It’s no surprise that employees today are seeking ways to extend their careers. The workplace is changing at an accelerated pace. In the UK 60% of employees report that their jobs have changed more in this year. 45% feel that there is too much change happening all at once. However, 65% are enthusiastic about the new opportunities that come with technology and new ways of working. Skills are the foundation of such opportunities — having the correct ones today and developing the best ones tomorrow.
A Generation of Skills Reinvention
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are the youngest workers in the workplace. This urgency to adapt and develop skills that will last can be more acute for them. They will stay in the workforce the longest and be able to adapt to the most changes. They will likely have six different careers and 18 different jobs in their lifetime. Each job comes with its own set of capabilities and skills. Gen Z and Gen Alpha must master the art of reinvention, and this begins with a mindset.
It’s not so much the age of someone that determines their ability to adapt and evolve with the times. A Boomer could be as capable as a digital-native generation of thriving in the AI-powered world today. All it takes is the right attitude, perception and process to learn. Curiosity will be a key factor in the future of employment.
Despite this, the younger generations have a greater desire to develop and learn in order to maintain their career. Over half of the 18-34 year olds already cite career development as an important factor in their decision whether or not to stay with a particular employer. Employers can take advantage of this situation to encourage greater employee loyalty in a group that is stereotyped as job-hoppers. Upskilling and Reskilling initiatives that align with the interests and career goals of this generation can help you increase employee retention, workforce preparedness and satisfaction.
Creating a Future-Ready Workforce
How can employers help their young employees develop the skills and mindset they need to manage a longer and more volatile career? Here are some tips:
- Invest in Opportunities for Continuous Learning: It is important for organizations to embed continuous learning opportunities into their workplace culture. It is important to offer a range of training programs which go beyond the theoretical and include practical experience. Digital skills, for example, can be developed in non-production virtual environments that simulate real world tasks. This provides a safe environment for employees to practice their digital skills and gain confidence.
- Foster a Growth Mindset. Carol Dweck’s research on the growth mindset shows that believing abilities can be developed by dedication and hardwork is a critical factor for learning success. This mindset needs to be fostered at all levels within the organization, to encourage employees to see challenges as an opportunity to grow and not as insurmountable barriers. A culture that encourages curiosity, experimentation and learning from mistakes will better equip employees to navigate the complexity of the modern workplace.
- Provide Different Learning Modalities. People learn differently, and effective training programs cater to different learning styles. Offering a variety of learning modalities, from online courses and virtual laboratories to in-person workshops to peer-to-peer mentorship will allow all employees to develop their skills the way they prefer.
- Aligning Training with Emerging Demands on the Market: Employers must stay abreast of market trends to ensure that skills are taught in line with what’s needed. It is important to not only focus on the current market needs, but also anticipate future developments. This is especially true in technical fields with their constantly evolving tools and technologies.
Skills Underpin Business Success
It is important for the success of any business to have a continuous approach for skill development and mentality. Organisations who invest in the ongoing development of their employees will be better equipped to innovate, adapt and lead in a competitive environment. This is something that many organisations already do to some extent, via online learning paths and instructor-led courses. Adding a practical, experiential component can help employees prepare for the real-world and practice their skills. It also caters to those who prefer to learn in different ways.
It’s evident that in a world of constant disruption and change, the next generation will require more than technical skills. The next generation of workers will need to have a mindset which embraces lifelong learning, as well as the ability to adapt to and grow when faced with new challenges. The employers who act now to meet this need will thrive in the future.
My Last Tip for Learners
It’s simple, my advice for young professionals: always build your skills to match your goals and the market needs. This is especially important in fields like technology where changes are rapid. Remember that theoretical learning can only take you so far. Instead, seek out practical experiences in which you can master your craft. Find ways to constantly practice and improve your skills, whether it is through virtual labs or volunteering. It is essential to not only survive but thrive in the workplace of the future.
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