Bridging the Skills Gap: Key Insights from the Workplace Training Report 2023

Investing in the right training can help your organisation bridge the skills gap, achieve its objectives, and stay ahead of the curve.

Preparing for the year ahead

The world of work is evolving faster than ever, and in 2023, organisational challenges will be significant. Organisations must navigate an increasingly complex landscape to stay competitive, from the economic downturn to the changing nature of work and the war for talent. The good news is that with the right strategic skills development, businesses can overcome these challenges and thrive.

Our infographic highlights key insights from our Workplace Training Report 2023 and how investing in the right training can help your organisation bridge the skills gap, achieve its objectives, and stay ahead of the curve.

Key organisational challenges in 2023

Key insight one: The impact of the recession in 2023

The impact of the recession on the UK workforce has been significant, with many organisations facing challenges as they try to navigate the current economic climate, with 75% of senior HR leaders stating that the growing economic uncertainty has impacted their company’s learning and development strategy.

The economic downturn has significantly reduced hiring across many sectors, with companies forced to make tough decisions to manage costs. As a result, employees are often required to take on additional responsibilities, leading to increased workloads and the need for upskilling and reskilling – 33% of employers have experienced changes to their skill needs due to the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Key insight two: The New Line Manager and Advanced Digitisation

New line managers need advanced digitisation skills and empathetic leadership to succeed in today’s post-pandemic world, with 41% of employees feeling that their line manager lacks the necessary leadership skills. 

Due to the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, 33% of employers have reported changes to their skill needs. As a result, it is now more critical than ever for organisations to invest in training and development programmes to ensure their line managers are equipped with the skills required to thrive in this challenging landscape.

Key insight three: Investing in empathetic leadership

While organisations face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, 46% of employees believe their organisation is not providing adequate support during these trying times. This is where empathetic leadership can help. 

Empathetic leadership involves actively listening, understanding employees’ concerns, and providing the necessary support. By promoting a culture of empathy, organisations can support people through the cost-of-living crisis and improve employee morale and productivity. Investing in empathetic leadership is a win-win situation for the organisation and its employees.

Key insight four: Winning the war for talent

In the age of inflation, the war for talent is fiercer than ever, with 52% of HR leaders unable to find candidates with the right credentials, highlighting the urgent need for organisations to adapt their talent pipeline and people strategy. 

Our Workplace Training Report identified that 60% of employees prioritise professional development opportunities over a higher salary, emphasising the significance of investing in employee growth and upskilling to attract and retain top talent. The competition is tough, and companies must overcome the challenge to secure the best candidates.

Strategic skills development to drive organisational performance

In today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving business landscape, investing in the right strategic skills development and embedding a high-impact people strategy is crucial to addressing these challenges. Equipping your workforce with the necessary tools, knowledge, and expertise will position your organisation for success, attract and retain top talent, and achieve your business objectives. 

As a strategic skills partner backed by world-leading institutions, Corndel is committed to delivering world-class coaching and award-winning programmes that drive performance and enhance business outcomes. Whether it’s leadership, data, digital and tech, or degree apprenticeships, our industry experts help you unlock your organisation’s full potential and empower your workforce with the skills they need to thrive.

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