CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Sunil Chemmankotil, Country Manager, Adecco India on the Importance of addressing the Skill Gaps in preparing the Workforce for the Jobs of the Future
Highlight the significance of upskilling and reskilling programs in addressing skill gaps and preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future.
As a rapidly growing economy, India is at a pivotal juncture where technological advancements and industry disruptions are reshaping the job market. To meet the challenges of this evolving landscape, upskilling and reskilling programs have emerged as crucial tools to bridge the skill gap and equip the workforce with the competencies needed for the jobs of the future. Our workforce needs upskilling and reskilling across various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, healthcare, and education. This is especially important for young people, older workers, women, and marginalized communities. By acquiring skills in digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological advancements, these cohorts can enhance their employability, contribute to economic growth, and improve their quality of life. Some of the key aspects to consider:
Addressing Skill Deficiencies: India’s vast workforce often faces challenges in keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. Upskilling and reskilling programs can help individuals acquire the necessary skills, such as digital literacy, programming, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, to meet the demands of modern industries. In addition, reskilling is particularly crucial for the blue-collar workforce, as the increasing integration of technology into various sectors necessitates transitioning to grey-collar roles requiring a higher level of technical proficiency.
Boosting Employability: By equipping individuals with the latest skills, these programs enhance their employability and competitiveness in the job market. They can help individuals transition to new roles or industries, ensuring a more resilient and adaptable workforce.
Driving Economic Growth: Upskilled and reskilled workers contribute significantly to economic growth. They can increase productivity, innovation, and competitiveness, leading to better job opportunities and higher incomes.
Promoting Social Mobility: These programs can help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds improve their job prospects and social status. They can break down barriers and create a more equitable society by providing access to quality education and training. This is particularly important in the rural hinterlands of the country, where reskilling and upskilling programs can equip the migratory workforce with the necessary skills to secure dignified employment opportunities in urban areas, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation and ensuring a more inclusive and equitable society.
Preparing for the Future: With the increasing global mobility of talent and the shift of jobs to India as a global talent hub, it is crucial to invest in these programs to ensure that India’s workforce can keep pace with international standards and remain competitive in the global market.
How do you address the skill deficit in India and enhance the employability quotient of the youth? Also, shed light on the job hunt challenges & how candidates can cope.
Addressing the skill deficit in India and enhancing the employability quotient of the youth involves a multi-faceted approach. Skill development programs like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) & the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) have been pivotal in providing industry-relevant and technical skills to the youth. Strengthening ties between educational institutions and industries ensures that the curriculum is aligned with market needs, producing job-ready graduates. Continuous learning opportunities through online platforms and vocational training help the workforce stay updated with industry trends. Additionally, enhancing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills is crucial, as these soft skills are often as important as technical skills in the job market.
Practical experience through internships and apprenticeships can significantly boost employability by providing hands-on experience and a better understanding of workplace dynamics. Career counseling and guidance help students make informed decisions about their career paths and the skills they need to develop. Encouraging entrepreneurial skills can create job creators instead of job seekers, with programs that support startups and small businesses being particularly beneficial.
The New Education Policy (NEP) 2024 adds significant value to this approach by aiming to reform India’s education system. It focuses on reducing school curriculums and eliminating MPhil programs while emphasizing the development of both theoretical knowledge and creative potential among students. The NEP aims to position India as an international education hub and superpower by reorganizing the curriculum into more practical and skill-oriented segments. This policy also promotes the overall development of students, including sports, creativity, and science, allowing them to choose subjects based on their interests rather than following a rigid stream structure. By aligning education with the 2020 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the NEP ensures that students are equipped with the skills needed for the future job market.
By focusing on these strategies, India can work towards reducing the skill deficit and enhancing the employability of its youth, while also helping job seekers navigate the challenges of the job market.
How does Adecco ensure diversity and inclusion within its workforce? What initiatives have you led or supported that promote a more inclusive work environment?
Adecco ensures diversity and inclusion within its workforce through a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. Emphasis is on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment by implementing inclusive recruiting and hiring practices. In a few other countries, we operate in lead and maintain memberships with national minority professional organizations and engage with educational institutions and minority alliances to attract a diverse pool of candidates.
One of the key initiatives Adecco has led is the establishment of the Diversity, Engagement, and Inclusion Committee. This committee is dedicated to driving future actions and education at all levels of the company, ensuring that diverse perspectives are understood and valued. Adecco also offers custom diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs tailored to the unique goals of each business, which helps in building a welcoming work environment that improves employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall productivity.
Additionally, we support a few indigenous communities to migrate to well-paying jobs designed to help them gain experience in the workforce. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to not only meet clients’ diversity priorities but also to create a more inclusive work environment for its employees. By focusing on these strategies, Adecco demonstrates its dedication to diversity and inclusion, making it a core part of its corporate culture and operational practices.
What trends do you see shaping the future of work globally and locally? How is Adecco preparing for these changes to stay ahead of the curve?
The future of work is being shaped by several key trends both globally and locally. One significant trend is the shift towards skills-based hiring. Companies are increasingly prioritizing skills and experience over traditional qualifications, leading to a decline in graduate recruitment and a greater emphasis on continuous learning and upskilling. Another major trend is the rise of remote and hybrid work models, which have become more prevalent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has led to a rethinking of workplace dynamics and the need for robust digital infrastructure.
Digital transformation is also a critical trend, with advancements in AI and automation reshaping job roles and industries. Workers need to adapt by acquiring new digital skills to remain relevant. There is a growing focus on employee well-being and mental health, recognizing the importance of a healthy work-life balance and supportive work environments. The temporary and gig economy continues to expand, offering more flexible work arrangements but also presenting challenges in terms of job security and benefits.
Adecco is proactively preparing for these changes by implementing several strategic initiatives. The company is investing in upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure that its workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Adecco’s Future@Work strategy focuses on making the future work for everyone by helping candidates find fulfilling work, reshaping how clients obtain the requisite skills, and developing their own employees. This includes leveraging technology to enhance recruitment processes and provide better support to both clients and candidates.
What are your goals for Adecco India over the next few years? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?
At Adecco India, we are committed to driving profitable growth with a strong year-on-year improvement in profitability. We have adopted a strategic approach to the deals we pursue, ensuring they align with our long-term vision and objectives.
Adecco has made significant investments in artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies to deliver world-class services to our clients. Over the coming years, we will increasingly leverage these innovations to provide greater value and enhanced solutions for our customers.
With India poised to become the ‘office of the world’ thanks to its vast talent pool, we are accelerating our investments here. Adecco has already established a shared service center in India, supporting both our global operations and key clients. We are now set to double our investments in this area, reflecting our confidence in India’s potential.
We are optimistic about the future, both for the growth of our India business and the strategic role India will play in supporting Adecco’s global operations. We expect to see this impact multiply in the coming years.”
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