www.skillsoft.com Open in urlscan Pro
2600:1f16:f1f:4700:22fa:f255:b2a3:5be4  Public Scan

Submitted URL: https://transform.skillsoft.com/Nzc4LU5VVS03MTUAAAGVzrAZi6a5YFU44QsKq2IzHXzSwRBhHTVMFKmvXYtpGlDnZZ0SqVdCX0KmGkWwUxfCd9zFk8A=
Effective URL: https://www.skillsoft.com/blog/why-you-need-a-talent-development-strategy-for-the-skills-economy?utm_source=mkto&utm_mediu...
Submission: On September 26 via api from US — Scanned from DE

Form analysis 8 forms found in the DOM

GET /search

<form action="/search" class="siteNavigation__searchForm" method="GET">
  <div class="siteNavigation__searchText">
    <label for="search-mobile" class="sr-only"> Search our site </label>
    <input class="siteNavigation__searchInput" id="search-mobile" name="term" placeholder="Search our site" type="text">
    <div class="siteNavigation__searchIcon">
      <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="27" height="27.007" viewBox="0 0 27 27.007">
        <path fill="currentColor" d="M31.184,29.545l-7.509-7.58a10.7,10.7,0,1,0-1.624,1.645l7.46,7.53a1.156,1.156,0,0,0,1.631.042A1.163,1.163,0,0,0,31.184,29.545ZM15.265,23.7a8.45,8.45,0,1,1,5.977-2.475A8.4,8.4,0,0,1,15.265,23.7Z"
          transform="translate(-4.5 -4.493)"></path>
      </svg>
    </div>
  </div>
</form>

GET /search

<form class="searchDialog__form" action="/search" method="GET">
  <div class="searchDialog__text">
    <label class="sr-only" for="search"> Search our site </label>
    <input class="searchDialog__input" id="search" name="term" placeholder="Search our site" type="text" autofocus="">
  </div>
  <button class="searchDialog__submit neo--button -styleNavy" type="submit"> Search </button>
</form>

DIALOG

<form class="searchDialog__close" method="dialog">
  <button class="searchDialog__closeTrigger neo--button -styleNakedStack" data-search-dialog-close="" name="cancel">
    <i class="fal fa-times"></i> Close </button>
</form>

GET /blog

<form action="/blog" method="GET" _lpchecked="1" class="blogTemplate__search"><input placeholder="Search all posts" type="text" name="search" class="blogTemplate__searchInput"> <button type="submit" class="blogTemplate__searchButton"><span
      class="sr-only">Search</span></button></form>

<form id="htmlForm" class="blogSubscription__form -midBlog">
  <div class="blogSubscription__desc">
    <p>Select which topics to subscribe to:</p>
  </div>
  <div class="blogSubscription__checkboxes"><label for="mktoCheckbox_1" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_1" type="checkbox" value="Learning" aria-required="true"
        aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_1 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Activate Learning </label> <label for="mktoCheckbox_2" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input
        name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_2" type="checkbox" value="Leadership" aria-required="true" aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_2 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> New Workplace Leadership </label> <label
      for="mktoCheckbox_3" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_3" type="checkbox" value="DEI" aria-required="true"
        aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_3 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Diversity &amp; Inclusion </label> <label for="mktoCheckbox_4" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input
        name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_4" type="checkbox" value="Workforce Challenge" aria-required="true" aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_4 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Reskill Your Workforce </label> <label
      for="mktoCheckbox_5" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_5" type="checkbox" value="Hot Trends" aria-required="true"
        aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_5 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> What's Hot </label> <label for="mktoCheckbox_6" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo"
        id="mktoCheckbox_6" type="checkbox" value="Cybersecurity" aria-required="true" aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_6 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Cybersecurity &amp; CISO Insights </label></div>
  <div class="blogSubscription__footer"><input type="email" placeholder="Work Email" id="Email" name="Email" aria-labelledby="LblEmail InstructEmail" aria-required="1" aria-invalid="true" aria-describedby="ValidMsgEmail" class="email__input"> <input
      type="hidden" name="emailOptin2018"> <input type="hidden" name="utm_campaign"> <input type="hidden" name="utm_medium"> <input type="hidden" name="utm_source"> <input type="hidden" name="SrcID"> <input type="hidden" name="srcGEO"> <input
      type="hidden" name="GCLID__c"> <input type="hidden" name="psrc">
    <div class="blogSubscription__submit"><button type="submit" class="button">Submit<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-caret-right"></i></button></div>
  </div>
</form>

