Founder of Transition & Thrive with Mar\u00eda, Mar\u00eda Tom\u00e1s-Keegan<\/a>, believes that investing in broadening their skill set brings employees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, Furiani notes that employees who invest in themselves are \u201csetting themselves up for accelerated growth and leadership opportunities.\u201d<\/em> She believes investing in broadening our skills can expedite our career progression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe future belongs to those who can adapt quickly, leverage new technologies, and think beyond their current role. These employees will have more influence over their career trajectory and increased opportunities in emerging industries.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In addition, employers who invest in increasing their workers\u2019 abilities are creating a \u201cmore flexible, innovative, and committed workforce\u201d, <\/em>as Tom\u00e1s-Keegan notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Founder of JupiterHR, Jermaine L. Murray<\/a>, explains that, when changes in the industry occur, it\u2019s \u201ccheaper to reskill than it is to hire someone completely new off the market.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHistory shows us the introduction of new technology also sees the introduction of new jobs\u201d, <\/em>he continues. Thus, instead of hoping that tools will replace existing employees and having to hire more qualified people when this turns out to be false, the most cost-effective option is to prepare existing workers for upcoming industry changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, Furiani clarifies that an investment in employees’ skills is an investment in innovation and future readiness. She adds: \u201cIt\u2019s about cultivating a workforce that can pivot as technology advances, tackle new challenges, and drive organizational growth.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to OECD\u2019s predictions<\/a>, automation could replace 14% of jobs within the next 15 to 20 years. What\u2019s more, 32% of jobs would likely face radical changes with automation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts believe that reskilling can mitigate this issue and allow employees to take advantage of technological advancements via skill development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom\u00e1s-Keegan highlights that reskilling is \u201ca proactive way to future-proof one\u2019s career against the risk of automation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Murray agrees with the proactive approach. Instead of waiting to see the effects of AI in their industry, he believes companies and workers \u201cshould be looking into the different ways to incorporate that technology into their existing workflow so they aren\u2019t left behind or are seen as replaceable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Furiani adds that \u201cemployees can no longer rely on static skill sets; AI will eliminate some jobs but create new, higher-level roles that require different capabilities. The key is to reskill into areas that complement AI, ensuring employees remain indispensable in a tech-driven world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why companies that are integrating AI have to invest in reskilling the workforce. This allows them to garner the full AI potential while fostering a culture of continuous innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested in learning more about the impact of AI on the future of work? Check out the summary of the recent CAKE.com panel: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Upskilling intertwines with reskilling, which is why many use these terms interchangeably. But, knowing the difference between reskilling and upskilling means understanding how you can adapt to an evolving job market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom\u00e1s-Keegan defines talent upskilling as \u201cimproving your skills to <\/em>enhance performance<\/em><\/a> in your current role.\u201d <\/em>She clarifies that, in essence, \u201creskilling is about transformation, and upskilling is about enhancement.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Furiani, \u201cthe distinction is in the trajectory: reskilling shifts direction, while upskilling accelerates forward progress.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, both upskilling and reskilling employees equip them with new knowledge. Reskilling does that by updating employees’ skill sets with new abilities while upskilling enhances the existing abilities. So, reskilling prepares workers for a new position, and upskilling enables them to be better at their current one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An example of upskilling for a content writer would be taking proofreading and editing lessons. On the other hand, a reskilling process could involve graphic design or accounting courses. <\/p>\n\n\n But, how do you know whether you have upskilling potential or if it\u2019s time to reskill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom\u00e1s-Keegan explains that \u201creskilling becomes necessary when the industry shifts or personal career aspirations make their current roles obsolete or less satisfying.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To understand whether they have the potential to upskill, employees should constantly examine if their skills and future market trends align. Furiani notes that \u201cupskilling potential exists when their role is still relevant but requires new competencies to remain competitive.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She concludes that\u201c<\/em>regular feedback loops<\/em><\/a> and forward-looking career development assessments are key indicators of which path to pursue.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n \n Max efficiency with CAKE.com tools<\/p>\n \n Boost your team communication with Pumble, time tracking with Clockify, and task management with Plaky. <\/p>\n \n Just like with any complex process, mistakes in reskilling are bound to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We wanted to help you keep errors to a minimum. So, we asked experts to come up with key things employers should keep in mind before starting a reskilling process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of being ahead of industry trends, many make the mistake of waiting for industry changes before starting the reskilling process. This could result in workers being too late or having too little time to evolve their skill set to adapt to the latest industry changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, Tom\u00e1s-Keegan advises employees to monitor industry trends and begin the reskilling process before a change occurs. She notes that staying ahead of changes ensures \u201cemployees remain competitive and fulfilled.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n CEO at HR Exchange, Gonzalo A. Guillen<\/a>, thinks investing in development programs that don\u2019t tie into long-term company goals is a waste of time and resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He believes that \u201cif the training isn\u2019t relevant to where the business is headed, it won\u2019t have the impact they\u2019re hoping for.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, before the reskilling process begins, employers should examine the overall business strategy and growth aspirations. Any skills developed should align with the company\u2019s future plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fearing for their jobs, employees could end up spending too much time learning a skill that doesn\u2019t align with their long-term career aspirations. As a result, they could feel like they wasted time and are now stuck doing something that doesn\u2019t motivate them or enrich their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CEO of Edstellar, Arvind Rongala<\/a>, highlights the collaborative aspect of reskilling as\u201creskilling programs that demonstrate genuine investment in employees result in <\/em>higher engagement<\/em><\/a> and operational efficiency.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He believes that the programs have to be tailored to individual roles and aspirations to unlock their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, before creating a reskilling plan, discuss job aspirations with employees first. A successful reskilling process always aligns with workers\u2019 career goals<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning a brand-new skill takes time and dedication. Therefore, providing employees with enough information, training, and support ensures they\u2019re broadening their skill set efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Murray advises employers to \u201cfoster a supportive learning environment by actively involving leadership and providing the necessary resources and time for employees to learn and apply new skills.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While on the topic of time, Tom\u00e1s-Keegan warns employers to be mindful of the timelines they\u2019re setting. They should be realistic and open to changes as employees provide feedback on their skill acquisition progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As their profitability is harder to measure, soft skills are often overlooked in the reskilling process. But, CEO of The New Workforce, Kraig Kleeman<\/a>, advises employers to consider incorporating soft skills training as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kleeman clarifies that communication, teamwork, and leadership<\/a> abilities are what make employees great. That\u2019s because, as he notes, \u201cthe workplace of the future will require employees who can collaborate, think critically, and lead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019re equipped with the knowledge to handle this complex undertaking and minimize mistakes, it\u2019s time to start the reskilling process. A good process begins with a foolproof reskilling strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, Tom\u00e1s-Keegan, Murray, and Furiani helped us create a short playbook underlining the key steps in the reskilling strategy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to experts, choosing the right learning method is key to successful reskilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Furiani, the most effective learning methods combine flexibility with immersive experiences. She recommends creating hybrid reskilling programs that integrate online courses with peer-based and experiential learning, to allow for a well-rounded, future-ready workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIs AI accelerating the need for reskilling? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Reskilling vs. upskilling: Why you should know the difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\nHow to avoid common reskilling mistakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Skill development should be proactive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reskilling has to tie into overall company goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reskilling should align with employees\u2019 career goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Employers should offer support throughout the process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reskilling can include soft skills <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to craft an effective reskilling strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stay ahead of the industry changes with reskilling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n