In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead means constantly evolving. In the realm of professional development, upskilling has emerged as a vital strategy for success. With the right approach, individuals and organizations alike can harness the power of innovation to propel themselves to new heights. In this insightful article, we delve into six innovative and effective approaches to upskilling that are sure to inspire and empower.
Ready to take your skills to the next level? Dive into the following strategies and unlock your full potential today!
Table of Contents
- Genres
- Review
- Recommendation
- Take-Aways
- Summary
- The rapid evolution of required skills in various fields underlies an urgent need for new approaches to learning and development.
- Deloitte takes a data-driven approach to customized training.
- Cannabiva “gamifies” skill-building.
- Torani has changed up performance reviews.
- Salesforce plans to use AI to match employee skills with company goals.
- Microsoft integrates learning into the flow of work.
- TeamUp encourages interdepartmental collaboration.
- About the Author
Genres
Professional Development, Skills Enhancement, Education, Career Advancement, Training Techniques, Workplace Efficiency, Learning Strategies, Innovation, Personal Growth, Performance Improvement
“6 Innovative and Effective Approaches to Upskilling” by Tim Cooper presents a comprehensive exploration of strategies designed to enhance skills and capabilities in today’s competitive landscape. From embracing new technologies to fostering a culture of continuous learning, this article offers actionable insights to individuals and organizations seeking to thrive in an ever-evolving environment.
Review
Cooper’s article delivers a refreshing perspective on upskilling, blending practical advice with forward-thinking concepts. The diverse range of strategies ensures relevance to a wide audience, while the engaging writing style keeps readers captivated throughout. Overall, a must-read for anyone committed to personal and professional growth in the digital age.
Recommendation
Talent and skill gaps are an ever-growing issue in the modern world of work, but some companies are rising to the challenge with aplomb. In this intriguing article, journalist Tim Cooper explores why leading companies are shifting from external recruitment to internal talent cultivation, and how six organizations are shaking up traditional approaches to upskilling. Learn about the transformative power of silo-busting, immersive media and gamification, and other groundbreaking tactics that are reshaping the employee development landscape.
Take-Aways
- The rapid evolution of required skills in various fields underlies an urgent need for new approaches to learning and development.
- Deloitte takes a data-driven approach to customized training.
- Cannabiva “gamifies” skill-building.
- Torani has changed up performance reviews.
- Salesforce plans to use AI to match employee skills with company goals.
- Microsoft integrates learning into the flow of work.
- TeamUp encourages interdepartmental collaboration.
Summary
The rapid evolution of required skills in various fields underlies an urgent need for new approaches to learning and development.
According to the Burning Glass Institute, between 2017 and 2022, 37% of required skills in all work areas changed. Many employers are grappling with a gap between employee capabilities and future organizational needs. With labor markets tight, companies are turning to internal upskilling. Here’s how six top firms are leading the way with their innovative approaches to this challenge:
Deloitte takes a data-driven approach to customized training.
Deloitte has adopted a data-driven strategy, investing $1.4 billion to forecast client demands better and customize training for individual learning needs. Analysis of over 120,000 datasets has enhanced the firm’s understanding of what learners require, leading to more targeted and effective upskilling.
“Immersive learning – such as smart glasses putting you in a ‘real-life’ situation – is exciting.” (Deborah Collier, president of the Digital Skills Authority)
Immersive learning methods, such as virtual simulations, have successfully engaged younger employees. The approach allows workers to put new skills into practice and aligns with millennial and gen Z employees’ preferences for interactive educational experiences.
Cannabiva “gamifies” skill-building.
Cannabiva, a cannabis product company, has enhanced its L&D platform with “gamification” elements like badges for course completion and leaderboards to track trainee progress. Co-founder Anders Blomqvist notes that these features have boosted skill acquisition, engagement and completion rates. Employees who achieve certain rankings receive free third-party accreditation and corresponding opportunities for career advancement.
Torani has changed up performance reviews.
Torani, a beverage company, has reimagined its L&D approach by transforming its performance reviews. Rather than examining past actions, feedback now focuses primarily on future performance and employee learning goals. This forward-looking strategy has significantly enhanced retention, with Torani’s staff tenure surpassing the US average by 53%.
“They need something more frequent, nimble, and focused on feedback, skills and future needs.” (Marion Devine, principal researcher in human capital at The Conference Board think tank)
Marion Devine, a principal researcher at The Conference Board think tank, notes enhanced agility is another benefit of this approach. More frequent, refined performance evaluations that emphasize future skill development better equip workers and their organizations to adapt to change.
Salesforce plans to use AI to match employee skills with company goals.
Salesforce, the parent company of Slack, has developed an integrated platform that consolidates quarterly check-ins, individual development plans and performance evaluations. The company schedules time for learning and plans to leverage generative AI to align training more closely with business objectives. Companies investing in e-learning platforms and generative AI will be at the forefront of personalized, data-driven learning and career development.
Microsoft integrates learning into the flow of work.
Microsoft actively assists employees in acquiring AI-related skills by weaving this learning into their workflows. Simon Lambert, Microsoft UK’s chief learning officer, emphasizes that upskilling should be continuous. Workers need easily accessible learning infrastructure that meets in-the-moment learning needs.
TeamUp encourages interdepartmental collaboration.
TeamUp, a fitness software provider, launched an initiative to promote learning and collaboration among employees from different company areas. This response to client feedback about employees’ lack of comprehensive company knowledge includes workshops, webinars and mentoring.
“Breaking silos…means recruiters, talent developers and managers can work together more efficiently to tie L&D to company strategy, match skills to opportunities and enable career advancement for all.” (Tim Green, COO of TeamUp)
As a result of breaking down departmental silos, TeamUp has seen a 35% increase in productivity and a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction.
About the Author
Author Tim Cooper is an award-winning business and financial journalist.