How to Tackle the Skills Gap

As tech leaders look ahead to the new year, one of their biggest priorities will be ensuring their staff has the proper know-how and appropriate training to achieve their organization’s technology goals. It’s not as easy to find great talent as it once was, so we’re giving you 5 ideas to help close the skills gap.

  1. Step up internal capabilities – IT industry estimates report that almost 10% of your staff skills will become redundant each year. So, it’s important to keep an eye on the horizon and have edge training built into your monthly calendar. And your team will thank you for caring about their professional growth.
  2. Invest in cross-training – Give people inside your department a chance to learn skills outside their IT comfort zone. Also, give non-technology staffers a peek into how things are done on your side. And you won’t be alone. Over 50% of digital leaders say they will be doing similar cross-training in the coming year.
  3. Provide flexibility and purpose – Keeping your associates is just as tricky as training them, so make sure you’re highlighting your team’s wins and showing appreciation for impactful outcomes. Sometimes a sense of belonging along with a flexible schedule counts more than a pay bump.
  4. Fill open positions quickly – Pockets of the IT industry are seeing labor shortages, so when you do have an open role on your team, be sure to move quickly to fill it. Highly-qualified people will find jobs in a heartbeat in this climate, so hire fast when you find the right candidate.
  5. Sometimes good enough is okay – Not to contradict #4 above, but while you’re searching for a great fit, don’t get too caught up in perfection. If a candidate is missing a few skills, they may still work out. Some patience and focused training could turn an okay candidate into a superstar.

Narrowing the margins between what your team knows and doesn’t know is not easy – and it is usually pretty subjective – but keeping your eyes open for opportunities for growth is always a best practice no matter what year it is.