3 Ways Technology Can Upskill Your Workforce
Thomas Publishing Company’s recruitment writer Laura Ross identified a weak spot in the Industrial workforce. This industry in the last decade has had 2.4 million unfilled jobs. These talent shortages cost the US economy $2.5 trillion, with many companies failing to reach peak operational efficiency. Ross suggests by upskilling your existing workforce, you can address many of the challenges associated with today’s talent market. Investing in your employees not only makes for an increase in talent and skills, but it also promotes a happier and motivated synergy within a company. This can result in increased productivity and higher retention rates. Additionally, Ross points out that upskilled workers can fill existing and future skills gaps, saving your company money in the long run over having to recruit and train new employees. A strategic way to upskill your workforce is by taking advantage of the wide range of technologies available to further your employees’ skills. Ross recommends the following technologies to upskill your workforce:
- Remote Skills Development. “Gone are the days when an organization would gather its entire workforce in a function room to deliver core training modules or fund a week-long overseas conference. Instead, industrial businesses should make provisions for employees to earn qualifications via online courses, demo new technologies from the comfort of their own homes, and broaden their knowledge via webinars, live-streamed seminars, remote mentoring programs, and podcasts.”
- Gamification. “Employees are not always engaged or even compliant when it comes to learning and development courses. This is particularly true when they are expected to take time out of a busy working day. Technology can seamlessly gamify the process of learning, as training software can log who has completed particular courses or modules, rate and rank users on their engagement and performance, and nominate high-performers for additional recognition and reward.”
- Virtual and Augmented Reality. “E-learning software increasingly features simulation-based training, which provides employees with an immersive and realistic on-the-job experience. Rather than relying on academic theory or online tests, workers can put their skills to practice in real work scenarios. Using simulation training, it’s possible to quickly upskill large groups of people, teach complex skills, and closely monitor employee progress and performance. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) also have broad applications for industrial businesses, enabling employers to inform and train their workforce in a controlled and safe environment.”
