Organisations are facing the growing challenge of skills mismatch. According to recent studies, 68% of businesses report skills shortages, which has a direct effect on their output, profitability, and growth. The need for a workforce equipped with the right skills is now critical for sustained growth. However, many businesses find themselves navigating a gap between the skills their employees currently possess and those required for optimal performance.

Let’s delve into this topic a bit deeper.

What Is Skills Mismatch? 

Skills mismatch occurs when there is a disconnect between an employee’s skill set and the demands of their role. This issue can manifest in various forms:

1. Horizontal Mismatch: Employees working in a field different from their original training.
2. Vertical Mismatch: Overqualification or underqualification in relation to the role’s demands.
3. Skills Obsolescence: When skills become outdated due to technological advancements.
4. Over/Under Skilling: Employees might have an advanced educational background but lack practical, job-specific skills.

The Prevalence and Impact of Skills Mismatch

To put it plainly, things are heating up. 72% of businesses experiencing skills mismatches report increased workloads for other employees, which negatively impacts staff wellbeing. In some cases, 28% of businesses have had to turn down opportunities due to a lack of skilled personnel.

This disconnect poses a significant threat to operational success, particularly as industries shift towards more digitised environments. But how can businesses navigate this gap and ensure they’re equipped for the future?

Strategies to Address Skills Mismatch

At Chesamel, our People & Performance services are designed to help organisations address these very challenges. We specialise in helping businesses develop targeted strategies that close skills gaps, ensuring that their teams are future-ready.

Here are strategies we use to support our clients:

1. Conduct a Skills Gap Analysis
   Businesses need to clearly define their goals and identify the specific skills required to achieve them. This can be done by assessing current employee capabilities and recognising gaps between what is needed and what is available within the workforce. This allows businesses to develop targeted training plans.
   
2. Embrace Continuous Learning
   Promoting a culture of ongoing learning is essential in ensuring employees stay relevant in their roles. Digital solutions such as e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and online modules can provide flexible opportunities for employees to upskill.
   
3. Recruit for Potential, Not Just Experience
   One way to bridge the skills gap is through strategic recruitment. Instead of focusing solely on experience, businesses should also seek candidates with the right attitudes and soft skills that can be developed through targeted training programs. 

Apprenticeships and graduate schemes can help cultivate talent tailored to the specific needs of the organisation.

4. Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing
   Mentorship programs can enhance the transfer of knowledge and skills across the organisation. Encouraging peer-to-peer learning through knowledge-sharing platforms and collaboration tools enables employees to grow in areas where they may be lacking and further strengthens team capabilities.
   
5. Optimise Performance Management Introducing performance management systems that track progress and highlight areas for development can help address skills gaps in real-time.
   
   By setting clear goals and providing continuous feedback, businesses can ensure that employees are constantly working towards closing the gaps in their capabilities.

How Chesamel Can Help 

With our agile workforce solutions we offer a unique blended service which can help you with the entire process, from workforce planning, talent acquisition, talent management, development and retention.

In a world where the only constant is change, ensuring your team has the skills they need to succeed is more important than ever. Contact Chesamel today to explore how we can help you optimise your workforce for the future.