Skill development becomes a key engagement strategy

As companies grapple with alarmingly low employee engagement levels, lost productivity costs reached a staggering $1.9 trillion last year, according to Gallup. Training and upskilling - which has repeatedly proven an employee favorite - to provide opportunities for inward mobility is emerging as a dominant strategy for businesses dealing with the engagement apocalypse.

Danny Abdo, chief operations officer at Skillable, emphasizes the importance of aligning upskilling initiatives with employees' career growth and journey within the organization. By mapping skill acquisition to specific job roles and progression paths, companies can effectively combat disengagement stemming from a lack of purpose, challenge, and career prospects. However, striking the right balance is crucial, as poorly executed upskilling efforts can lead to overwhelm and quiet quitting.

To maximize the engagement benefits of upskilling programs, employers must ensure that employees see clear incentives for their time and effort, as well as tangible opportunities to apply their newly acquired skills. This doesn't necessarily mean immediate promotions, but rather a well-defined plan for talent mobility and internal recruitment. By establishing systems that facilitate the matching of upskilled employees with relevant roles and projects, organizations can foster a culture of continuous growth and development, ultimately boosting engagement and retention.