{"id":767,"date":"2020-10-16T08:57:09","date_gmt":"2020-10-16T07:57:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.resourcelearning.co.uk\/?p=767"},"modified":"2020-10-16T08:58:06","modified_gmt":"2020-10-16T07:58:06","slug":"the-importance-of-upskilling-staff-during-the-covid-19-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.resourcelearning.co.uk\/the-importance-of-upskilling-staff-during-the-covid-19-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Upskilling Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"
The impact of COVID-19 on our professional and personal lives has and continues to challenge us all. The crisis forced many to change the way they work almost overnight. It is clearly a difficult time to relax, with individuals feeling vulnerable due to a range of uncontrollable factors such as organisational restructuring, the possibility of job loss or the concern of a change in role and responsibilities.<\/p>\n
During this time of change and uncertainty, we can anticipate challenges and difficulties, but we can also expect to be exposed to new opportunities for growth and development. This may include a fast track route to management, the opportunity to learn new skills or bolstering your existing skillset.<\/p>\n
Numerous factors like, the freeze on increments and hiring, the scaling down of workforces or opting for performance-based exits has made the need for up-skilling the remaining workforce a top priority for organisations. Many employees will find themselves being introduced into new roles. Yes, this may be a brilliant opportunity however, it can still be a challenging time to make that step where the typical support network and resources may no longer be available due to COVID-19. These employees must learn to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions, and businesses must learn how to effectively match those employees to new roles and responsibilities, so both employee and employer thrive.<\/p>\n
With the introduction of new time and cost limitations on businesses, online training programs are proving to be an excellent solution for upskilling and re- skilling existing staff during this pandemic.<\/p>\n
Reskilling is defined as the development of additional skills to help them move to a new role, whereas upskilling is defined as the training that enables someone to become better at a job they already perform.<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Upskilling is not only about increased competency; it also improves resistance against threats and challenges in a highly volatile market after the Covid-19 pandemic\u2019\u00a0 (ETHRWorld Contributor).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n By empowering staff through upskilling and better learning opportunities it will result in overall developments within the business. Through online training and resources, staff will gain new required skills and become adaptable to changes in the market or industry. Reskilling your current workforce will enable them to maximise their potential in their current position or take on new tasks where the business needs support.<\/p>\n Businesses may be tempted to cut back on Learning Development to preserve cash however, this decision will ultimately reduce the tools and skills available to staff which will in return, negatively impact their business.<\/p>\n