As the modern workforce continues to evolve, a growing concern is emerging: uncertainty in skills development. According to a recent report by WTW, the share of employees who say their manager helps develop their abilities has dropped from 84% to 78% over the past four years. This decline in support is leading to 'capability anxiety' among employees, as they struggle to determine which skills will remain relevant and where to focus their development.

The report highlights that AI is already having a significant impact on the workforce, with 45% of employees stating that AI is important for their day-to-day work and another 22% expecting it to fundamentally change their work in the future. However, the pressure point is not the change itself, but the concern over whether employees can adapt to these changes.

As HR executives, recruiters, and professionals, it is essential to recognize the growing risk of skills uncertainty and take proactive steps to address it. This includes establishing processes for identifying, assessing, and tracking workforce skills, as well as providing managers with the necessary support to guide employees in their development.

To mitigate this risk, organizations should consider the following strategies:

  • Develop a comprehensive skills framework that outlines the key skills required for each role and identifies areas where employees need additional training or development.
  • Provide managers with training and resources to help them identify and develop the skills of their team members.
  • Offer flexible learning opportunities and upskilling programs to help employees stay ahead of the curve in terms of emerging skills and technologies.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and development, where employees feel empowered to take ownership of their skills development and seek support from their managers and peers.

By taking a proactive approach to addressing skills uncertainty, organizations can reduce the risk of 'capability anxiety' and ensure that their employees are equipped to succeed in an ever-changing work environment.