Why Upskilling and Reskilling are a Big Deal and Why You Should Care!

In today’s fast-moving, tech-heavy world, learning new skills isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s a must-have.

According to the TalentLMS + Workable Upskilling and Reskilling Report, businesses everywhere are under pressure to make sure their teams can adapt, grow, and stay ahead of the curve. But here’s the big question: Are companies doing enough to prepare their people for the future? This report dives into what employees think, what’s trending, and how businesses can step up their game to build a future-ready workforce.

Skills Over Degrees: The New Hiring Trend

Remember when having a degree was your golden ticket to career success? Those days are fading fast. Now, it’s all about what you can do rather than what’s on your diploma. Skills-based hiring is becoming the go-to approach, with 60% of surveyed employees saying their companies now value skills over formal education.

But this shift isn’t without its challenges. To make it work, companies need to define exactly what skills they’re looking for and align their HR strategies accordingly. The payoff? A more agile and resilient workforce and a broader talent pool to draw from, including self-taught pros and career changers. It’s a win-win.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Upskilling

The report makes one thing super clear: employees are hungry to learn. More than 80% want more chances to upskill and reskill, and it’s not just about landing a promotion. Personal growth is a huge driver, with nearly 40% of respondents ranking it as more important than climbing the career ladder.

This isn’t just wishful thinking on their part. It’s a wake-up call for companies. Sporadic training sessions or optional courses won’t cut it anymore. Employees want regular, well-structured opportunities to grow—and they want training that fits into their busy lives. If companies can deliver this, they’ll not only keep their workforce happy but also keep them ahead of the competition.

How Work and Learning Have Changed

Let’s talk about how we learn today. The pandemic flipped everything on its head, including training. Now, digital learning rules the game. Self-paced online courses and live virtual sessions are the most popular formats, with satisfaction rates soaring above 70%. Employees love the flexibility and convenience of these methods.

But there’s a catch. Fully remote employees often struggle more with upskilling. They face issues like limited access to programs or trouble balancing training with work. To address this, businesses need to think creatively—offering flexible schedules, bite-sized learning options, and programs tailored to different needs and working arrangements.

Generations View Learning Differently

Here’s an interesting twist: not everyone approaches learning the same way. The report found generational differences in how people view upskilling. Older employees tend to be more satisfied with training programs, while younger ones, especially Gen Z, often find it harder to balance work and learning.

Nearly a third of Gen Z respondents said they do their training outside of work hours, which isn’t ideal. Unsurprisingly, this correlates with lower satisfaction levels. The solution? Tailored learning strategies. Mentorship programs, where seasoned employees guide younger ones, can work wonders. And creating role-specific development paths can ensure that every generation gets the training they need in a way that works for them.

What’s Holding People Back?

Even with all this enthusiasm for learning, there are still barriers. Time constraints, difficulty balancing work and learning, and a limited variety of skills offered are the biggest roadblocks employees face. Some worry about falling behind on their work if they spend too much time training, which creates a cycle of hesitation.

Employers can make things easier by weaving learning into the flow of work. On-the-job learning opportunities and microlearning (think quick, bite-sized lessons) can help employees upskill without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to make learning accessible and practical.

What’s Next for Upskilling and Reskilling?

The report highlights a few trends shaping the future of skill-building. Here’s what businesses should keep an eye on:

1. Tech Skills Are Non-Negotiable: AI, machine learning, and data analytics are no longer “nice extras.” More than 55% of employees recognize the importance of AI skills. Companies need to prioritize training in these areas to stay competitive.
2. Personalized Learning Is Key: Employees want training that’s relevant to their goals and roles. Personalized learning paths increase engagement and make training more impactful.
3. Skills-Based Development Is on the Rise: Moving away from traditional qualifications allows companies to tap into a more diverse talent pool, fostering agility and deeper expertise.
4. Transparency Matters: When employees understand the purpose of training programs and how they’ll benefit, engagement and satisfaction skyrocket.
5. Flexibility Is King: Employees value self-paced and on-demand learning options. Companies that offer flexible schedules for training will see better participation and happier employees.

Building a Workforce That’s Ready for Anything

Upskilling and reskilling aren’t just about keeping up with industry trends—they’re about preparing for whatever the future throws your way. Organizations that invest in skill-building are creating more than just productive teams—they’re building a culture of growth, adaptability, and resilience.

The report is a reminder that the time to act is now. Employees want to grow, and they’re looking to their employers to provide the tools and opportunities to make it happen. For businesses, this isn’t just an obligation—it’s an incredible opportunity to lead the way and create a future-ready workforce.

Final Thoughts

A strong learning culture is like a superpower for businesses. It keeps employees engaged, improves retention, and sets companies up for long-term success. By embracing upskilling and reskilling, businesses can meet the challenges of tomorrow while empowering their people to thrive.

So, what are you waiting for? The future is already here—let’s get learning!

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You may download the TalentLMS + Workable – The State of Upskilling and Reskilling Report here.