Ready or Not! Here Comes the Upskill Era

The past year presented us with a crash course on the importance of lifelong learning.

Just over a year ago, when we thought the pandemic would last all of three weeks (how naïve we were), we were given a taste of the technological advancements we’re accelerating towards. Headsets became our best friend, while TikTok and virtual game nights became our coping mechanisms. We were forced to become agile and resilient in the face of a 73% increase in the WFH dynamic. Communication took place entirely within the online sphere, while learning was maintained within virtual classrooms. Is that it? Now that we’re seeing a gradual return to offices, do we really need to keep up to date with the world’s latest tech advancements and in-demand skills? Unless you’re a regularly updated machine, the answer is likely yes.

We have experienced firsthand how the world of work can be unpredictable. The last 15 years have seen the development of machine learning, hand-held smart communication and new battery life technologies, so what will the next 15 or 20 years bring? The idea that your graduate degree will determine every future role no longer applies. Of course, there are people out there whose childhood dream of becoming a doctor seems fulfilled every time they reach for their scrubs, for many this is not the case.

Artificial intelligence threatens to redesign the business landscape as we know it. Admin roles are already being written out entirely. An evolving world should be mirrored within the inner workings of an organisation. However, letting go of team members due to sub-par skillsets is a waste of valuable resources.

Instead, businesses should focus on upskilling and reskilling existing staff within the organisation. Why?

It increases productivity: Opportunities for development and growth are strong incentives to offer your workforce. According to Gallup, highly engaged business units have a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity - engaged team members who experience opportunities for progression within their career will not only be happier in their role but also more productive!

It improves employee retention and enhances talent acquisition capabilities: Deloitte’s 2020 Millennial Survey discovered that the majority of Millennials prefer to be employed with businesses that offer upskill and reskill training programmes, seeing this as a greater opportunity to quickly move up the business ladder while also increasing job loyalty. Upskilling opportunities encourages consistent personal growth for the team. Besides, no one wants to work at a company that doesn’t invest in personal career development!

It creates a culture of learning: Lifelong learning allows employees to diversify their skillsets and allows the workforce to adapt to new ideas, concepts, and technological advancements. Simultaneously, the evolution of existing skills encourages gender and age gaps to be filled. Training needs to be embraced by the entire business, including C-suite executives and managers. Unless the entirety of the organization value lifelong learning, how can employees be expected to? Plus, this assists in the creation of innovative business culture.

Upskilling can be something small, like learning a new technology solution. Or it can be part of a much larger effort, like incorporating AI skills into the daily tasks of an employee. Sometimes, the rate of change is so big that skills must be entirely upended. Not only does this help to bridge the skills gap, but it represents a supportive employee culture. Reskilling also helps organisations to maintain institutional knowledge which cannot always be taught so easily.

Organisations need to look ahead at the roles which will be created as a result of the rapid evolution of technology, rather than just focusing on roles that are available right now. To advance within fresh business opportunities, preparing staff for what lies ahead will benefit both employer and employee in the constant race against technological advancement.

Is your business prepared for the tech evolution to come? Click here to explore the recruitment solutions we offer and how we can support your growing team.

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Kelly Staffing delighted to introduce Gi Group to the Irish Market

By Ben Forde • 19 Apr, 2024

As a longstanding temporary and permanent staffing supplier to leading businesses across Cork and Galway Kelly Services Ireland are pleased to confirm their acquisition by Gi Group Holding. Kelly, under the new name of Gi Group Ireland, will be joining Marks Sattin & Matthew Fitzpatrick as another Gi Group Holding Recruitment and HR solutions offering in Ireland. The recent acquisition comes with great opportunity for the Irish market, introducing Gi Group and their breadth of expertise to the region while maintaining the invaluable local capabilities delivered by Kelly Ireland. This marriage of well-established local knowledge, relationships and expertise from Kelly with the resources granted by Gi Group’s considerable size makes for a formidable new staffing provider in Ireland. The existing Kelly team will be on hand to support current clients and workers continuing ‘business as usual’ to offer a seamless transition to all parties involved. In support of this transition, some common queries regarding the acquisition have been address below. Is it BAU for us as a Kelly Client? Yes absolutely, our dedicated teams in Cork and Galway will remain the same, delivering to client requirements as they have been for over 40 years. What are the main changes? Initially the change of name. We will continue to provide temporary and permanent staffing services to the Life Sciences, Engineering, IT and Renewable Energy Industries. In time we may add additional services in line with Gi Group service offerings across Europe, this will not impact any existing relationships. What do we put on invoices going forward? We are currently still operating as Kelly Staffing Ireland Ltd. All invoices must be addressed as such to avoid any delays in payments. Once the transition to operating as Gi Group Ireland is complete further communications will be sent out.

Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

06 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

By Shazamme System User • 07 Sep, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices.ie . Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!