How tech savvy is your workforce?
When was the last time your business did a comprehensive skills review across your workforce? In light of the huge changes we’ve all seen and experienced over the last year, now is probably a pertinent time to stop and take stock. One key area that has been in the spotlight has been the use of technology.
As many businesses are beginning to transition into more normal working patterns, why not use this opportunity to review your employees’ technology skills?
In our everyday lives – as well as our working lives – we are surrounded by technology. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and touchscreens: technology is everywhere. But just how tech-savvy are your staff? Although most of us make good and frequent use of the technology and tools we are familiar with, we are probably all guilty to some extent of underutilising what is available to us. And if that means that some of your employees are not using the work tools they are provided with to their fullest extent, that could well mean missed opportunities for your business, as well as potentially reduced productivity or efficiency, or at worst, errors and mistakes.
Of course, many employees will have learned some new skills as a result of having to work remotely. Others may even have used their time to add to their skills with online training or self-motivated exploration and trial and error with the tools they have at their disposal. But whilst expanding their horizons and knowledge in this way does have its advantages, it’s not as effective for your business as structured and targeted training to develop the specific skills needed to meet core objectives.
What should HR do?
Getting down to the detail at an individual level is a complex process for HR leaders to undertake. That’s why training software is such a useful tool to use. This kind of solution can be accessed on a standalone basis via the cloud – but is also often a useful option to include or add to your existing HR software package. One of the biggest advantages of training software is that it is proven to be an effective way to identify skills gaps, create training plans by individuals, and keep track of progress across the workforce.
You may also want to take time to review your training packages and identify whether there are any specific elements that can be tailored to the current climate. So for example, as working patterns have changed, some staff may want further training on the systems they now use to make them more efficient whether working at home or in the office (or both). You could also consider pulling together some new training content – how to be more effective in video conference calls for example.
Ultimately, the change and disruption we have lived through also present opportunities to learn and to move forward. As businesses emerge from these challenging times and look forward to a more positive and settled future, the corresponding shift in mood also means that your workforce may well be more responsive than ever to learning. So if you want to boost your employee’s tech skills (or any other skills for that matter) this is as good a time as any.
For more information about cloud-based training software or online learning packages – contact Access. Our technology specialists would be delighted to hear from you.