<form id="modalForm" class="blogSubscription__modal">
  <div class="blogSubscription__desc">
    <p><strong>You seem to really like our blog!</strong></p>
    <p>Select which topics to subscribe to:</p>
  </div>
  <div class="blogSubscription__checkboxes"><label for="mktoCheckbox_1" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_1" type="checkbox" value="Learning" aria-required="true"
        aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_1 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Activate Learning </label> <label for="mktoCheckbox_2" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input
        name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_2" type="checkbox" value="Leadership" aria-required="true" aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_2 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> New Workplace Leadership </label> <label
      for="mktoCheckbox_3" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_3" type="checkbox" value="DEI" aria-required="true"
        aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_3 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Diversity &amp; Inclusion </label> <label for="mktoCheckbox_4" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input
        name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_4" type="checkbox" value="Workforce Challenge" aria-required="true" aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_4 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Reskill Your Workforce </label> <label
      for="mktoCheckbox_5" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo" id="mktoCheckbox_5" type="checkbox" value="Hot Trends" aria-required="true"
        aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_5 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> What's Hot </label> <label for="mktoCheckbox_6" id="LblblogSubscriptionInfo" class="blogSubscription__checkbox"><input name="blogSubscriptionInfo"
        id="mktoCheckbox_6" type="checkbox" value="Cybersecurity" aria-required="true" aria-labelledby="LblblogSubscriptionInfo LblmktoCheckbox_6 InstructblogSubscriptionInfo"> Cybersecurity &amp; CISO Insights </label></div>
  <div class="blogSubscription__footer"><input type="email" placeholder="Work Email" id="Email" name="Email" aria-labelledby="LblEmail InstructEmail" aria-required="1" aria-invalid="true" aria-describedby="ValidMsgEmail" class="email__input"> <input
      type="hidden" name="emailOptin2018"> <input type="hidden" name="utm_campaign"> <input type="hidden" name="utm_medium"> <input type="hidden" name="utm_source"> <input type="hidden" name="SrcID"> <input type="hidden" name="srcGEO"> <input
      type="hidden" name="GCLID__c"> <input type="hidden" name="psrc">
    <div class="blogSubscription__submit"><button type="submit" class="neo--button -styleNavy">Submit<i aria-hidden="true" class="fas fa-caret-right"></i></button></div>
  </div>
</form>

<form novalidate="novalidate" class="mktoForm mktoHasWidth mktoLayoutLeft" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); visibility: hidden; position: absolute; top: -500px; left: -1000px; width: 1600px;">
</form>

<form novalidate="novalidate" class="mktoForm mktoHasWidth mktoLayoutLeft" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); visibility: hidden; position: absolute; top: -500px; left: -1000px; width: 1600px;">
</form>

Text Content

EINIGE FUNKTIONEN DIESER WEBSITE ERFORDERN IHRE ZUSTIMMUNG, DAMIT COOKIES
RICHTIG FUNKTIONIEREN.


ICH STIMME COOKIES ZU ICH WILL MEHR INFORMATIONEN
Skip to Main Content
English

French German Dutch
Open Search Dialog
Search
Sign in to your account
Select Language
 * English
 * French
 * German
 * Dutch

Toggle Mobile Menu
Request A Demo
 * Solutions
   
   Find custom learning programs that transform your team, from tech skills to
   leadership prep.
   
    * Leadership & Business Skills
      Identify and empower leaders
    * Technology Skills
      Upskill and reskill your tech workforce
    * Compliance & Ethics
      Mitigate risk and create a safer workplace
    * AI Skills
      Accelerate AI skill development
    * * Support & Services
        Get help finding a learning strategy that fits

 * Products
   
   Browse learning platforms, courses, and programs designed to transform your
   workforce.
   
