Future-ready workers are made, not born, and employers can do a lot to help them get there. By investing in upskilling training, you can be prepared for any business hurdles that come your way.
If you’re worried about finding qualified candidates or keeping your team ahead of industry changes, you’re not alone. Many businesses are struggling to find workers who have the right skills and expertise, and as the workplace evolves to bring in more digital tools, AI, and automation, that gap will only grow. In fact, in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, employers stated that they expect 39% of the skills required in the job market to have changed by 2030.
Employers can’t afford to ignore this widening skills gap; when employees don’t have the skills they need, business performance suffers, bringing lower productivity, missed opportunities, and higher turnover costs into play. But by investing in upskilling—essentially, training existing employees—employers can future-proof their business, preparing their team to tackle tomorrow’s challenges while strengthening their brand and reputation. Let’s explore more about why workforce upskilling matters and how you can create a strategy that benefits both your employees and your bottom line.
Making the business case for upskilling your workforce
Investing in your employees’ growth is a smart business decision. Whether it’s keeping up with technology, adapting to new market demands, or retaining top talent, upskilling helps businesses stay resilient and competitive. Let’s break down why upskilling makes financial and strategic sense.
What’s driving workforce upskilling needs?
The workplace is changing fast, and businesses that don’t adapt risk being left behind. Automation and AI are reshaping job roles, requiring employees to develop new technical and analytical skills. At the same time, shifting industry demands mean workers need to be more agile than ever, whether they’re mastering new software, handling sophisticated products, or responding to evolving customer expectations. The post-pandemic workplace has also introduced fresh challenges, from remote and hybrid work structures to increased digital collaboration. With so many moving parts, upskilling can keep teams productive and businesses competitive.
Cost analysis: Hiring vs. upskilling
Hiring new talent might seem like a quick fix for skills gaps, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Recruiting, onboarding, and training new employees can cost thousands per hire, not to mention the time it takes for them to reach full productivity. On the flip side, upskilling your current workforce is often more cost-effective, allowing you to build on existing institutional knowledge while boosting employee morale and loyalty.
There’s also the hidden cost of turnover to consider—losing an employee means lost productivity, knowledge drain, and potential disruptions to team dynamics. Investing in upskilling keeps your team engaged and reduces the need for constant hiring.
Gaining a competitive advantage through upskilling
When companies prioritize upskilling, their employees are continuously learning and growing, bringing fresh ideas, improved efficiency, and a more innovative mindset to the workplace. Beyond productivity, upskilling strengthens your employer brand, because workers want to stay with companies that invest in their future. This not only improves retention but also makes your business more attractive to top-tier talent.
Top skills for a future-ready workforce
The skills that mattered yesterday may not be enough for tomorrow. As technology advances and industries evolve, employees need a mix of technical know-how, soft skills, and leadership capabilities—and focusing on these key skill areas will help your workforce stay agile and competitive.
Technical skills are the foundation of a modern workforce
Digital literacy is no longer optional; the Future of Jobs Report 2025 also anticipates that tech skills will grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years. Employees at all levels will need a basic understanding of digital tools, cybersecurity best practices, and online collaboration platforms. Industry-specific software proficiency is equally important, as businesses increasingly rely on specialized programs for everything from project management to customer relations.
Data analysis has also become a must-have skill, even for non-technical roles, as businesses embrace project management systems, CRM tools, and more. Employees who can interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions give businesses a strategic edge.
Soft skills bring in the human element
Technology might be transforming work, but human skills remain just as important. Adaptability and resilience help employees navigate change and uncertainty—whether it’s shifting job roles, new tools, or unexpected disruptions. Critical thinking is another vital skill, enabling employees to analyze situations, solve problems efficiently, and make sound decisions in fast-moving environments. And with hybrid and remote work becoming more common, collaboration skills have never been more valuable. Teams that can communicate effectively across digital platforms and time zones are more productive and engaged.
