Upskilling and reskilling are trending buzzwords in the training world. When it comes to small & medium sized business, these concepts can help keep costs in check through operational efficiency and accuracy as well as drive sales through excellent customer experiences. Frontline staff have a direct impact on costs and profitability and their abilities greatly influence those facets. Investing time in developing and improving those skills, as well as adding new ones, can create short and long term benefits for the business. Ongoing or periodic training is also considered a competitive benefit to job seekers. Expanding skills in areas such as organization could lead to increased efficiency while advanced customer service skills could drive sales and increase individual transactions. Reducing costs and increasing sales are 2 key priorities that drive small & medium sized business efficiency and productivity.
Upskilling Sharpens the Arrow
Frontline staff may have seasoned veterans with years of experience under their belt but developing these groups of workers is crucial to keep motivation and engagement levels high. Upskilling is a trending term in which an individual would expand and widen their abilities with their existing skill set. An example of this could be learning advanced customer service skills and techniques or discovering a quicker way to perform a certain task. Upskilling is a way of broadening the individual’s abilities quickly with the intent of seeing faster results. Building on existing skills ensures faster understanding of concepts and quicker application. Other benefits of upskilling are:
- Higher morale as key players and veterans remain engaged in the work environment
- Better understanding of how the business works and more operational awareness
- Increased productivity and accuracy
The business itself will see benefits with reduced costs through increased productivity and efficiency. A high performing and well skilled team will also drive customer service and sales, positively affecting profitability as well.
Reskilling Brings More Tools to the Toolbox
Reskilling is another trendy training buzz word and it refers to teaching existing employees new skills so that they can take on other duties in the business. This doesn’t necessarily mean piling more work onto an already overworked team, but it does mean teaching an individual a new facet of the business. Adding skills and broadening an employee’s abilities is another way to keep key players on the team engaged and motivated. Ongoing training and skills improvement is also something potential new hires may look at in making a decision to apply or take an offer. Reskilling teaches existing employees more about the business and could lead to more ownership from staff when it comes to controlling costs and driving sales.
Think Small to Grow Big
In Gallup’s The American Upskilling Study, a survey of American workers suggested that 48% would leave their current job if offered skills training at a new opportunity. Small and medium sized businesses that have structured or defined training cultures could be at an advantage as potential candidates put high value on skills development. Smaller organizations can also use their size to their advantage by bridging the skills gap and deploying training quickly. Upskilling and reskilling individuals can easily happen through informal mini – training sessions and small group huddles which require less time and resources. These small format sessions can deliver information and concepts impactfully while minimizing ‘brain drain’ and fatigue that can be associated with longer training sessions. Individuals can also apply their new skills and techniques faster with mini – training. Improving skills and expanding abilities of frontline staff will contribute greatly to the organization’s growth and profitability.
The Bottom Line
Small and medium sized businesses depend on high performing frontline staff to control costs and increase profitability. Individual skill sets can greatly influence the bottom line and businesses that invest time and resources in developing employees will see positive effects in both efficiency and productivity. Highly skilled frontline teams are crucial for long term success and growth of the business. Smaller organizations can use their size advantage by upskilling and reskilling through mini-training and small group huddles, deploying new skills efficiently and quickly. Ongoing individual skills development also contributes to job satisfaction and ownership of the business which are all positives for any sized entity. Bridging skill gaps and expanding individual abilities will enhance and elevate employee engagement while promoting ownership and knowledge of the business.