    * Leadership & Business
      * Leadership Development and Business Skills
        Grow leaders at every level with customized steps.
      * Skillsoft Coaching
        Get mentorship with one-on-one and group coaching.
    * Technical Skills
      * Codecademy for Enterprise
        Learn coding and high-demand tech skills quickly.
      * Instructor-Led Tech Training
        Learn relevant tech skills from field experts.
    * Compliance & Ethics
      * Legal and Ethics Compliance Training
        Educate employees on laws, regulations, and expectations.
      * Environmental, Health, and Safety Training
        Make employee safety a mindset with compliance courses.
    * * Skillsoft's Learning Platform, Percipio
        Grow, measure, and track skills
      * All Courses
        Explore a broad range of learning experiences

 * Partners
   
   Ways to easily integrate Skillsoft learning solutions into your
   organization’s framework.
   
    * Content Partners
      Curate and automate the best-suited learning paths.
    * Integration Partners
      Deliver integrations with leading LXP and LMS partners.
    * Reseller Partners
      Request a reseller's training courses for internal use.

 * Resources
   
   
   IT SKILLS & SALARY REPORT
   
   The 2023 IT Skills and Salary Report shares the finding of an in-depth global
   survey of IT professionals at all stages of their careers, across geographies
   and industries.
   
   Read the Report
   
    * 
      Blog
    * 
      Leadercamps
    * 
      Webinars
    * 
      Podcast: The Edge
    * 
      Research Reports
    * 
      Customer Stories
    * 
      All Resources
    * 
      Sustainability

 * Company
   
   
   ESG IMPACT REPORT
   
   Learn how Skillsoft is measuring progress and inspiring change through our
   corporate sustainability efforts.
   
   Read Report
   
    * About
    * Leadership
    * Investors
    * Newsroom
    * Careers
      We are hiring!
    * Contact Us

Search our site

Free Access Sign in to your account
Request A Demo Free Access
Search our site
Search
Close

Blog Home
Search


WHY YOU NEED A TALENT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE SKILLS ECONOMY

August 21, 2024 | Activate Learning | 6 min read


MARK ONISK

Chief Content Officer, Business Development

IN THIS ARTICLE:

 * Where Skills Fit Into the Talent Development Lifecycle
 * The Importance of Measuring and Indexing Skills
 * 3 Ways to Measure Skills
 * Indexing Skills: Create a Structured Framework
 * How to Index Skills
 * Skill Measurement is an Ongoing Process

 * 
 * 
 * 

TOO BUSY TO READ THE BLOG?

Send blog to email

TOO BUSY TO READ THE BLOG?

×
Send blog to email


More and more, talent development leaders are adopting a skills-based approach
and focusing on measuring competencies across their workforce. The move is part
of a broader strategy to close skill gaps and develop more resilient employees
as the nature of work continues to evolve.

Why a skills-based approach? Because any organization’s lifeline is its
workforce’s skills — or the abilities of employees to accomplish an array of
tasks.

By understanding and categorizing skill levels within the workforce, companies
can not only refine their talent development processes but also enhance their
talent acquisition and retention efforts. And – measuring the ongoing
development of skills within your organization can optimize talent allocation,
maximizing productivity, efficiency, and overall performance. 

In this post, we’re going to cover the critical realm of skill measurement and
the strategic importance of embracing a competency-focused strategy in today’s
rapidly evolving work landscape.

Let’s dive in.


WHERE SKILLS FIT INTO THE TALENT DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE

The modern workplace is increasingly characterized by a skills economy, where
competencies and capabilities serve as the currency of career growth and
business success. Within this context, the talent development lifecycle — from
hiring and onboarding to ongoing development and succession planning — relies
heavily on an accurate and dynamic understanding of employee skills.

IN THE HIRING PHASE:

Organizations can use Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) to analyze
candidates’ resumes, focusing on extracting and mapping skills. These systems
often play a crucial role in spotting keywords within resumes to determine
candidate progression in the hiring process.

DURING ONBOARDING:

A thorough assessment of new hires’ skills allows for the customization of
onboarding programs, accelerating the time to productivity and ensuring that
employees start adding value immediately.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT:

Continual skill measurement informs personalized learning paths, helping
employees develop competencies that align with both their career aspirations and
the organization’s needs. This dynamic approach to L&D promotes a culture
of continuous learning and improvement.

SUCCESSION PLANNING:

Understanding the skills across the workforce allows organizations to identify
high-potential employees and prepare them for leadership roles. This proactive
approach ensures a pipeline of future-fit leaders and minimizes disruptions
during transitions.

