It is a well-known fact that many of the skills and qualifications developed years ago will not sustain us for the longevity of our careers. As organisations evolve there is an increasing demand for us to grow our knowledge and skills to competently achieve the desired outcomes.
According to research conducted by the AHRI, 57% of employers said skills gaps are impacting productivity. Almost one in five employees are deemed “not proficient” in their roles.
Whether you are in a small business or larger organisation, there is a need to be proactive in ensuring a plan is in place to mitigate the risks experienced through unskilled employees.
Addressing skills shortages is paramount for the growth and development of organisations and individuals. Putting your head in the sand will only exacerbate the problem.
There are substantial benefits to the employer and the employee for investing in training and reducing skills gaps. The employer will benefit from seeing an increase in productivity and improved quality of work, enhanced innovation and competitive advantage, improved compliance and risk management, as well as greater employee retention. The employee benefits include increased job satisfaction and job security, potential career advancement and greater employability, personal development and improved work-life balance. All will benefit from the intrinsic motivators produced throughout the experience.
A proactive approach to reducing risks associated with skills gaps may include:
- Regular skills audits, checking what gaps exist and what opportunities are available
- Conducting research to match skills with job requirements
- Shifting the focus from ‘the past’ to ‘the future’.
- Providing relevant and quality training
Succession planning should be a key focus for all organisations. Ensuring you have a talent pool amongst your human resources will significantly reduce the risk of damage to reputation caused by employee departures. Employee retention will be improved with the implementation of internal career pathways. By collaborating with training and education providers, you can promote your industry and target the needs of your organisation.
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