Bridge the Gap: Essential Skills for 2024
Did you know that 87% of organizations have a skills gap or will have one within the next few years?
The business world experienced drastic shifts in the past five years, from AI to remote work and beyond. In this era of technological advancement and work paradigms, previously essential skills are insufficient. A new set of competencies emerged, creating a skills gap that hinders growth and productivity if not addressed.
The Rise of Technical and Soft Skills
With technological advancement comes a demand for technical prowess. Employers are looking for candidates with skills like data literacy and technological adaptability. Employees must be able to navigate the technologies necessary for their roles, extract meaningful insights from data, and adapt swiftly to new digital tools. Experts identify generative AI, data, cloud computing, machine learning, and cybersecurity as essential skills for 2024.
Yet, amidst the digital workplace revolution, soft skills prove essential for the human side of business. Emotional intelligence and communication are crucial with the rise of remote and hybrid work models, as employees must effectively communicate across various platforms and channels. Adaptability is another asset in a workforce marked by constant change.
Adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strong communication are essential at all levels, but leaders are tasked with mastering an additional set of skills. Self-awareness, a growth mindset, and empathy are crucial for human-first leadership. With 2024 ramping up to be another year of change and development, 73%of employees report elevated stress levels associated with organizational change. Leaders must excel in change management, guiding their teams through sources of potential stress with analytical skills, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic thinking.
Common Skills Gaps: The Challenges Companies Face:
Communication: 55%of employers report struggling to find candidates with effective communication skills. Communication continues to become more complex, with companies and individuals balancing digital and face-to-face communication.
Critical Thinking: Nearly 2/3%of organizations struggle to find candidates with strong critical thinking skills. Employees must be able to analyze complex issues, make informed decisions, and develop innovative solutions.
Data Literacy: 70% of employees are predicted to work heavily with data by 2025, but only 40%of employees are satisfied with the data skills training their organization offers. With organizations using data to drive decision-making, employees must be trained on how to interpret and utilize this data.
Technology: 65% of hiring managers report difficulty finding qualified digital talent, and 81%of managing directors believe a lack of digital skills negatively impacts their organization. The pace of technological advancement often outstrips the rate of skills acquisition, meaning employees need additional training to stay ahead.
Addressing Gaps in Your Organization
Conduct a Skills Audit: Regular audits provide a clear picture of your team’s capabilities and areas for improvement. Assess employee skills and compare them to what your business needs to achieve current and future goals.
Invest in Training and Development: Training programs tailored to address your organization’s skills gaps significantly improve workforce competency levels. Training courses and live sessions are essential for helping employees acquire technical and soft skills.
Let PuzzleHR’s Learning and Development experts find the solution for you! From our enhanced learning management system to our custom leadership programs, PuzzleHR has the resources to foster a culture of learning in your organization. Ensure your employees are prepared for 2024 with technical and soft skills—contact PuzzleHR today!