By developing a comprehensive understanding of employee capabilities,
organizations pave the way for strategic workforce planning, a critical
component in shaping their talent development lifecycle.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SKILLSOFT BLOG

We will email when we make a new post in your interest area.

Select which topics to subscribe to:

Activate Learning New Workplace Leadership Diversity & Inclusion Reskill Your
Workforce What's Hot Cybersecurity & CISO Insights
Submit

THANKS FOR SIGNING UP!


THE IMPORTANCE OF MEASURING AND INDEXING SKILLS

Accurate skill measurement provides a clear picture of current
capabilities, identifies gaps, and informs strategic decisions related to
learning and development. As businesses strive to adapt to market changes and
technological advancements, having a precise understanding of their employees'
skill sets becomes indispensable.

Effective skill measurement impacts several facets of organizational success: 

 * Strategic Workforce Planning: Understanding skill levels helps in forecasting
   future talent needs and aligning L&D initiatives with business objectives.
 * Enhanced Performance: By identifying skill gaps, organizations can tailor
   training programs to address specific needs, leading to improved individual
   and team performance.
 * Employee Engagement and Retention: Employees are more likely to stay with an
   organization that invests in their professional growth. Skill measurement
   enables personalized L&D pathways that enhance job satisfaction
   and retention.


3 WAYS TO MEASURE SKILLS

When it comes to measuring skills effectively, organizations can employ various
strategies to ensure accurate skill assessments. Utilizing an introspective
approach that combines assessment methods with other evaluation techniques can
provide comprehensive insights into your workforce’s skills.

ASSESSMENTS AND SURVEYS

Self-assessments and surveys are valuable tools for initial skill measurement.
They allow employees to evaluate their competencies and provide valuable
insights to talent development teams.

IMPLEMENTATION TIPS:

 * Standardized Questionnaires: Use standardized questionnaires to maintain
   consistency. Design them to cover a range of relevant skills.
 * Regular Administration: Conduct self-assessments at regular intervals
   to track progress and identify trends.
 * Anonymity: Ensure anonymity to encourage honest responses.

MANAGERIAL ASSESSMENTS

Managers play a crucial role in assessing the skills of their team members.
Their insights, drawn from daily interactions and observations, add another
layer of accuracy to skill measurement.

IMPLEMENTATION TIPS:

 * Training: Provide managers with training on objective evaluation techniques
   to mitigate biases.
 * Standardized Criteria: Use standardized criteria — like a skills framework —
   to ensure uniformity across different managers.
 * Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback systems to review managerial
   assessments.

PERFORMANCE METRICS 

Performance metrics provide quantifiable data linked to specific skills, making
skill measurement more accurate. For instance, sales figures can indicate
proficiency in negotiation and customer relationship management.

IMPLEMENTATION TIPS:

 * Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs, OKRs, however you set goals
   at work, use them to help identify skills and gauge proficiency.
 * Alignment with Roles: Relying on an employee’s KPIs, review the progress
   they’ve made toward achieving their goals. This can help determine skill
   gaps, as well as strengths.
 * Regular Reviews: Regularly review and update KPIs to reflect changing
   business needs.


INDEXING SKILLS: CREATE A STRUCTURED FRAMEWORK

While measuring skills is essential for understanding current capabilities,
indexing these skills is equally crucial for creating a structured and
actionable framework. Indexing involves organizing skills and defining their
proficiency levels, making it easier to manage and analyze the workforce’s
collective expertise.

This structured approach to skill management helps in aligning organizational
goals with employee development, ensuring that the right skills are built to
meet business needs.

A well-designed skill taxonomy serves multiple purposes:

 * Provides a comprehensive inventory of skills available within the
   organization, aiding in resource allocation and project planning.
 * Helps identify skill gaps that need to be addressed through targeted training
   programs.
 * Guides companies in aligning recruitment efforts with identified skill
   requirements. 

And a well-designed job architecture can:

 * Facilitate career development by mapping out clear paths for skill
   progression and advancement.
 * Support succession planning by identifying potential leaders and preparing
   them for future roles.


HOW TO INDEX SKILLS

SKILL TAXONOMIES AND FRAMEWORKS

Skill taxonomies help in organizing skills into categories and sub-categories,
making it easier to manage and analyze them. They provide a structured approach
to understanding workforce capabilities.