Boosting leadership capabilities better prepares you for tomorrow’s challenges
Every employee benefits from developing leadership capabilities to help guide their teams through transitions with clarity and confidence. Change management is especially important, as businesses frequently undergo shifts in strategy, structure, or technology. Remote team management is also a growing necessity, requiring skills in virtual communication, team engagement, and performance tracking.
Cost-effective strategies for upskilling your workforce
Upskilling your workforce doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies, you can equip your team with the skills they need without spending a fortune.
Launch internal learning programs
One of the most cost-effective ways to upskill employees is by developing internal learning programs. Mentorship initiatives are a great way to pass on knowledge and expertise from seasoned employees to newer ones, without additional costs. Peer-to-peer learning networks are another effective approach, because employees often feel more comfortable learning from their colleagues. Cross-departmental training also offers benefits, allowing employees to broaden their skill sets and enhancing communication between teams. These initiatives can be created with some time and effort, and they have a big impact on employee development and company culture.
Add in digital learning solutions
There are a variety of low-cost options for upskilling training. Online course subscriptions are an excellent investment, offering employees access to a wide range of courses on topics relevant to their roles. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy provide flexibility for employees to learn at their own pace, at a fraction of the cost of traditional training programs. Microlearning platforms like Qstream are also becoming popular for delivering bite-sized lessons that can be consumed in short sessions, making it easier to integrate learning into daily routines.
Leverage outside expertise
Sometimes, partnering with external organizations can provide additional benefits for upskilling. Industry certifications give employees a valuable credential while demonstrating to clients and customers that your team is highly qualified. Educational partnerships with local colleges or universities can help your team access affordable, specialized training, often tailored to your industry’s needs. Or professional association memberships offer opportunities for continuous learning, networking, and industry-specific resources that can keep your workforce up to date with trends and best practices. These external opportunities can be surprisingly affordable and help employees feel more engaged and invested in their professional growth.
Measuring your workforce upskilling success
Upskilling your workforce is an investment, and like any good investment, it’s important to track the returns. By evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting ROI assessments, and considering long-term benefits, you can ensure that your upskilling programs are truly driving business success.
KPIs to track immediate success
When it comes to measuring upskilling, the first step is to define the right KPIs. One of the most straightforward metrics to track is skill acquisition: how many employees have successfully completed training and can apply their new skills on the job. Employee retention rates are another key indicator, as workforce upskilling tends to keep employees engaged and loyal, reducing employee turnover. You might also look at productivity improvements, as an upskilled workforce is typically more efficient, with higher quality outputs. Monitoring these KPIs provides clear insights into how well your upskilling programs are working in the short term.
ROI assessment to quantifying impact over time
To understand the true value of your upskilling efforts, you’ll need to assess the ROI. One of the best ways to do this is by calculating cost savings: upskilling employees can be more affordable than hiring new talent, with fewer recruitment and onboarding expenses. Employee satisfaction scores can also be an important metric—when employees feel supported in their growth, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Finally, business impact metrics, like sales performance or customer satisfaction, can demonstrate how upskilling directly contributes to your company’s bottom line.
Don’t overlook long-term benefits
But of course, the real magic of upskilling comes when you look at its long-term benefits. An upskilled workforce can adapt to changing business environments and new challenges, with employees who are more likely to embrace new technologies, roles, and processes as they evolve. Upskilling also plays a key role in developing your talent pipeline, helping you grow future leaders from within rather than relying on external hires. These long-term benefits build a stronger, more resilient organization, so you stay ready for whatever comes next.
Empowering your workforce for the future
Upskilling is vital for businesses looking to stay competitive in an ever-changing world. By investing in the development of your employees, you not only enhance their skills but also improve retention, boost productivity, and future-proof your organization. Whether through internal learning programs, digital solutions, or external partnerships, there are countless ways to provide your team with the tools they need to thrive.
At Spherion, we’re here to support you in building a skilled, adaptable workforce. Our team can help you implement tailored upskilling programs that fit your business needs and goals. Together, we can unlock the full potential of your workforce and set your employees—and your business—up for success in the future.