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Upskilling and reskilling have become key strategies for both attracting top talent and retaining employees in today’s talent marketplace. As technology and automation rapidly transform industries, candidates are seeking employers who invest in their growth, while companies face increasing pressure to close skill gaps and future-proof their workforce.
The newest episode of our Back to Work podcast series explores how organizations can build a candidate experience that highlights career development, and how job seekers can spot employers who are serious about supporting continuous learning.
Podcast host Joe McIntyre welcomes Becca Donovan, director of HR and organizational development at Yoh. Becca develops and puts in place strategies that contribute to the success of organizations. Becca uses human resource management tools to influence short and long-term success for organizations. She also leads the development and deployment of Yoh's contractor and client engagement framework.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
upskilling vs. reskilling
Upskilling and reskilling are both essential strategies for helping employees stay relevant and successful in a rapidly changing job market, but they serve different purposes. Becca notes that upskilling focuses on deepening and strengthening the skills you already have, allowing employees to grow within their current roles or prepare for closely related positions by expanding their knowledge and capabilities.
On the other hand, reskilling is about pivoting toward entirely new roles, often in response to shifting business needs or technological advancements. It equips employees with a fresh set of skills so they can transition into different positions, helping organizations retain valuable talent even as industries and job requirements evolve.
Why UpSkilling and Reskilling Matter for Talent Attraction and retention
These two facets have become essential parts of an organization’s value proposition to both candidates and current employees. Offering clear opportunities for growth sends a strong message: "Join us, and we’ll invest in your future."
As competition for skilled talent intensifies, companies that prioritize development stand out, showing that they’re committed to helping people grow not just into their roles, but beyond them. Becca emphasizes that this focus on continuous learning has become a powerful way to attract and retain talent in today's workforce.
Guiding Growth Through Support and Communication
Leaders play a crucial role in helping employees navigate the learning curve that comes with upskilling or reskilling. It starts with clear, supportive communication and explaining not just what skills are needed, but why they matter and how they can make an employee’s job easier or more fulfilling.
When leaders take the time to connect the dots between new skills and real-world impact, it helps employees stay motivated and confident in the process.
Beyond communication, Becca suggests leaders should also create space for growth by allowing time for learning, offering access to additional training resources, encouraging mentorship, and providing hands-on projects that help employees apply what they’re learning in a practical, meaningful way.
Tune In for More
The ability to learn and adapt is just as important as the skills employees bring on day one. Whether it’s helping current team members deepen their expertise or guiding them toward new career paths, companies that prioritize learning and development create a culture where both people and business can thrive.
By making growth part of the everyday employee experience, and supporting it through clear communication, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities, organizations can attract top talent, retain valuable employees, and build a future-ready workforce.
Listen to the full podcast episode for all of Becca's insights on upskilling and reskilling yourself and your organization for a tech-driven future.
