TALKING

Failing to invest doesn ’ t just hurt your current workforce ; it impacts your ability to attract new talent too .

equipping their workforce with the skills to harness AI ’ s potential won ’ t just adapt , they ’ ll lead . On the flip side , companies that neglect training risk falling behind , unable to keep pace in a rapidly evolving market .

Training gives your workforce the agility to pivot when industries shift . It keeps you competitive when markets evolve and it ensures that when challenges arise , you ’ ve got the people with the skills to tackle them head-on .

The mindset shift : From cost to investment

We believe the conversation around workforce training needs to change . Too often , it ’ s framed as an expense , merely a line item on a spreadsheet to be minimised .

3 . Leverage technology : Modern learning platforms make it easier than ever to deliver impactful training at scale . AI-powered tools can personalise content . The best part is that these tools allow employees to learn in the flow of work , ensuring minimal disruption and surfacing knowledge , information and answers when it ’ s needed .

4 . Harness AI for cost-effective training : AIpowered tools are revolutionising how businesses approach upskilling . By automating timeconsuming tasks and delivering personalised learning experiences , AI makes training quicker , more cost-effective and highly scalable . It can also analyse progress and adapt content dynamically , ensuring employees receive relevant support at every stage of their development .

A role for leaders

Creating a culture of learning starts at the top . Leaders need to champion upskilling , not just with words but with actions . That means allocating a budget , celebrating learning achievements and even taking part in training themselves .

But training isn ’ t a cost . It ’ s the best investment you can make . For every pound spent on training , research shows businesses see £ 4.70 in return through higher productivity , increased engagement and reduced recruitment costs .

And let ’ s not forget the ripple effects . When you create a culture of learning , you unlock innovation . Employees feel empowered to try new things , share ideas and push boundaries . It ’ s a win-win – for them and for you .

Practical steps to bridge the skills gap

If you ’ re ready to turn words into action , here are three steps to get started :

1 . Start with a skills audit : What skills are critical to your business today , and what will you need tomorrow ? A thorough skills audit helps identify where the gaps are and sets the foundation for a targeted upskilling strategy .

2 . Invest in personalised , ongoing learning : Forget one-size-fits-all training . The most effective programmes are tailored to individual needs and learning preferences . It ’ s vital to champion a blend of microlearning , collaborative tools and on-the-job training to create a holistic , engaging experience .

When leaders model continuous learning , it sends a powerful message : growth isn ’ t just for entry-level employees ; it ’ s for everyone .

Turning the tide

The Skills England report may feel like bad news , but it ’ s an opportunity , a call to action for businesses to put people first and rethink how they approach workforce development .

The companies that embrace upskilling will be the ones shaping the future , not reacting to it . They ’ ll be the ones leading innovation , attracting top talent and creating cultures where employees thrive . Upskilling isn ’ t just a trend ; it ’ s a necessity . It ’ s how businesses stay competitive , resilient and relevant in an everchanging world .

At Thrive , we ’ re passionate about helping businesses build a culture of learning . We ’ ve seen how investing in people transforms not just organisations , but also the lives of employees .

As you plan your strategy for 2025 , ask yourself ‘ what are you doing to future-proof your workforce ?’ Because in the race to adapt , stagnancy isn ’ t an option . It ’ s important to look at this not as a challenge , but an opportunity to flourish , ultimately closing the skills gap and building a workforce ready for whatever the future holds . p

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