In todays globalised and knowledge-based economy, businesses and industries are heavily
reliant on skilled employees to drive innovation, productivity, and overall success. As the
demand for specialised skills and expertise increases, organizations find themselves
competing fiercely to secure the best talent available.
The proverbial “war for talent” is being driven by a shortage of skilled workers due to a lack
of individuals with the necessary skills and experience for specific positions, intense
competition for the resources that are available in the job market (especially high demand
fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering and finance), high employee turnover and
global competition for resources. The “war” also refers to efforts to keep existing talent
from being lured away by competitors.
In the current and future climate of “dynamic business”, staying competitive demands a
highly skilled and adaptable workforce. As organisations recognise the pivotal role of skills
development and training, personal and professional growth is becoming a core priority.
Comprehensive corporate training solutions that include employee training and
development through a combination of professional training courses, hybrid or online skills
development, the development of Critical 21st-Century and Transversal Skills is fast
becoming a key retention driver for employers. Company’s need to remain forward thinking
and must reshape the landscape of training and development across varying skills needs
that are specific to their industry and sector. Employers must invest in developing the
“employer brand” by providing talent development, career growth opportunities and an
attractive benefits package to ensure that they have the best chance to retain their top
talent and prevent them from seeking opportunities elsewhere.
How do employers provide the best opportunity to ensure that their employees
effectively contribute to company goals and objectives?
Employee Training and Development Interventions: Empowering Competence
The focus on skills development will ensure that employees gain the necessary expertise to
excel in their roles. Employers benefit from a workforce that is more proficient and capable
of handling diverse challenges. Highly skilled employees boost overall productivity, increase
efficiency and contribute to higher-quality outputs, all of which positively impact the
bottom line.
Investing in training and development initiatives nurtures talent from within the company.
Employer benefits also include a boost in employee morale and engagement that lead to
reduced turnover rates (thus improving employee retention). Employees are more likely to
invest in the company’s success and show a strong sense of loyalty when they feel valued
and supported.
Professional Training Courses: Customised for Industry Excellence
Collaboration with industry experts and professional bodies ensures that professional
training courses align with the specific needs of the business sector. Employers benefit from
employees who are aligned with the latest industry trends, regulations and best practices.
This alignment leads to a workforce that remains competitive, innovative and adaptable to
changing market conditions.
Hybrid and Online Skill Development Courses and Microskilling Interventions: Learning at
Your Fingertips
The accessibility of hybrid or online skills development programmes allows employees to
learn at their convenience, without disrupting their work schedules. Employers benefit from
the flexibility of these courses as employees can acquire new skills while staying productive
in their roles. Additionally, organisations save on training costs and time, making it a cost-
effective solution for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. The advent of microskilling
programmes and courses also enable employees to learn key skills that are fundamental to
their specific needs and situations in a relatively short space of time.
Developing Critical 21st-Century Skills: Preparing for the Future
By developing Critical 21st-Century Skills, employers can future-proof their organisations.
Employees with these skills become invaluable assets, capable of driving innovation,
adapting to technological advancements and tackling complex challenges. Forward-thinking
employers recognise the importance of equipping their workforce with these skills to
maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Cultivating Transversal Skills: Bridging the Gap
Transversal skills play a pivotal role in fostering a positive work environment and effective
teamwork. Employers witness improved communication, collaboration and problem-solving
among employees – leading to a more cohesive and harmonious workplace. These skills
facilitate seamless cross-functional collaboration between departments that enable
organisations to tackle projects and challenges with agility and efficiency.
“Fit for purpose” solutions that are aligned to employee and employer objectives within the
context of training and development will not only empower employees with essential skills
but also provide significant benefits to employers. From an increasingly competent and
engaged workforce to future-proofing the organisation with Critical 21st-Century and
Transversal Skills – investing in employee development will yield substantial tangible and
intangible returns.
Employers who prioritise training and development initiatives for career development and
employee retention foster a thriving work environment, drive innovation and position their
organisations for long-term success in an increasingly competitive localised global
environment, and thus, effectively positioning themselves to empower tomorrow’s
workforce.