Workplace Development I: Closing the Skills Gap
There’s a skills gap problem in the US today, one that affects employers across industries. As a result, many companies are challenged when it comes to finding the people they need.
In fact, according to a report by McKinsey & Company, 40% of employers stated that they couldn’t find the right talent even for entry-level jobs. Furthermore, nearly 60% reported that there was a lack of preparation among candidates.
So if you’re feeling the pressure when trying to recruit and hire, you’re certainly not alone. The skills gap is a universal problem for companies, one without an easy solution.
The good news is that there are some ways you can move the needle in a better direction. One is to train your current staff. Doing so will not only forge a team with stronger skills – the ones you need – but it will also boost morale, loyalty, and retention too.
Here are a few steps to take that will help you close that skills gap – and stop the pinch – you’re facing:
Identify what you’re missing.
Work with managers across your company and identify those skills that are in-demand and yet hard to come by. Also, analyze your organization’s current workflows and future direction to find those areas where a gap could arise. This way, there aren’t any surprises and you have a strong sense of the skills you’re missing now and in the near future.
Create a mix of learning opportunities.
There are many different ways you can train your employees and close the skills gap. These include a mix of mentorships, coaching, interning, apprenticeships, in-person and online courses, and more. These will not only help those new hires get up to speed faster and more productive but also enable existing staff to acquire new skills and move ahead in their careers with your company.
Offer incentives for training.
If your employees are already stretched thin and busy with work, the thought of taking on additional training might be overwhelming. That’s where an incentive comes in. By encouraging and incentivizing your staff to take part in your company’s training opportunities, you’ll get them more involved and motivated, increasing the likelihood of success.
Make learning a part of your culture.
Rather than providing a once-a-year training event or project-specific courses, make learning a part of your culture. Access to ongoing training and regular learning programs will help your team to level-up in a way and at a time that works for them. Not only that, but it will also enable entry- or junior-level employees to eventually move up into more senior positions when they open up.
Need help closing the skills gap at your company?
Gill Staffing is here for you. As one of Grand Rapids’ top staffing agencies, we know how to identify the candidates that would be the right fit for you, all, so you get the skilled people you need, where and when you need them. Contact us today to learn more.
