How Upskilling Can Be the Key to Filling Gaps on Your Team
The IT space is growing and changing at record speed. If you’re in this space, inevitably, many of your processes will quickly become obsolete. And once your team members have been around for a while, those dazzling skills you hired them for may also be relegated to the dustbin. Bringing on new talent can help for a while, but the reality is that those employees’ skills will also become outdated soon. For long-term success, consider upskilling your current team members.
Learning new skills can be exciting, and the more they know, the more valuable they will be. But how you go about upskilling can make the difference between an engaged team and one that is feeling resentful. Here are some tips.
Show Respect
Your long-time team members have earned your respect. They have a great deal of experience and knowledge. They know how to think critically and make tough decisions. Make it clear that you want to add to their existing skillset rather than fundamentally change the way they work.
Check Your Assumptions
Be careful not to pigeonhole your older employees into outdated stereotypes. The truth is that engagement and motivation tend to increase, not decrease, with age. Ask them what they’re interested in learning and what delivery methods appeal to them. They may just surprise you with intelligent, targeted suggestions.
Discuss Career Paths
Rather than asking your long-time employees to simply gather new skills for the same job, start a dialogue about their future career goals. One person might be interested in growing into a new role a few rungs up the ladder, while another wants to move into an entirely different area of focus. As much as possible, try to target upskilling to fit the desired career path of each individual.
Be Honest
What is the business goal for upskilling? Are you automating or eliminating certain positions? Do you want to transfer specific employees into new roles? Let each person know what your thoughts are and how upskilling benefits them as well as the company.
Address Challenges
Employees at mid-career level are often juggling numerous priorities, both at work and at home. They might be in the “sandwich generation,” caring for both children and aging parents. They might be managing one or more teams and mentoring a few new hires.
Upskilling takes time, so you’ll need to help them figure out where to find that time. Can you move the person to a less demanding role temporarily or switch a few projects to another team member? Maybe you could offer a flexible delivery method for their new training, allowing them to complete assignments as they fit in.
Upskilling can be valuable for both your company and your employees, but you need to approach it with care. Seek feedback and collaboration, and you’ll be on the path to success.
Build A Forward-Thinking Team With PEAK
If you are looking for talented professionals who can help your organization achieve its goals in the new year, contact the experts at PEAK Technical Staffing today to learn how we can help you access cutting-edge talent.
