Reskilling and Upskilling: Adapting to Changing Workplace Responsibilities

By Lilian H. Hill 

The digital revolution is changing how we work, consume, communicate, and access information, goods, and services. The digital revolution has imposed new business models, new payment methods, and new ways of buying, finding information, communicating, and relating. Hall (2023) indicates that as “technologies and organizational requirements evolve, in-demand skills will do the same” (para. 1). The World Economic Forum indicates that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is “creating demand for millions of new jobs, with vast opportunities for fulfilling people’s aspirations and potential. Yet, at present, the dominant trend and narrative remains one of unequal opportunity, job displacement and widening inequality. In the job market, half the global labour force might need reskilling by 2025” (2023, para. 4).

The Future of Jobs report (World Economic Forum, 2023) estimates that:

• 23% of jobs are expected to change by 2027, with 69 million new jobs created and 83 million eliminated.
• Over two-thirds of skills considered important in today’s job requirements will change five years from now.
• A third of the essential skills in 2025 will consist of technological competencies not yet considered crucial to today's job requirements.
• Among the 10 fastest-growing jobs, these include AI and machine learning specialists, information security analysts, data analytics and scientists, and digital transformational specialists.
• Among the 10 rapidly declining jobs include bank tellers, data entry clerks, cashiers, and material reporting and inventory managers.  

 

Jobs that are growing the fastest did not exist in the past, while demand for familiar clerical roles is declining because that type of role will be replaced by digital technologies and artificial intelligence. According to Li (2022), “These new jobs are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms” (p. 10). He concludes that “nearly every job will change, and the overwhelming majority of today’s employees will need to learn new skills” (p. 11). The result of the rapid transformation of business is that many industries, such as technology, data analysis, cybersecurity, and healthcare, are contending with skills shortages in critical areas.

 

Reskilling and Upskilling

 

Reskilling and upskilling for digital work environments have become increasingly crucial as technology reshapes industries and job requirements. Workforce training initiatives will help to address skills gaps by providing individuals with the training and education necessary to fill high-demand roles and support industry growth. 

 

 

Reskilling involves learning new skills or acquiring knowledge in a different field or industry to transition into a new job role or career path. It typically occurs when individuals need to pivot their careers due to changes in the job market, technological advancements, or shifts in industry demand. Reskilling allows individuals to leverage their existing skills while developing new competencies that align with emerging opportunities and market demands.

 

 

 

Upskilling refers to the process of acquiring new skills or enhancing existing skills to perform better in one's current job role or to prepare for advancement within the same field or industry. It involves gaining additional knowledge, competencies, or certifications related to one's profession or area of expertise. Upskilling enables individuals to stay relevant in their roles and adapt to changes in technology, industry trends, and job requirements.

 

 

Need for Reskilling and Upskilling

Many industries face skill shortages in data analysis, cybersecurity, programming, and digital marketing. Reskilling and upskilling programs help bridge these skill gaps by providing workers with the necessary knowledge and expertise to succeed in today's dynamic and rapidly evolving work environment.

Factors prompting the need for reskilling and upskilling include:

• Rapid Technological Advancement: Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, leading to the emergence of new tools, platforms, and systems. Reskilling and upskilling are necessary for individuals to keep up with these advancements and remain competitive in the job market.
• Changing Job Requirements: Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing or augmenting many traditional jobs. Reskilling and upskilling enable workers to adapt to changing job roles and requirements, ensuring continued relevance.
• Globalization and Digitalization of Work: The digital age has transformed how we work, with many tasks now being conducted remotely and collaboratively across borders. Digital literacy skills are essential for effectively navigating this globalized and digitalized work environment.
• Promoting Innovation and Creativity: Digital literacy skills enable individuals to explore new ideas, experiment with different technologies, and innovate in their respective fields. Reskilling and upskilling foster a culture of creativity and innovation within organizations.
• Future-Proofing Careers: In a rapidly changing job market, individuals need to future-proof their careers by continuously updating their skills and knowledge. Reskilling and upskilling ensure that workers remain adaptable and resilient in the face of technological disruptions and economic changes.

Responsibility for Reskilling and Upskilling

The responsibility for reskilling and upskilling in the context of digital literacy can be shared between employers and employees, and it often depends on the specific circumstances and dynamics of the organization. Many employers recognize the importance of having a digitally literate workforce and investing in training programs to upskill and reskill their employees.

Employers can provide access to online courses, workshops, seminars, and other resources aimed at enhancing digital literacy skills. They can also create a supportive environment that encourages employees to continuously learn and develop their digital skills.

 

Employees should take ownership of their professional development and actively seek opportunities to improve their digital literacy skills. They can proactively identify areas where they need to reskill or upskill and take advantage of available resources to acquire new knowledge and abilities. Employees can also seek feedback from supervisors and colleagues to gauge their proficiency in digital literacy and identify areas for improvement.

