The latest Randstad Workmonitor survey revealed that 53% of respondents in Singapore struggle to acquire new skills in their current job to see them through the COVID-19 pandemic. 19% of respondents said that they do not refresh their skills set and competencies to enhance their employability.
Young respondents, aged between 18 and 24, struggled the most with learning new skills to adapt to working in this new normal.
Randstad Singapore today releases the latest survey results of the Randstad Workmonitor survey, which highlights the greatest concerns and challenges candidates are facing in the employment market. The survey was conducted in October across 34 markets around the world, with a minimum of 400 respondents in each market.
actively find opportunities to upskill
With rapid digital transformation, job requirements and skills demands will change significantly. The skills gap is also much more pronounced now than before, as employers are looking for candidates who are already equipped with in-demand digital skills as well as transferable soft skills.
It is also more difficult for the younger generation to expose themselves to new learning opportunities at work and develop their skills, especially since the number of new jobs dipped last year during Circuit Breaker and the subsequent months.
Companies need to provide more support to the younger workers, such as offering opportunities to work on new projects with an experienced team or be attached to mentorship programmes. These development initiatives, when complemented with other training programmes, can help companies deepen their workforce capabilities, and in turn enhance their ability to attract and retain good talent.
responsibility to upskill and reskill employees fall on employers too
If not addressed quickly, the skills gap will further widen and impact workforce quality. Already, 55% of respondents believe that employers will have trouble finding the right talent in the post-COVID world.
As businesses embrace change and invest in new technologies and digital solutions, employers will need to review their workforce’s skills set in parallel to identify the skill gaps in the workplace and close it.
To be adaptable in a constantly changing work environment, human capital development requires an all-hands-on-deck approach.
want to know more insights about the employment market?
Randstad conducts the Workmonitor survey twice a year to explore the changes in candidates’ expectations and challenges to help employers manage their talent attraction and employee engagement strategies.
Besides Workmonitor surveys, our specialist consultants at Randstad Singapore regularly prepare market maps and surveys to keep ourselves up-to-date with the latest talent movements and workforce trends. Connect with us if you want to know more about what’s happening in your space.