HR Table Talk Recap: Getting the Work Done- The Benefits of a Fluid Workforce

• 40% of workers require up to 6 months of reskilling.
• 94% of all business leaders expect employees to pick up new skills on the job.
• 82% of CEOs haven’t invested in upskilling programs.

The Importance of Upskilling and Reskilling

Upskilling is the process of learning new skills. Employees must master new skills and competencies necessary for a new or changing job. Cat equates a career to an investment portfolio, stating that “sometimes, upskilling involves understanding the needs of your employees.” Spending the time to learn and understand the needs of your employees and what motivates them to feel valued and appreciated is important. People generally want to grow, develop, and advance in their current organization; providing them with opportunities to do so increases retention rates.

The audience discussed the challenges of implementing reskilling initiatives in businesses of all sizes, as well as examples of success in reskilling. Cat suggested that companies set SMART objectives and start implementing change at a micro level and test with teams before launching a large-scale program.

Business Challenges of the Future

In addition, the group conversed about the rapidly changing labor force and efforts organizations must take to replace soon-to-be-retired baby boomers. The impact of AI and gig workers, the needs of a majority female workforce, gaps in the labor force, and skill-assessment technology were also hot topics.

Company Culture Will Make or Break Your Success

Lastly, the group discussed how vital company culture is to upskilling and reskilling—culture will either drive change or be an obstacle to that change. Clear communication is key; employees want to understand the ultimate goal of new reskilling initiatives. Do they know what’s in it for them—a new job title? Better pay or career trajectory? Change can be scary and create emotional turmoil, so the more and better information you provide about what to expect, the happier your employees will be. Without a clear plan and communication, your changes won’t go far. As long as the change isn’t implemented like a bull in a China shop and there’s a clear endgame in mind, your efforts should improve employee morale. 

Fluid Workforces are Here to Stay

You may have heard various definitions of “fluid workforce” in the past. Some consider a fluid workforce to allow flexibility for employers and employees to do their best work when and where best fits their needs (remote work, flexible hours, etc.). Another common definition for a fluid workforce is one which blends freelance or contract workers, part-time employees, and full-time employees.  Cat’s definition of a fluid workforce is one that upskills or reskills its workforce to respond to or anticipate market demands. Skills are the new business currency, and the need for a fluid workforce is here to stay.

What is an HR Table Talk?

HR Table Talks are discussion-based forums for members of the HRO Today Association to connect and discuss challenges and issues. These unrecorded events are facilitated by member volunteers and allow peers to tap into the experience and expertise of other industry leaders. Orion Talent is a proud member of the HRO Today Association, and a proponent of fostering community in the talent acquisition world.

If you’d like to learn more about workforce fluidity or discuss ways to prepare your employees to meet the needs of the future, contact us.