 

Ideally, employers and employees should collaborate to promote reskilling and upskilling in digital literacy. Employers can provide employees with the necessary resources, support, and incentives to enhance their digital skills. Employees, in turn, should demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and actively engage in opportunities to develop their digital literacy capabilities. Ultimately, both employers and employees benefit from a proficient workforce in digital literacy, as it enhances productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in today's digital economy.

Overall, reskilling and upskilling in the digital age are essential for individuals and organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. By investing in continuous learning and professional development, individuals can unlock new opportunities and contribute to advancing their careers and industries.

 

Education for the Future of Work

Failure to address workers' educational needs will lead to millions of displaced workers and business entities being hampered by a lack of suitably prepared employees. Obstacles to creating reskilling and upskilling education include business leaders who lack vision or the skills to address workforce training needs and individuals who are unwilling to change because they do not understand the need or are fearful of learning new skills.

 

To prepare workers for Industry 4.0, Li (2022) proposed a collaborative educational ecosystem that would engage early childhood education, K-12 education, technical and vocational education, higher education, continuing education, workplace training, and nontraditional learning options, including self-study, certification programs, and seminars or conferences. To execute this initiative, unprecedented cooperation among business, education, government, and policy makers will be required.

 

 

References

Hall, J. (2023, February 24). Why Upskilling and Reskilling Are Essential In 2023. Forbes. Available https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2023/02/24/why-upskilling-and-reskilling-are-essential-in-2023/?sh=7fddaf7e4088

Li. L. (2022). Reskilling and Upskilling the Future‑ready Workforce for Industry 4.0 and Beyond. Information System Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10308-y

World Economic Forum (2023, May). The Future of Jobs Report 2023. Available https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf

World Economic Forum (n.d.). Reskilling Revolution. Available https://initiatives.weforum.org/reskilling-revolution/home

Hard Skills, Soft Skills, and Digital Literacy for the Workplace: Ways to Stay Employed

 

Image credit: Microsoft Stock Images

Employers report a skills gap between what they expect and what potential employees can offer (Bessen, 2014). Bessen stated that “Since information technologies have radically changed much work over the last couple of decades, employers have had persistent difficulty finding workers who can make the most of these new technologies” (para. 5). Others state the real skills gap exists in the lack of soft skills, the “interpersonal and relationship-building skills that help people to communicate and collaborate effectively. These people skills are more critical than ever as organizations struggle to find meaningful ways to remain competitive and … productive” (National Soft Skills Association, n.d., para. 3). This blog post explores hard and soft skills needed for the workplace and explains how digital literacy can augment soft skills.

 

Hard skills are the qualifications that will enable you to be hired and include job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities that employees need to perform their job duties effectively. They are primarily cognitive abilities (Ferreira et al., 2023) that may be developed while pursuing a college or university degree, during relevant work experience, and/or from completing professional certifications online. Hard skills can include technical skills, knowledge of software, and professional skills. Hard skills can be specific to a workplace, occupation, or industry and may not transfer to other work settings. Remarkably, most of the success on the job comes from having well-developed soft skills, and only a small part consists of technical skills and knowledge.

 

Soft skills are an essential component of the personal and professional characteristics employers seek when hiring employees. Soft skills are related to behavior, attitude, and values and can be crucial to professional success (Ferreira et al., 2023). They are involved in working well with colleagues, taking responsibility, working as part of a team, communicating with your colleagues, negotiating ideas, and the ability to collaborate with other people. Multiple capacities can be designated as soft skills including personal accountability, teamwork, negotiation skills, conflict resolution, flexibility, adaptability, problem solving, self-confidence, critical and analytical thinking, customer service, work ethic and initiative, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal relations. There are many ways to define soft skills. Still, central characteristics in many definitions are a positive attitude and the ability to interact effectively with others to facilitate productivity. Soft skills are hard to measure but are essential to obtaining, succeeding, and keeping a job (National Soft Skills Association, n.d.).

 

Employers value soft skills because they contribute to a positive work environment, enhance teamwork and collaboration, improve productivity, and facilitate career advancement. Soft skills are required to apply hard skills in the workplace effectively. Soft skills are often considered just as important as technical skills in many job roles, and employees who possess strong, soft skills are more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and changes in the workplace. Soft skills and digital literacy are closely linked in the modern workplace due to the increasing reliance on digital technologies and tools for communication, collaboration, and productivity.

 

Digital Literacy complements soft skills in the workplace by providing the technical foundation and tools needed to communicate, collaborate, and innovate in digital environments. Soft skills and digital literacy are closely linked in the modern workplace due to the increasing reliance on digital technologies and tools for communication, collaboration, and productivity. Soft skills enhance digital literacy by promoting effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, time management, leadership, emotional intelligence, creativity, conflict resolution, and networking in the context of digital technologies and workflows. Together, digital literacy and soft skills empower individuals to thrive in the dynamic and interconnected landscape of the modern workplace. Today's workplace features many options for remote and hybrid work arrangements, and it is impossible to display soft skills without digital tools (Acosta, 2022).

