A spotlight is growing on employees' supplementary skills, also known as "side skills." Now more than ever, workers across industries are taking steps to cultivate these additional competencies to supercharge their career growth. But side skills have the potential to unlock opportunities for not only employees but also their organizations. To take full advantage of these benefits, organizations must prioritize employee development.

In this episode of our Back to Work podcast series, host Joe McIntyre sits down with Patricia Taitt-Forrester, founder and president of Triumph Business and Career Solutions. Together, they explore the importance of side skills and examine strategies for employees and their leaders to cultivate these assets and position their organizations for success.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode

Benefits of Side Skills

Patricia defines side skills as a range of hobbies, from photography and coding to creative endeavors like podcasting and writing fiction. She explains how these side skills, which mainly develop outside primary job responsibilities, can be brought to work to not only enhance job satisfaction and even drive company innovation but also empower individuals to bring their unique talents to the table. 

By fostering an environment that encourages the development of these skills, companies can boost innovation, enhance job satisfaction, and ultimately improve retention rates. Leaders who prioritize employee development and actively support the cultivation of side skills are poised to reap the rewards of a more dynamic and engaged workforce, making each individual feel valued and integral to the company's success.

Learning and Development in the Workplace

Patricia highlights the growing emphasis on learning and development (L&D) in the workplace, offering strategies for managers to align L&D opportunities with their employees’ interests and career goals. However, balancing retention and development can be challenging. There is a concern that employees might leave after developing new skills.

Patricia advises creating a culture of respect and support, ensuring smoother transitions and stronger professional relationships. Here are some high-level takeaways from the podcast:

• Whole-Person Development: Patricia emphasizes the concept of viewing employees as whole individuals with diverse interests and skills. She advocates for integrating these skills into professional identities rather than sidelining them.

• Generational Dynamics: Joe and Patricia explore how various generations approach side skills differently. Patricia notes a trend among younger workers who see side skills as hobbies and essential components of their career paths.

• Future of Work: The conversation covers how the cultivation of side skills shapes the future of work. Organizations must adapt to support this shift as more people seek diverse learning opportunities.

Tune In for More

Curious to learn more about how side skills are revolutionizing the workplace? Listen to the full podcast episode to gain more valuable insights from Patricia Take-Forrester. By understanding the importance of side skills in the professional landscape, you can position yourself and your team for greater success.