Workplace Readiness Skills

In order to be successful in today’s knowledge based economy employees need a wide range of skills including basic academic skills and the ability to apply these skills in the workplace. 

 

According to the study “Are They Really Ready to Work” conducted during April and May 2006, in collaboration with The Conference Board, Corporate Voices for Working Families, Partnership for 21^st Century Skills and the Society for Human Resource Management, new entrants lack skills essential to job success. At the high school level, well over one-half of new entrants are deficiently prepared in the most important skills --oral and written communications, professionalism/work ethic, and critical thinking/problem solving -- while more than one-quarter of college graduates are deficient in written communications. 

 

Local employers report similar experiences in surveys conducted by WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA. More than 70 percent of Central Florida employers report they are concerned in the areas of work ethic, basic skills, and people skills.

 

The need to identify and cultivate these workplace readiness skills, particularly the critical functions should be at the top of every companies’ list. Failure to do so places your organization at jeopardy for losing your competitive edge.

 

Test and screen new hires. Employers should establish a structured interview process including conducting assessments and screening for basic knowledge, and skills “deficiency.”  Assessments provide an accurate analysis of an employee’s attitudes, behaviors and skills. Many companies are conducting behavioral interviewing, which asks specific questions about real world experiences gained through education and work, ultimately providing deeper insight into the applicant’s work ethic, knowledge and judgment ability. 

 

The ideal employee is one who not only possesses the required skills to perform the job but also has a sense of personal responsibility, professionalism and commitment to the job.   Screening and assessing saves employers time and investment on recruitment, training, turnover and productivity.

Offer remedial training. Consider providing an Adult Literacy Training Program open to all employees by providing remedial courses in basic reading and math skills. This could be taught

in-house or by establishing partnerships with the local school systems. These basic academic subjects and skills required in school are still fundamental to any employee’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job. This type of training program enhances these skills, as well as preparing high school dropouts with the opportunity to obtain a GED. 

 

Provide ESOL training. As the Central Florida workforce continues to diversify, there is an increased need for employers to ensure that their employees have the appropriate language skills necessary to function successfully in the workplace. Employers should consider offering language courses for frontline staff and management. Empowering workers to learn English can impact communication and quality as well as boost loyalty and morale. 

 

Test for language capabilities. Knowledge of foreign languages is an increasingly important skill that employers are requesting, as it plays a critical role in a global economy. More companies are looking to recruit and hire bilingual employees. Many companies are testing candidates during the interview process to verify that the bilingual applicant proficiently speaks a second language and uses proper vocabulary for the position.

Provide opportunities for training.  Employers should take a strategic approach to training by increasing spending on learning and training initiatives. To remain competitive businesses must constantly develop their employees’ knowledge, skills and technical abilities by providing opportunities for training, cross-training and career advancement. Training should be offered in a variety of formats including formal classroom training sessions, on-the-job training, seminars and e-learning. Employee development is always a win-win situation.

 

Analyze your benefits.  Offer educational assistance including tuition reimbursement benefits to your employees. Online education is an attractive option for full-time employees, as it provides flexibility and time savings. Provide financial incentives for employees that complete training programs that enhance their abilities to perform critical job functions.