Knowledge is power!

As organisations gradually return to the office or adopt hybrid models post-pandemic, it’s critical to ensure organisations and individuals don’t get left behind when it comes to skilling, career development, and growth opportunities.

Upskilling is a way of improving effectiveness in the workplace but is also attractive to individuals to gain more confidence and better knowledge in their sector.

Benefits for both company and individuals include:

• Improved productivity and adherence to quality standards.
• Employees develop skill sets that allow them to undertake a greater variety of work.
• Improved ability to implement and realise specific goals.
• Increased ability to respond effectively to change.
• Productivity usually increases when a company implements training courses.

Training across the workforce at all levels and in any discipline, improves:

• Competitiveness
• Morale
• Profitability
• Customer satisfaction
• Market share
• Company reputation and profile

It can also lead to reductions in:

• Inefficient use of time and materials
• Workplace accidents
• Maintenance costs of equipment
• Staff turnover and absence 

Here are some ways you can approach upskilling remotely: 

• Access any training and development resources that your employer offers. Your employer may have always given you the opportunity to take on certain forms of training, whether internally or through an external provider, but you may not have had the time to make the most of it. If your employer does not currently offer any training, speak with your Manager to discuss the benefits of upskilling. 
• Attend virtual events, conferences and webinars - search events in your industry sector and sign up, most virtual events, conferences and webinars are free. 
• Take an online course on a topic relevant to you - LinkedIn learning is a good place to start! 
• Try brain training apps
• Learn and master new technology 
• Put upskilling into your routine - try to put aside 30 minutes a day to help you self improve in some way. 
• Listen to podcasts - not only can you find podcasts on any topic but they are almost always free! 

Here at Harpers, we believe that knowledge is power. Upskilling and learning will place you in the best possible position to advance your career in a post-COVID-19 world.