If this Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that this world is unpredictable and ever-changing. The one day we are enjoying after-work cocktails with our colleagues, the next we find ourselves at home baking banana bread, surrounded only by our cats.
So, what does this mean for employers? Quite simply, if we are unable to move with the times, we will be left behind. According to Bill Gates, “Success today requires the agility and drive to constantly rethink, reinvigorate, react, and reinvent.”
Therefore, one of the most important questions employers should be asking is, “How do we develop agile companies?” Part of the answer lies in one of the most valuable resources in a company – the employees. Lori Harris from Forbes.com states that we need to develop and agile workforce that is “well developed, resilient, adaptable and ready.” This can, of course, be achieved through continuous, strategic development of employees.
Three ways in which Employee Development Programmes can create agility in the workforce:
- Continuous Employee Development through On-the-job training, microlearning or even old-fashioned classroom training will ensure that employees’ knowledge and skills are always up to date with ever-changing technology, standards, methods, and procedures in the workplace.
- Soft skills training promoting skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making will enable and empower employees to embrace change.
- Exposing employees to different departments, functions, and technology through cross training could also enable employees to become more confident and agile to the changing workplace.
Many employers could still argue that investment in employee development is too costly in such a volatile business climate. But most of the latest trends in training and development focus on being more cost saving and accessible. If you would like further information on training solutions that could benefit your company, please contact us @labourexcel.
MiekieS
LE Skills Division Partner