People and skills – The new workplace currency?
[Free ebook]
August 31, 2020
Nobody is exempt from the intimidation of change. Many are so reluctant to adapt, that they avoid it at all costs. That’s why the phrase “but that’s how we’ve always done it” is commonplace in business. But this mindset is dangerous. To truly grow and thrive, we must embrace change from every angle.
At the beginning of the year, LinkedIn published a report listing creativity, collaboration and persuasion as the most in-demand soft skills. In 2018, the same report placed leadership, communication and collaboration at the top. See how quickly the workplace is changing?
The good news is that our employees likely already harness these skills; they just don’t use them. It’s our job as HR professionals to empower our employees to unleash their hidden talents and apply them in the workplace
Why the shift in workplace culture?
2020 has been a year of accelerated, forced business transformation that could not be avoided. Many professionals who were adverse to modern working styles have opened their eyes to this “new normal”. Though we can thank COVID-19 for the awakening of many, it isn’t the birthplace of this organisational change. Our employees have been crying out for it for a long time.
Whatever the driving force, the organisational landscape is moving. We’re stepping away from the hierarchical business model and focusing on banking skills rather than job titles. This new, skills-based meritocracy puts the emphasis on business and employee performance. But in turn, it puts the spotlight straight on HR.
Businesses are no longer just focusing on attracting and hiring people with a broad skill set; instead we’re looking to develop the skills of our existing employees. We want our employees to flourish and to do this, they must understand the skills they have and the ones they will need in the future. Senior leaders, managers and individuals must be prepared for this shift in focus. And it’s HR’s job to make sure they’re ready.
HR in the digital age
Old methods of hiring, training and upskilling staff are unlikely to work well in the future. Digital transformation is seeing the integration of technology into every aspect of business. It is changing the workplace and, crucially, changing the way companies acquire and retain talent.
Keeping our people connected digitally, whilst also developing their skills, will continue to be pivotal for both HR and the business as a whole. And with only 16% of private-sector business leaders reportedly ready to address this skills gap – it’s time for HR to get its voice heard and take action.
In our latest ebook we explore how HR can champion this transformation of business by:
- Fostering new, innovative ways to close the growing skills gap
- Enabling and empowering employees to take charge of their own career growth
- Adapting business culture for better business results
We also explore how Solvay, a global leader in materials, solutions and chemicals, became people-centric through improved employee experience. And how Adobe shook up their performance evaluations (and saw a 30% reduction in voluntary turnover!)
Investing in our people for the future skills of tomorrow may well be the best way for our business to navigate these complicated, changeable waters. Download our free e-book to grow your people and skills!
