Why Your Company Can’t Afford to Ignore Upskilling
Falling Behind in a Rapidly Changing World
The world is changing fast, and businesses that don’t adapt can fall behind. Think about Blackberry. They used to be a leader in mobile phones, but they didn’t keep up with new ideas. Their team didn’t have the skills to switch to what customers wanted, and their competitors passed them by. Now, Blackberry is a shadow of what it used to be.1
But Blackberry’s story didn’t end there. After its fall from grace in 2013, the company repurposed itself, focusing on cybersecurity and software solutions. This transformation required significant upskilling within their workforce. Today, Blackberry’s software is found in many products we use daily, showcasing the power of strategic upskilling to enable a remarkable turnaround.2
This isn’t just a problem for tech companies. Retail stores sell online because shoppers now prefer the convenience of e-commerce. Those who can’t adapt lose customers to competitors with stronger digital presences. Factories are using robots to make processes faster and cheaper, leaving traditional manufacturers struggling to keep up with costs and efficiency. Hospitals are turning to video calls and telemedicine to serve patients more efficiently, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic showed how critical digital solutions can be. Businesses in every industry face these challenges, and without investing in new skills, they risk becoming outdated and losing relevance.
Falling behind doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with small issues like an outdated system or a missed opportunity. Over time, these add up to major problems like lost customers, lower profits, and declining morale. Businesses that don’t upskill their teams may find themselves trapped and unable to catch up as competitors pull ahead. Not training your team for the future can hold your business back or even put it at risk. The question isn’t whether you need to upskill your team members, but how quickly can you start? Acting now can make the difference between leading in your industry or being left behind.
Signs It’s Time to Upskill Your Team
How can you tell if it’s time to upskill your team? Here are some signs:
Your Best Team Members Are Leaving
Are people leaving your company for jobs where they can learn and grow?
Imagine Sarah, a top-performing team member. Sarah excels at her job, but after a few years, she notices that her role isn’t evolving, and there’s no opportunity to learn new skills. When another company offers her a position with professional development programs and growth opportunities, she leaves. This kind of talent drain can cripple a company, especially when high performers are the ones walking out the door.
You Can’t Keep Up
Do you struggle to match what your competitors are doing?
Consider a small retail business competing with larger e-commerce platforms. While competitors adopt AI-driven tools to optimize inventory or personalize customer experiences, this business struggles to stay relevant. Customers start favoring competitors who offer smoother, faster, and more engaging shopping experiences.
Your Team Is Missing Key Skills
Are team members unsure how to use new tools or meet customer needs?
Picture a manufacturing firm that implements new automation technology but doesn’t train its staff to use it. The equipment sits idle, and team members are frustrated and overwhelmed. Without training, the company wastes its investment and falls behind more tech-savvy competitors.
Work Is Slower
Are outdated processes making things take longer than they should?
A mid-sized financial firm still relies on outdated manual processes while competitors adopt streamlined digital tools. As a result, their team members spend hours on tasks that could take minutes, frustrating both staff and clients. Productivity drops and deadlines are missed.
Customers Are Complaining
Are people unhappy because your company isn’t meeting their needs?
Think of a hospitality company receiving negative feedback because its website is difficult to use, or staff can’t answer questions about new booking systems. Competitors who offer better customer service quickly steal market share, leaving the company struggling to catch up.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to act. Without new skills, your team won’t be able to keep up, and your business will suffer
Upskilling Your Workforce
What Is Upskilling?
Upskilling means teaching your team members new skills so they can keep up with changes in their jobs or industry. It’s about preparing your team for the future so they can help your business grow.
Real Examples of Companies Thriving Through Upskilling
Unlike Blackberry, some companies have done a great job of upskilling their teams:
Amazon: Amazon is spending $700 million to train team members in things like machine learning and robotics. This helps them stay ahead in the tech world.3
AT&T: AT&T is teaching their team new skills in advanced technologies like 5G. This keeps their workers ready for the future.4
Unilever: Unilever focuses on teaching their team members skills for digital tools and sustainability, helping them stay innovative.5
These companies demonstrate that upskilling isn’t just a cost; it’s an investment in staying relevant and leading in a rapidly changing world.
How to Start Upskilling Your Workforce
Step 1: Identify Business Evolution Needs
Assess market trends, organizational priorities, and customer demands to guide workforce development.
Step 2: Identify Skill Gaps
Look at what your team can do now and what they’ll need to do in the future. Use surveys or reviews to find areas where new skills are needed.
Step 3: Set Clear Goals
What do you want to achieve by upskilling your team? Maybe it’s learning a new tool or improving customer service. Set clear goals, using the Vanguard Edge GOALS model, so you know what to focus on.
Step 4: Create Tailored Learning Plans
Offer training that fits your team members’ needs and learning styles. Here are some ideas:
- Use online courses to teach tech skills
- Host workshops for soft skills like communication
- Set up mentoring programs so team members can learn from each other
Step 5: Invest in Technology
Use tools like learning management systems (LMS) or Human Resouce Information Systems (HRIS) with LMS integrations to make training easier to deliver and track. Platforms like LearnWorlds can be a great resource.
Step 6: Foster a Culture of Learning
Encourage your team members to keep learning by:
- Celebrating and rewarding new skills
- Giving them time during work hours to train
- Having managers lead by example and join in the training
Step 7: Measure and Adjust
Check how well your training programs are working by looking at things like productivity and team member feedback and make changes to improve your results.
Future-Proof Your Business Today
The world is always changing, and preparing your team for the future is more important than ever. Don’t let your business fall behind like Blackberry. Businesses that invest in upskilling are not just preparing for challenges; they’re positioning themselves for success. Companies like Amazon and AT&T show how empowering team members with new skills drives innovation, keeps teams motivated, and boosts overall performance. By committing to upskilling, you’re ensuring that your team is ready to tackle changes head-on and seize new opportunities as they arise. Make the decision to act now. Equip your workforce with the tools they need to thrive, and you’ll secure a future where your business leads the pack instead of falling behind.
Ready to get started?
Download our “Free Upskilling Plan Template” and start building a stronger, more adaptable team today.
Let’s Partner for Success!
Your team is at the heart of your business, and Peoplyst is here to help you cultivate a thriving, engaged workplace. From onboarding and compliance to employee development and beyond, our HR experts are ready to support your unique needs with tailored, results-driven solutions. Let’s work together to create a positive environment that strengthens your team and boosts your business. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule a consultation—because building a better workplace starts here.