In this episode, Karen Kirton explores affordable ways to upskill employees and address skill shortages in small businesses. With many companies struggling to find skilled workers, investing in learning and development can be a game-changer for employee retention, engagement, and business growth.

In today’s episode, you will learn about:

• The business case for upskilling – How employees who feel their skills are valued are far more likely to stay, and how learning investment leads to higher revenue.
• Why upskilling is a competitive necessity – Research from the World Economic Forum suggests that 40% of workers will need reskilling within six months, with critical thinking, problem-solving, and technology skills in high demand.
• Employee-led upskilling – How simple development plans (focusing on one key learning activity per month or quarter) keep employees engaged without overwhelming them.
• Business-led upskilling – How companies can map future skill needs, create structured training programs, and embed a culture of continuous learning through on-the-job experiences, mentoring, and microlearning.
• How to structure a learning program – Steps to identify training needs, set participation expectations, and track engagement to ensure effectiveness.

By implementing both employee-led and business-led upskilling strategies, small businesses can build workforce capability, boost retention, and stay competitive—all without expensive training programs.

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