IMPLEMENTATION TIPS:

 * Define Skill Categories: Identify skill categories relevant to your
   organization’s goals.
 * Break Down Skills: Detail specific skills for each category.
 * Establish Proficiency Levels: Set proficiency levels for each skill (e.g.,
   beginner, intermediate, advanced).
 * Communicate the Taxonomy: Disseminate the taxonomy clearly to employees and
   managers.

DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND TOOLS

Technology plays a pivotal role in skill indexing. Digital platforms and tools
streamline the process of data collection, analysis, and reporting. Leading
tools in this space offer features such as skill assessment modules, learning
management systems, and real-time analytics.

IMPLEMENTATION TIPS:

 * Integration: Ensure that digital tools integrate seamlessly with existing HR
   systems.
 * User Training: Provide training to employees and managers on how to use these
   tools effectively.
 * Data Security: Work with your IT team to implement robust data
   security measures to protect sensitive information.

DATA INTEGRATION AND ANALYSIS

Integrating data from various sources — such as HR systems, performance
management tools, and training platforms — provides a holistic view of skill
levels across the organization. Advanced analytics can then be used to refine
skill indexes and inform strategic decisions.

IMPLEMENTATION TIPS:

 * Identify Data Sources: Identify key data sources (e.g., LMS, TMS, performance
   management systems).
 * Establish Protocols: Collaborate with your IT team to establish data
   integration and governance protocols. 
 * Generate Insights: Gather data to help illustrate skill proficiency for
   stakeholders and inform future strategies.
 * Training for HR Teams: Provide training for HR teams on how to use analytics
   tools effectively.


SKILL MEASUREMENT IS AN ONGOING PROCESS

Developing the right skills and competencies across your workforce is crucial
for organizational success. Measuring and indexing skills provides a solid
foundation for improving your learning and development (L&D)
strategies, upskilling and reskilling employees, and supporting talent
development and succession planning. 

To assess your team’s current capabilities, Skillsoft’s Skill Benchmarks test
learners’ knowledge of key concepts, while Interactive Skill Benchmarks
challenge them to apply these concepts in realistic scenarios. This combined
approach ensures a comprehensive understanding and practical application of
skills. 

Learn more about how Skillsoft can help your organization build a highly skilled
and adaptable workforce.

Read Next: Measure Mastery: How Interactivity Showcases Earned Skills



Activate Learning


ARE CERTIFICATIONS WORTH IT? YES — BUT THERE’S A PROBLEM

September 23, 2024 | 4 min read
Employees who have earned certifications help their employers outcompete others
in the market. These professionals help alleviate the… Continue reading...
Courtney Gardner

Activate Learning


5 CERTIFICATIONS TO VALIDATE YOUR MACHINE LEARNING SKILLS (+ TRAINING)

September 12, 2024 | 6 min read
Artificial intelligence has sharply risen in demand as more and more companies
strive to launch projects reliant on the technology.… Continue reading...
Alec Olson

Activate Learning


BUSINESS RISKS ARE BECOMING MORE COMPLEX. HOW SHOULD YOU ADAPT?

September 9, 2024 | 4 min read
The risks organizations face have become increasingly difficult to identify,
manage, and avoid. Add to this thin budgets and lean… Continue reading...
Asha Palmer


SUBSCRIBE TO BLOG

×

You seem to really like our blog!

Select which topics to subscribe to:

Activate Learning New Workplace Leadership Diversity & Inclusion Reskill Your
Workforce What's Hot Cybersecurity & CISO Insights
Submit

THANKS FOR SIGNING UP!

 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 


 * COMPANY
   
   * About Us
   * Contact Us
   * Careers
   * Awards
   * Leadership
   * Investors
   * Newsroom
   * Support


 * RESOURCES
   
   * Blog
   * Customer Stories
   * Podcast: The Edge
   * Webinars
   * Events
   * Leadercamps
   * Skillsoft Release Calendar
   * Sustainability at Skillsoft


 * PERCIPIO
   
   * Meet Skillsoft Percipio
   * Download the Percipio App
   * Explore all Percipio Courses


 * POPULAR TOPICS
   
   * Accreditation
   * ESG Impact
   * Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
   * Aspire Journeys
   * Compliance Courses
   * Federal

English

French German Dutch
 * Accessibility
 * Terms of Use
 * Privacy Notice
 * Email Preferences
 * Your Privacy Choices
 * Cookie-Präferenzen