December is when we kickstart all my goals for the new year. It is the month to strategise what I want to achieve in the coming year, broken into different categories and deadlines, and launch some of it in December to get a feel of it. We decided it was time for an intensive skills audit. With a few taps into Google, we discovered this is a common practice in HR.
A skills audit is a process of identifying and evaluating the skills and competencies of employees within an organisation. The benefits of conducting a skills audit are numerous, and they can positively impact an organisation in several ways. By understanding the skills that employees possess and those they lack, organisations can design training programs to address any deficiencies and enhance the capabilities of their employees.
As a startup, we understand the importance of having a high-performing team to achieve our business goals quickly. Below are some of the snapshots of our Simplifyed team’s skill audit that can help us identify areas of improvement and enhance our overall performance.
Research and getting engrossed in the depths of it.
As a research graduate, research skills are crucial for any job, especially for working in human resources (HR) in a startup. In a startup, the HR department plays a vital role in identifying and hiring talent, developing performance management systems, and creating employee engagement strategies. This skill helps me to gather employee feedback to improve performance management systems and create effective employee engagement strategies. Also, I make data-driven decisions and ensure that their actions align with business objectives. This can result in improved employee performance, reduced turnover, and increased profitability.
Leadership skills and collaborative tendencies.
I have a big-picture mentality, I see everything in colours and lines, but I also love the grey areas, the what-ifs’ and all. When developing an idea or concept, my directive is constantly pick up a pen and draw a vast mind map. In a brainstorming session, I lead the conversation, set clear goals and expectations, and create a supportive environment where my teammates feel comfortable sharing their ideas. It is vital that, as a leader, you ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute and that all ideas are considered without judgment or bias. This practice helps steer the conversation back on track if it goes off-topic or unproductive.
Communicating skills.
Well, I am a content writer. I never planned to fall into it as I did, but it was a cosy fall. I love writing because I can be a woman-in-tech one day and then a foodie another. I am a content strategist at my current stint and is a start-up founded in 2020 when the world was at a standstill. Before this job, I was only a content writer with big ideas. Right now, I am a content strategist with 99 open tabs in my browsers for campaigns, EDMs and pitches. That said, I am looking forward to diversifying this skill to match the current Ai-dependant climate.
Innovative approach for solutions.
This comes hand-in-hand with writing but on steroids. Content writers don’t just ‘write words’. We create content for all platforms, for respective niches and interests, to reach different audiences. This takes time and a lot of prep because creativity doesn’t happen at a flick of a switch. Creativity is crucial to a tech eLearning organisation because it allows for developing engaging and interactive eLearning experiences that can capture learners' attention. Creative content can help learners understand complex topics better, retain information, and apply it in real-world scenarios. Additionally, creativity in eLearning can help differentiate an organisation from competitors and create a positive brand image. It can also help organisations keep up with evolving industry trends and maintain relevance in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Emotional intelligence is an armour.
If astrology were your thing, my sun, moon and rising signs would tell you that I am a hardcore empath. I used to see it as my weakness because I care too much. However, an employer in the past pointed out to me that this is a significant characteristic that sets me apart. My experiences working in smaller teams sharpened my EQ in ways I discovered coaching and mentoring to feel rewarding. I take the lead in onboarding interns and recruits. Recently, this opened up opportunities in the talent and culture management sphere and is slowly taking form.
In conclusion, a skills audit is a valuable tool for any organisation seeking to maximise the potential of its workforce. Organisations can improve their productivity, efficiency, and profitability by identifying skill gaps, aligning employee skills with business objectives, identifying top performers, and making informed staffing decisions.
