The future of work is changing. With technology advancements and the rise of automation, the skills required for employees to be successful are evolving. As a result, it is more important than ever for managers to upskill their employees to meet future workplace demands. So, what areas should managers focus on when upskilling employees? In this blog post, we will define critical hard and soft skills to focus on so you can start upskilling your employees.
What is upskilling?
Upskilling is the process of improving existing skills to move the employee to the next level. Typically, upskilling occurs along a set career path, giving employees clear opportunities to achieve their career goals as they upskill their talents. Upskilling can include soft and hard skills that can be advanced and specialized to meet the organization’s needs.
The benefits of upskilling employees are clear. Here are a few examples:
- Meet the demands of the future of work
- Increase employee productivity and motivation
- Enable employees to take on new challenges and responsibilities
- Encourage employee growth and development
More importantly, upskilling employees will reduce attrition. It helps employees feel like they are valuable members of the team and put their skills to good use. This can encourage employees to stay with the company longer because their manager and the organization are investing in their growth and development. So upskilling is high-value work for managers to engage in.
What are employee hard skills?
Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be measured and quantified. Consequently, they are often technical and related to the employee’s specific job role or industry. Employees can learn hard skills in a classroom setting or through on-the-job training. For example:
- Writing
- Programming
- Public Speaking
- Accounting
- Graphic Design
What are employee soft skills?
Soft skills are interpersonal skills that cannot be easily measured or quantified. They are often related to personal attributes, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. On-the-job training, self-study, or attending workshops and seminars can upskill employees’ soft skills. Some of the essential soft skills for employees to possess are:
- Communication: Listening actively, sharing information effectively, and expressing yourself clearly are essential for any workplace interaction.
- Teamwork: Working well with others is key to successful project completion. Employees need to be able to share ideas, support one another, and resolve conflicts constructively.
- Problem-solving: When problems arise, employees need to be able to think critically
- Leadership: Allows for people to work together and achieve common goals. Good leaders are able to motivate their team, make good decisions, and resolve conflicts. Additionally, leaders can come from any level in an organization.
How can managers upskill their employees in hard skills effectively and efficiently?
There are many ways that managers can upskill their employees in hard skills. One way is to identify the areas where the employee needs development and then provide training and resources accordingly. Managers can also encourage employees to seek opportunities for learning and growth on their own, such as online courses, workshops, and conferences.
By upskilling employees in hard skills, managers prepare them for the future of work which has a meaningful impact on their career growth. Additionally, it ensures that the organization has the talent necessary to meet future demands successfully.
How can managers upskill their employees in soft skills effectively and efficiently?
Managers can upskill their employees in soft skills by providing training and resources that help them develop their interpersonal skills. For example, communication workshops, team-building exercises, and leadership development programs. By developing employees’ soft skills, managers prepare them for the future of work with the skills needed to succeed.
When upskilling employees, it’s crucial to provide a process for coaching them on how to improve their abilities. This process should include clear steps for evaluating and providing feedback on their progress. As a result of a structured coaching process when upskilling employees, managers ensure their team has the tools to succeed.
Upskilling employees is one of the most critical functions of management. By upskilling your team, you can ensure that they have the skills necessary to meet the needs of the future workplace. Not only is upskilling important for meeting future needs, but it’s also crucial for employee development and career growth.
