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Workforce Wellness and Skills
The Cornerstones of Engaged Employees
Most organisations are undergoing workforce transformation, responding by creating meaningful experiences and implementing strategies to ensure that their human capital finds value in their daily work while staying fully engaged. This, in essence, defines employee engagement. Employee Engagement (EE), while just being two words in the dictionary, encompasses a plethora of different aspects.
From deadlines to well-being: The growing need for mental wellness in the workplace
Mental wellness is crucial, as employees often face work pressure from strict deadlines, client demands, and the need to meet KPIs and targets. We are all aware of how this can be a silent killer, and this cuts across all levels, for example, the young employee of Ernst and Young who passed away. Hybrid work culture and work from home (WFH) are also creating isolation as employees do not physically meet for short breaks and human interactions. E-meets can never supplement these interactions. Behavioural patterns today are vastly different, and people are using this to cope with the stress' arising from work. This has created the great resignation phenomenon as an outcome. Gig workers and gig assignments are rewriting the concept of “regular employees”. Organisations, therefore, have to invest effort, time, and money to ensure that employee well-being is taken care of and are engaged.
Financial Wellness
Financial wellness is emerging as a cornerstone of employee engagement in today's workforce. Many leaders emphasize the significant impact of corporate sessions on financial literacy. From guiding employees on their first investments to empowering women through tailored sessions, these initiatives are redefining workplace culture. Partnering with financial wellness providers not only improves employees' financial standing but also enhances retention and talent acquisition.
Mental wellness is crucial, as employees often face work pressure from strict deadlines, client demands, and the need to meet KPIs and targets.
Technology
AI, IOT, deep tech, and meta machine all tools of the future- are present in today's environment and are challenging companies to train their workforce. With the predicted creation of 97 million jobs in AI and automation by 2025 (source: World Economic Forum), the workplace is set to undergo a positive upheaval. This means companies must actively engage with employees, identify skill gaps, and address their needs by providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities. By exposing employees to emerging technologies and continuously evolving industry trends, organisations ensure that their workforce remains agile and equipped with the relevant skills to drive future success.
Skills Over Roles
In today's leaner organisations, it's not critical roles that matter most, but the skills of the workforce. Companies are focusing on reskilling, multiskilling, and upskilling on both performance and delivery. The goal is to cultivate an agile workforce, capable of managing challenged of the BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible) world of today, where learning curves are short and attentions spans are short. Additionally, the influx of younger generations in the workforce – one that challenges authority, knows what they want, and is highly competitive, adds to the need being adaptable.
The 8 workforce trends that will help ensure better planning and engagement are:
1. Helping employees embrace change
2. Fostering a learning environment to nurture continuous growth
3. Assisting employees in taking charge of their lives through coaching and mentoring
4. Partnering with employees to help them discover a sense of purpose and direction
5. Shifting of skills to suit the work environment
6. Reflections to understand gaps and bridge gaps
7. Building networks to foster relationships for career navigation
8. Cultivating self-identity and personal growth
*Dr. Tanaya Mishra, Global CHRO at ISG Insolutions, brings 30 years of experience in strategic workforce solutions. She has worked across diverse industries including manufacturing, pharma, consulting, retail, BFSI, and IT/ITES and specializes in technology driven, future-focused workforce strategies that align with global diversity and cultural ethics.
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Dr. Tanaya Mishra
Global CHRO - ISG In-Solutions Global Ltd., IOD Member
Owned by: Institute of Directors, India
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles/ stories are the personal opinions of the author. IOD/ Editor is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in those articles. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the articles/ speeches do not reflect the views of IOD/ Editor and IOD/ Editor does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
