As a CEO or manager, you want to ensure your employees are on equal footing with the best in the industry. Upskilling your team will not only boost business growth but also help you preserve the best talent.
That said, here are three tactics successful companies use to upskill their workforce and meet the demands of the modern world.
Mentoring
According to Forbes, about 70% of Fortune 500 companies have a mentoring program in place. Mentorship allows you to seamlessly integrate new hires into the company. Even though a new employee will naturally possess the basic knowledge required for the job, there will still be a knowledge gap in terms of experience and organizational culture. Mentoring also works in cases where you hired someone who showed initial promise, but lacked some skills needed for the position.
Partnering experienced employees with newer team members creates a sense of community and team bonding. Rather than leaving a new employee to their own devices, a senior team member can guide them through the onboarding process. This will help new hires adjust easily to the daily workflow and be more productive.
Mentorship opportunities are also useful for employees working towards a promotion. Experienced team members can connect with mentees and provide guidance before they step into their new roles.
In mentoring, training happens internally during work hours which makes it cheaper than other upskilling methods. But keep in mind that most designated mentors are often the busiest. That said, mentorship programs need to be prioritized and encouraged in your organization. This includes dedicating adequate time and resources for mentors and mentees to connect.
Sponsor external courses and seminars
Allow your staff to seek out conferences, workshops, or retreats that are fit for their roles. Allocate a budget for these events and ensure your team gets enough support for transportation and meal allowances. Employees who finish a course can, in turn, share their new knowledge to the rest of the team.
Employees who are given the opportunity to sharpen their skills are likely to perform better. Encouraging them to gain certifications are a great way to boost morale and build their confidence. This can also reduce turnover and help you preserve the best talent.
Microlearning
Microlearning is the process of giving your team bite-sized educational materials. It narrows down topics to make learning quicker and easier. Microlearning modules can take the form of short interactive videos—around three to six minutes long—which employees can access wherever they are as long as they don’t miss the deadline.
Allowing employees to learn at their own pace is a great way to empower them. Giving them autonomy shows that the company trusts and respects them.
Additionally, you save time by having employees only learn skills that are essential to their roles. Microlearning also provides your team access to a library of modules right when they need it. As team members gain new responsibilities, they can simply access the necessary materials to speed up training.
Actively pursuing professional development ensures that skills stay relevant and up-to-date. It will not only help your employees stay competent, but also keep your business moving forward.
