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Lynne McNamee6 min read

Online Reskilling: Keeping Your Business Competitive in a Changing Market

Online Reskilling: Keeping Your Business Competitive in a Changing Market
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In today's fast-paced business world, staying competitive means constantly adapting to new technologies and market demands. One key strategy for achieving this is reskilling your workforce. Let's explore what online reskilling is, why it's crucial, and how it can help your business thrive in a changing market.

What is Reskilling?

Reskilling involves training employees to learn new skills for different roles within the organization. Unlike upskilling, which enhances current skills, reskilling prepares workers for entirely new job functions. This is especially important when roles become outdated or new opportunities arise due to tech advances.

For example, a company might reskill its customer service representatives to become data analysts as more customer interactions move online and generate valuable data. Or a manufacturing firm might reskill assembly line workers to operate and maintain new automated equipment.

Why is Reskilling Important?

In a dynamic market, the ability to pivot and adapt is crucial. Reskilling ensures your workforce stays relevant and ready to meet new challenges. Here's why reskilling matters:

1. Technological Advancements: As new tech emerges, existing jobs may change or disappear. Reskilling helps employees transition to new roles that use these technologies.

2. Market Shifts: Economic and industry changes can alter skill demands. Reskilling allows your business to respond quickly to these shifts.

3. Employee Retention: Offering chances to learn new skills can boost morale and reduce turnover. Workers are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their future.

4. Competitive Edge: A versatile and adaptable workforce gives your business a big advantage, helping you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends.

Benefits of Online Reskilling

1. Accessibility and Flexibility: Online reskilling programs let employees learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This flexibility ensures that learning doesn't disrupt daily work.

2. Cost-Effective: Online training cuts costs associated with traditional classroom training, like travel and lodging. It also allows for scalable learning solutions that fit your budget.

3. Broad Range of Courses: Online platforms offer a wide selection of courses, enabling employees to learn various new skills relevant to their career paths and the company's needs.

4. Immediate Application: Employees can use new skills right away in their roles, leading to quick improvements in productivity and innovation.

5. Continuous Learning: Online reskilling fosters a culture of ongoing learning, ensuring that your workforce stays agile and ready to tackle future challenges.
Reskilling isn't just about protecting individual careers – it's about ensuring that businesses have the talent they need to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

How Lone Armadillo Learning Can Help

Lone Armadillo Learning offers comprehensive online reskilling programs designed specifically for small businesses. Our courses cover a wide range of skills, from technical training to soft skills development. By partnering with us, you can ensure your employees have the skills needed to keep your business competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Our platform uses adaptive learning technology to personalize the learning experience for each employee, ensuring they acquire new skills efficiently. We also provide progress tracking tools for managers to monitor their team's development and identify areas for further improvement.

Recent Data on Reskilling

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 provides compelling evidence for the urgent need for reskilling:

1. 23% of jobs will change: Nearly a quarter of all jobs globally are expected to undergo significant changes in the next five years due to industry transformation.

2. 69 million new jobs: The report forecasts the creation of 69 million new jobs by 2027, driven by new technologies and the green transition.

3. 83 million jobs at risk: However, these gains will be offset by 83 million jobs being put at risk due to economic pressures and automation.
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/digest/

These statistics highlight a crucial point: the job market is undergoing rapid and significant transformation. While new opportunities are emerging, many existing roles are at risk of becoming obsolete. This underscores the critical importance of reskilling initiatives.

Businesses can't afford to wait. The pace of change means that companies need to start preparing their workforce now for the jobs of tomorrow. Reskilling isn't just about protecting individual careers – it's about ensuring that businesses have the talent they need to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

By investing in reskilling programs today, companies can:
  • Prepare their workforce for emerging roles
  • Retain valuable employees by giving them new skills
  • Reduce the costs and risks associated with high employee turnover
  • Stay ahead of industry changes and maintain a competitive edge


The message is clear: reskilling is not a luxury, but a necessity in today's fast-changing job market. Companies that prioritize reskilling now will be better positioned to thrive in the years to come.

Remember

Online reskilling is a powerful tool for staying competitive in today's market. By investing in reskilling, you're not just preparing your employees for future roles – you're strengthening your business's ability to adapt and thrive.

It's crucial to understand that businesses, especially small ones, can't simply plan to 'hire their way' out of this need. Here's why:

1. Fierce competition for talent: As every company faces these challenges, the competition for workers with new, in-demand skills will be intense. This is particularly true for small businesses that may struggle to match the salaries and benefits offered by larger corporations.

2. High costs of new hires: Hiring new employees with the required skills is often much more expensive than reskilling existing staff. The costs of recruitment, onboarding, and potential relocation can add up quickly.

3. Value of existing employees: Your current employees already understand your company culture, processes, and customers. Reskilling them leverages this valuable knowledge while adding new skills.

4. Retention benefits: Offering reskilling opportunities can significantly improve employee loyalty and retention, reducing turnover costs.

5. Scalability: Reskilling programs can be scaled to fit your business needs and budget, unlike the fixed costs associated with new hires.

6. Immediate impact: Reskilled employees can often apply their new knowledge immediately within the context of your business, whereas new hires may take longer to become fully productive.

By embracing reskilling, you're not just keeping up with change – you're positioning your business to lead it. This proactive approach to workforce development can give you a significant edge in an increasingly competitive market.

Remember, in the face of rapid technological and market changes, reskilling isn't just an option – it's a necessity for business survival and growth. Embrace the opportunities that online reskilling offers and keep your business ahead of the curve.

Take Action

Ready to reskill your workforce and keep your business competitive? Explore Lone Armadillo Learning's diverse training solutions and start transforming your team today. Visit https://www.lonearmadillo.com/sign-up-core to get started!

FAQ

1. How long does it typically take to reskill an employee?
   The time required varies depending on the complexity of the new skills and the employee's background. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for significant reskilling efforts.

2. What are some of the most in-demand skills for reskilling in 2024?
   Some top skills include data analysis, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital marketing, and cybersecurity.

3. How can I measure the ROI of reskilling programs?
   Track metrics such as employee productivity, job satisfaction, retention rates, and the ability to take on new projects or roles within the company.

4. Is reskilling only for large corporations?
   No, businesses of all sizes can benefit from reskilling. In fact, it can be particularly valuable for small businesses looking to stay agile and competitive.

5. How do I choose which employees to reskill?
   Consider factors such as an employee's aptitude for learning, their current role, and the skills gaps in your organization. It's also important to involve employees in the decision-making process.

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Lynne McNamee

Lone Armadillo is led by Lynne McNamee. Lynne has been a featured writer for Learning Solutions and TD Magazines, and a presenter and panelist for The Learning Guild, Learning, TLDChat, Learning DevCamp, and ATD International Conferences. Lynne has been a professional in the marketing field for over twenty years. Having directed the Avis Rent A Car®, Hewlett-Packard Company and Bank of America® accounts (among others) at Dryden Partners in Connecticut, Lynne has deep experience in both strategy and execution for Fortune 50 clients. She is recognized as a unique and creative thinker, most notably for introducing synergies among brands, products and new technologies. In 2007, she was noted by the New York Times for her innovative thinking. Lynne has held the title of Marketing Director for several companies in the Learning, Talent and Human Capital Management space. Prior to moving into the marketing world, she was a Director of Education for K-12 and Adult education programs, and did doctoral work in education, with a focus on behavior change. She holds a B.A. from The University of Virginia, an M.A. from Boston College and did doctoral work at The Catholic University of America.