Are you missing out on your employee's skills? [BT broadband office]

Are you missing out on your employee's skills?

Posted 9 July 2008 at 8:54AM by Ian Betteridge in Hints and tips

According to a survey by e-learning provider Learndirect Business, two-thirds of employees think that their employers are missing a trick, ignoring talents which could be used in their companies.

At this point, you're probably nodding your head in agreement: almost every company I have ever worked in has found out about additional skills that people have by accident, rather than design. Once the job description is done and the right person to fit that role found, there's often very little attempt to find out about the skills they have.

So what can you do to find these hidden gems? The first thing is simple: just ask. 82% of those questioned in the survey said their employers had simply never asked about any additional skills. And with email, asking has never been easier.

The second thing you can do is encourage employees to talk about what they know, to share knowledge they have. Again, this can be organised quickly and easily via email, forums, or other online resources.

But whatever you do - don't just sit there waiting for employees to tell you, unprompted. You're likely to be waiting a long time.

For more on people management, see our BT Insight page on "Employing people".

Tags: bt, bt broadbandoffice, employment

New feature: Rate this post!

Currently 4.5/5
1
2
3
4
5

Average rating: 4.5/5

Comments

1. At July 9, 2008 9:17 AM, 'Razor' Ramone wrote:

To be honest, although it would be nice to have my non-specifically job-related skills put to use in the workplace, you just -know- that most employers are going to take advantage of it, and certainly aren't going to pay you extra for your additional skills. So that being the case (or at least likely the case), why would I volunteer my abilities? Cynical perhaps, but only because experience has made me so.

2. At July 9, 2008 11:23 AM, Zen wrote:

I disagree entirely. Although in the short term there is no financial gain, looking at the long term and progression through the company this is an ideal oppertunity for people to shine. Speaking from personal experience it is very hard to be noticed, but when given the chance it does give excellent benefits.

3. At July 9, 2008 1:47 PM, J G Dawson wrote:

This is a highly emotive subject and one possibly best addressed I think by the simple medium of a good old fashioned suggestion box...

4. At July 9, 2008 1:53 PM, Steve Walker, Calibre HR & Training wrote:

I understand the cynicism, but my experience is a lot more positive. I am a training professional and was recently working with a third-sector client where one of the outcomes was the creation of 'skills swap shops'. Team members volunteered to run sessions for their colleagues on a variety of subjects. We did this as a team exercise at the end of the day and I have to say it generated a great buzz. One team member then agreed to set up a timetable of 'swap shops' for the next six months. One-hour sessions will cover everything from a masterclass on getting more from the IT system; to an introduction to better negotiations; yoga; briefings on overseas projects; and even how to make salmon mousse. We've recently published a free advice factsheet on how to identify and use hidden skills in the business. Find it at http://www.calibrehr.com/docs/calibre-2pp-factsheet-10.pdf

5. At July 9, 2008 6:06 PM, James wrote:

I think that Razor is a bit short sighted. If an employer knew all about their employees available skills, then perhaps they might get promoted quicker and earn more money and respect in the longer term.

BT broadband office