BrioHR hopes that as the newly appointed ministers begin their new roles in cabinet today, the HR Ministry, helmed by YB V. Sivakumar, will consider implementing measures to upskill the country’s workforce.
According to results from a short poll conducted on LinkedIn, 40% of respondents want the HR Minister to focus on workforce upskilling, 31% want fair working standards implemented and enforced, and 25% want measures to address the country’s labour shortage looked into. The remaining 3% wanted various other measures to be implemented.
Benjamin Croc, co-founder and CEO of BRIO HR, said, “The survey results show that the need for workforce upskilling and reskilling has never been greater. Working professionals are hoping that the government will enact policies encouraging employers to consider upskilling their current workforce to fill skill gaps rather than incurring the expense and time commitment of hiring new employees.”
He went on to say that upskilling the workforce has become essential in the wake of the pandemic, and it seems beneficial for employers and employees alike.
“For many, the pandemic was also an opportunity to rethink their working methods and careers, as well as how supported they felt at work. The Great Resignation could be explained, at least in part, by people seeking better opportunities; a better work-life balance in addition to a higher pay cheque,” shared Croc.
He added that in order to make Malaysia more resilient, capable, and inclusive, a redefined HR approach is needed to ensure that organisations have an updated workforce with skills that enable them to invest in new and better technologies.
Align culture and skills with the evolving nature of the workplace
Croc also explained that employers will benefit from a more highly skilled workforce if they embrace this transformation rather than fighting it if they want to attract and keep top talent. There is a real talent war going on, and many employees are looking beyond their immediate surroundings.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), closing the global skills gap could increase the global economy by $11.5 trillion by 2028. It calls on the public and private sectors to work together to develop education and training that meets market expectations.
Croc concluded, “It is essential that all stakeholders work together to bridge the digital divide that has resulted from the pandemic and the global skills gap. Upskilling is critical for increasing employee retention and productivity. Employees who are effectively upskilled can contribute to the growth of the business and realise their full potential. As a result, the economy will also benefit.”
