Throughout school, we are taught about all the different values and skills we need to have in order to carry out our day to day tasks, homework and eventually, job roles. But we aren’t ever really told what they are and why they are so important in the future. As babies we learn to share because it is good manners and stops the other kids from crying, but what does it have to do with a career? Similarly, we know people don’t like it when we show up late to a birthday party or doctor’s appointment, but that is just because they’re busy right?
Well, that’s what we are going to discuss in this blog. What are the work readiness skills we should work on while we look forward to adulthood? And why are they all so crucial in producing the most efficient and reliable workforce? Nowadays, children have access to plenty of resources and support in the lead up to leaving school – but what about after this. There are still reasons we should be developing way into our careers, so it is key we understand how.
What are work readiness skills?
There is no set list that every person and employer can agree on. This is because certain industries, businesses and job roles require unique knowledge and abilities. However, there are definitely things you can do and improve upon to help you in any career. In essence, they are a set of professional traits, personal qualities and people skills that aid you in performing well at work. They are key factors for employers in determining who fits a role.
When we first take the leap out of education and start the process of looking for a job, the likelihood of having any technical experience is next to none. But we do have the theoretical knowledge and ability to learn and apply what we know to a real-life setting. We have interacted with people at all levels, from our teachers to our peers and younger acquaintances. So at the very least, we have our basic life skills to develop and use in combination with what we learn on the job. While it might not sound too impressive now, the way we use these will determine how successful we are at other things.
Communication
This is something we work on all our lives and while certain means of communication will be easier for some than others, it can be an important part of hiring a candidate. Verbal communication will get you through the day in any job you do. You need to be able to ask for help when you need it but also convey how you’re feeling and present problems or ideas you may have in a way that people will understand. In some roles, you’ll also be required to communicate with clients and people higher up in the organization. This is when it becomes increasingly more important to develop clear verbal communication.
Written communication is also a key factor. More often than not, applying for a job is going to require a CV and maybe a cover letter. It could also involve some email correspondence or something similar. How you come across in that writing will play a part in selling you to that employer. Being able to communicate effectively will make it far easier for you and other people to share ideas and find solutions quickly. This makes for an efficient workforce when everyone is on the same page.
Collaboration
We’re taught how to work well as a team and collaborate ideas for the most effective result. This is vital in the workplace because it plays a role in how the business works as a unit. While there are departments and individuals with certain responsibilities – if they don’t work as a unit, everything will grind to a halt. This requires serious collaboration, communication and the ability for people to utilise their own skills in a way that benefits everybody. This is why it is important to understand everyone’s role within the company and how their work affects others.
Once this is taught, employees and employers alike will have a better opportunity to bring their assets to the forefront of what they do. Teamwork benefits from people playing to their strengths so working together to find out what these are is the first step in implementing a successful culture. Having the ability to work as a team before you even find a job will be extremely attractive to potential employers. They need to know that they and other team members can rely on you.
Work ethic
This really just encompasses the traits you have and how you approach any work you do. Whether it be school work, housework or your career – you will have a set of principles that display how much pride and care you take in what you do. Many people approach work as a 9-5 routine that earns them a salary and not much else. This kind of attitude might keep you ticking over, but employers that see a dedicated and conscientious employee will be more inclined to put time, money and effort into their development.
This means seeing more opportunities for growth within the company, promotions, pay rises and trust. Having a good work ethic doesn’t just mean you don’t make mistakes or come in early every day. But by being aware of the bigger picture, you understand your place in the company and have an idea of what impact your work is making. For many – this outlook will make them more efficient and successful workers because they have the drive to produce top quality work and innovative ideas.
Problem-solving
Firstly, this set of work readiness skills will help you hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for your work. Employers value this because it shows they can trust you to take on more complex and challenging responsibilities. It also gives them the confidence that you can work to your own initiative. In the business world, this is vital because it allows you to take control of situations and tackle them quickly. Without this ability, the workforce would come to a standstill more often than anyone would like to admit.
Not only that, problem solving gives you the opportunity to resolve conflicts and disagreements between colleagues. This may be needed where people are finding it hard to settle on a decision and you can step in with a compromise that gives you a similar or better result. Alongside this comes leadership and the ability to step up in challenging situations. For a powerful and successful workforce, you need employees who can be both leaders and team players. This is why all of these components fit together in the perfect candidate.
How will this improve my workforce?
It goes without saying that while we may want X years of industry experience – if the person doesn’t have these work readiness skills, that experience will go to waste. With them, we are better equipped to carry out our jobs as best we can. As a result, not only are we able to perform technical tasks, but we have the confidence to do the little things in between too. All of the elements that make up our larger roles come together without us even noticing.
So if you’re looking to hire new employees or invest in your current workforce, start small. Help them develop communication skills and learn to work together. This way you are helping them to improve from the very core of what they do. In time, it will benefit the bigger picture because they’ll gain confidence as well as experience. You’ll be looking at a much more productive team that makes fewer mistakes and can work efficiently to solve problems and tackle daily tasks.
If you want some help implementing strategies to develop your employees’ skills, or need some advice on how to work at them yourself, get in touch. Speak to one of our dedicated Azimuth experts today by contacting us at enquiries@azimuth.eu.com or call 01483 24 33 81. We’ll be more than happy to discuss how we can help you and with over 20 years of experience across a range of industries, we have the innovative, proven tools that can help you unlock the true potential of yourself – and your business. What are you waiting for?
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