From the time artificial intelligence (AI) crossed the chasm from science fiction to corporate reality, employees have worried about their fates. And few are spared.
AI, often supported by algorithms, enables human resources recruitment by screening job applicants and promoting to human eyes only those that meet bot-determined criteria. Split-second analytics have relieved statisticians and actuaries of manual efforts that sometimes required intense specialization for their complexity.
Cross-training for the future
Humans are still needed, however. As technological innovation disrupts some functions, employees who have prepared for other roles within the company can meet talent shortages in other areas, reducing risks to the business and their employability.
To increase opportunities for their employees’ career advancement or just keep them happier and on the job longer, PwC research suggests leaders engage and motivate their team members by responding to the forces affecting the future of work, including specialization and scarcity.
Specialization. Early humans trained as hunters or gatherers. Today’s employers are challenged to intelligently and reliably predict upcoming specialization lest they lose opportunities as work evolves. Those who share skills training across their organizations have less chance of losing value or employees as the workplace evolves. Cross-training keeps workers sharp and curious, nurturing confidence that will keep teams together as the marketplace evolves.
Scarcity. Diversifying professional development reduces skill shortages. Surely companies that prepared their employees to support colleagues across different departments had less to worry about during the Great Resignation. Those that invest in on-the-job coaching or coursework to teach diverse job skills to multiple teams show they prioritize collaboration and shared knowledge, breaking down silos and inspiring agility.
Capability-building. McKinsey & Company preaches capability building. This focus on imparting both hard and soft skills to employees enables corporate efficiency and effective risk management as well as a people-centered culture that drives success, even full-scale transformation, with less stress and greater employee energy.
Many of the capabilities seem basic, applicable to both junior office workers as well as senior managers. These activities prove key to productivity, value-building, and sustainability within the business. Inclusion of department heads, even executive committee members, sends a message of support of employees and their development. It literally shows management investment — not only of financial resources for the training but also their time.
If you want help identifying cross-training and capability-building opportunities in your organization, LTD Global can help. Through our two-plus decades’ experience, we can assist you with an employee skills assessment and create programs to ensure coverage for your critical functions today and tomorrow. The end in mind is to create employee evangelists that drive your company’s success.
Get a complimentary assessment. Call us today (925) 598-0056 or click here to let us know you’d like to meet.