It wouldn’t be wrong to say, today, organizational expectations of employee skill levels often appear ambitious and demanding. These expectations frequently highlight a gap between what employers seek and what employees can readily deliver.
This discrepancy arises from several factors, including rapid technological advancements, evolving job roles, and changing market dynamics. In an exclusive interview with People Matters, Anu Mathew, Chief People Officer at Perfios, delves into these intricacies, shedding light on why such gaps persist and offering insights into potential solutions.
Anu Mathew identifies a critical shift towards digital transformation and the integration of new technologies as primary contributors to the widening skill gap. As organizations embrace innovative solutions and automation, there is a growing demand for employees skilled in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
However, many employees find themselves inadequately prepared due to the lag in educational curriculum updates and the rapid pace of technological evolution. Mathew emphasizes the need for proactive measures within organizations to bridge this gap, advocating for robust learning and development programs tailored to current and future industry needs.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: How does your organization assess the skill levels of employees, and what mechanisms are in place to identify skill gaps?
At Perfios, being at the forefront of SaaS solutions in the dynamic tech industry necessitates continuous skill enhancement. Our approach includes initiatives like ‘One Perfios,’ a company-wide survey that gathers employee feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement. Additionally, our Objectives and Key Results (OKR) program aligns performance expectations across teams, while a competency model defines behavioral and technical competencies. Regular check-ins and development conversations further ensure that employees are equipped to meet evolving challenges and career aspirations.
Q: In your opinion, what are the potential consequences or risks associated with skill gaps within any organization or industry?
Skill gaps pose significant risks in today’s fast-paced business environment. They can lead to decreased productivity and efficiency, hindering an organization’s ability to adapt swiftly to market demands. At Perfios, we prioritize learning and development to mitigate these risks, ensuring our workforce remains agile and capable of leveraging new opportunities in our competitive landscape.
Q: As a senior leader, what role do you believe leadership plays in setting realistic skill expectations and fostering a culture of continuous learning?
Leadership sets the tone for skill development and learning culture at Perfios. We invest in customized leadership programs like the Next-Gen Leadership Program at IIM Calcutta to nurture our leaders of tomorrow. Our Women Accelerator Program and Tech Talks further support skill enhancement and knowledge sharing across the organization. Leadership’s commitment to continuous learning not only drives individual growth but also strengthens Perfios’ position as an industry leader.
Q: How do you personally support efforts to address skill gaps and promote skill development among your team or department?
As leaders at Perfios, we actively engage in upskilling initiatives such as workshops, Ask-Me-Anything sessions, and Tech Talks. These platforms facilitate peer learning and real-world application of skills, fostering an environment where continuous improvement is ingrained in our organizational culture. Our approach is not just about mastering specific skills but also about nurturing an adaptive mindset crucial for sustained success in our industry.
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Q: Looking ahead, how do you anticipate the skill requirements for the workforce evolving, and what implications does this have for talent management?
The future demands holistic development and agility from our workforce. Talent management must evolve to facilitate customized learning journeys that cater to varying expertise levels. Peer and experiential learning will play pivotal roles in equipping our employees with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Our focus remains on driving impactful outcomes that contribute to Perfios’ growth and innovation, surpassing mere training metrics.
By emphasizing continuous learning and skill development, Perfios aims not only to meet but also to exceed the evolving expectations of our industry, ensuring our workforce remains future-ready and resilient.