is essential to ensure they meet the organisation's goals and address employees' needs. Feedback from participants can provide valuable insights for refining and improving the training initiatives.

Upskilling employees is not just a response to current challenges but a strategic investment in the future. By prioritising continuous learning and development, businesses can ensure they have a skilled, adaptable, and engaged workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. For organisations in Northern Ireland and beyond, embracing upskilling is essential for maintaining competitiveness and achieving long-term success.

HR Toolkit | eLearning Course

 Are you responsible for overseeing the implementation of training for all employees in your organisation?

Legal Island has created an HR Toolkit that aims to provide comprehensive training to assist HR professionals in supporting line managers and employees throughout the employee journey. The suite of courses will offer practical advice to assist you in updating your processes and procedures and help you understand your legal obligations.

Click here to view our HR toolkit.

https://www.legal-island.com/e-learning/hr-toolkit/