 

Table 1 presents definitions of selected soft skills in the lefthand column and the ways digital literacy facilitates the expression of soft skills in the digital environment in the righthand column.

 

Soft Skills Defined	Links with Digital Literacy
Communication
Ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and convey information effectively through verbal, written non-verbal communication.	Digital literacy enhances communication by enabling individuals to use various digital communication platforms such as email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and social media. Soft skills like clarity, conciseness, and active listening are crucial for effective digital communication, ensuring messages are understood and relationships are maintained.
Teamwork
Capacity to collaborate with others, contribute ideas, and work effectively as part of a team towards common goals. This includes being able to compromise, resolve conflicts, and support team members.	Digital literacy facilitates virtual teamwork by enabling team members to collaborate regardless of geographical locations through online project management tools, shared documents, and collaborative platforms. Soft skills like adaptability, collaboration, and empathy are essential for effective virtual teamwork, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among team members.
Problem-Solving
Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems using critical thinking and creative thinking skills. This involves assessing situations, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.	Digital literacy equips individuals with the technical skills needed to troubleshoot issues with software, hardware, or digital systems. Soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and persistence are vital for identifying causes of problems, exploring alternative solutions, and implementing effective problem-solving strategies in a digital environment.
Adaptability
Ability to adapt to changes in the workplace, including changes in responsibilities, procedures, technologies, or environments. Being adaptable involves being flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn new skills.	Digital literacy enables individuals to adapt to changes in technology, software updates, and new digital tools used in the workplace. Soft skills like flexibility, openness to learning, and resilience are essential for embracing technological advancements and adjusting to evolving digital landscapes in the workplace.
Time Management
Skill to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines effectively. This involves setting goals, organizing work schedules, and allocating time appropriately to different tasks and projects.	Digital literacy empowers individuals to use productivity tools, calendars, task managers, and automation features to optimize time management and prioritize tasks efficiently. Soft skills such as organization, self-discipline, and prioritization are crucial for managing digital workflows, setting realistic goals, and meeting deadlines effectively.
Creativity
Ability to think innovatively, generate new ideas, and approach problems from different perspectives. Creativity involves being curious, experimenting with new approaches, and being willing to take risks.	Digital literacy fosters creativity by providing individuals with access to digital content creation tools, multimedia platforms, and online communities for sharing ideas and feedback. Soft skills such as curiosity, experimentation, and risk-taking are essential for exploring new digital mediums, expressing ideas innovatively, and collaborating on creative projects.
Conflict Resolution
Skills needed to address conflicts constructively, facilitate discussions, and negotiate solutions that satisfy all parties involved. Conflict resolution involves active listening, empathy, and communication skills.	Digital literacy supports conflict resolution by providing individuals with effective communication channels and mediation tools for addressing misunderstandings and resolving disputes in virtual environments. Soft skills such as negotiation, diplomacy, and compromise are vital for navigating conflicts, finding common ground, and restoring trust in digital interactions.
Networking
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, clients, and contacts within and outside the organization. Networking involves effective communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to collaborate and share resources.	Digital literacy expands networking opportunities by enabling individuals to connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals through social networking sites, professional forums, and virtual events. Soft skills such as communication, relationship-building, and reciprocity are essential for cultivating meaningful connections, sharing expertise, and leveraging digital networks for career advancement.

 

Acosta (2022) states we are “witnessing the rise of a new set of digital soft skills that will become ever more important as engaging digitally becomes the norm. The earlier people master these new skills, the better prepared they will be for the future” (para. 4). Ferreira et al. (2023) indicate that soft skills will be primary determinants of success for individuals during their careers. The digital transformation being experienced around the world bears major implications for both employers and employees as reskilling and upskilling will be needed for employers to develop the hard, soft, and digital literacy skills to thrive in the current workplace.

 

References

Acosta, M. (2022, November 29). Hybrid working: Why your company should embrace digital soft skills. World Economic Forum. Available https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/11/hybrid-working-digital-soft-skills/

 Bessen, J. (2014, August 25). Employers aren’t just whining – the “skills gap” is real. Harvard Business Review. Available https://hbr.org/2014/08/employers-arent-just-whining-the-skills-gap-is-real

 Ferreira, C., Robertson, J., & Pitt, L. (2023). Business (un)usual: Critical skills for the next normal. Thunderbird International Business Review, 65(1), 39–47. https://doi-org.lynx.lib.usm.edu/10.1002/tie.22276

National Soft Skills Association (n.d.) The real skills gap. Available https://www.nationalsoftskills.org/the-real-skills-gap/#:~:text=Research%20conducted%20by%20Harvard%20University,and%20knowledge%20(hard%20skills).