Employers are always searching for bright, new talent; but looking internally could be a smarter move. Why? Not only are existing employees already steeped in the company culture, and know the business and its clients, but they may have, or be able to easily acquire, the skills as required by the business.
When a position opens up in a business, the first step employers can take is to consider existing employees whose current capabilities overlap with the new role requirements. With some strategic upskilling, it could be an effective solution that helps avoid the time and cost to hire and onboard a candidate from outside the business.
Reskilling and upskilling from within the business is a trend that employers are embracing. A widening skills gaps combined with a tight labour market means that there has never been a better time to invest in existing employees.
Foster employee loyalty
Providing employees with enhanced learning and development opportunities is a key driver for employee loyalty. Employers that support continuous learning and encourage innovation are preparing the workforce to adapt to change. How? By equipping employees with the skills needed to leverage new technology and techniques to streamline processes and drive growth.
Additionally, by personalising upskilling and making it relevant to an employee’s role – or other roles that may be of interest – can help foster loyalty within the business. Employees with the right tools and training are more likely to address challenges with confidence, and let people outside of the business know that those within are supported in the workplace. Importantly, businesses that have a reputation of investing in training are more attractive to job seekers.
Champion upward mobility
Upskilling can foster a culture of upward mobility. This is a motivating factor for employees that generates excitement and boosts adoption of internal training and development. Continually offering opportunities to upskill builds a pipeline of skills and talent that can fill future needs and help employers stay competitive. While businesses may opt to provide employees with paid time to learn, it can be more effective to avoid top-down mandates by encouraging skills acquisition and experimentation instead.
Employees who are allowed to take the helm when it comes to individual learning and development, including how time is spent and the resources utilised, will share these new skills across the business to help drive efficiencies and innovation at scale.
Through upskilling, addressing gaps in knowledge, and providing employees with the tools needed to function at their full potential, business owners will support a thriving team that is engaged and committed to fulfilling the goals of the business. Want to know how we can support the reskilling and upskilling of your people? Get in touch today.
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