Better Addressing Skills Gaps in Your Organization

One particularly challenging workforce issue is addressing skills gaps, or fundamental mismatches between skills employees possess and what they need to do their jobs well. With so much changing in the workforce—automation, high turnover, and tech-driven, industry-specific changes—these skills gaps can quickly become problems that lead to losses in productivity and competition. According to a study conducted by LinkedIn, nearly half of learning and development leaders say the skills gaps at their organizations became more pronounced last year, and a Gartner report revealed that nearly 60 percent of the workforce will need new skills to accomplish their jobs. To prevent this at your organization, first identify the skills the workforce needs to possess in the short and long term. Then conduct a skills assessment. Comparing employees' current skills with what they need will inform the training you conduct. Be sure you present this learning in equitable ways and that the material is relevant to the roles covered. This will take thought and personalization.