Embracing reskilling at the workplace #workitpodcast #reskilling

Key Concepts

• Reskilling
• Upskilling
• Employee Agency
• Base Competency Overlap
• Success Rate
• Learning Curve
• Turning Point (6 months)

Employee Experience in Reskilling

Employees often face unforeseen circumstances where their managers present them with a stark choice: either their job is at risk, or they must undertake a new role within the organization. This situation can be difficult for employees as they may have limited agency in selecting their new roles during the reskilling process.

Factors Influencing Reskilling Success

The success of reskilling is significantly influenced by the overlap between an employee's existing "base competency" and the requirements of the new job. The research uses a rough gauge of 50% overlap as a benchmark.

• High Overlap (>= 50%): When there is a substantial overlap in base competencies, the chances of success in the new role are considerably higher.
• Low Overlap (< 50%): Starting from scratch and needing to learn entirely new skills within a 12-month timeframe can be challenging.

Program Success Rates and Timeline

Despite the inherent difficulties, the program discussed has demonstrated a high success rate for upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

• Initial Difficulty: The first few months of the program are described as "extremely difficult," with individuals often feeling like giving up. Managers also acknowledge the "painful" nature of the process.
• Turning Point: The six-month mark is identified as a significant turning point. By this stage, individuals begin to see improvements and feel they are progressing.
• Rapid Advancement: Some individuals have achieved such success within six months that they have been able to move into team lead positions in their new areas.

Conclusion

The reskilling and upskilling process, while initially challenging, can lead to high success rates, particularly when there is a significant overlap in existing competencies. The six-month mark appears to be a critical period where employees begin to see tangible progress, with some even achieving leadership roles within this timeframe. The key takeaway is that while the initial phase is demanding, the investment in reskilling can yield substantial positive outcomes for both employees and the organization.