Managing Director,
Cornerstone OnDemand India
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where the pace of change has become constant, organizations are navigating unprecedented challenges and opportunities. One of these is the profound impact of generational diversity on how we approach work and learning. With Gen Z (youth) entering the workforce alongside seasoned professionals extending their careers, there’s a dynamic interplay of skills and expectations.
This multi-generational tapestry demands adaptive strategies that empower individuals to thrive in their unique journey. In the dynamic and modern landscape of work, the intersection of technology, talent, and leadership is profoundly reshaping the future of work where it will be imperative for organizations to adopt a skills-based approach.
Moreover, globalization and geopolitical shifts add layers of complexity. Elections, geopolitical tensions, and legislative changes globally reshape business landscapes overnight. Organizations must navigate these uncertainties with agility and foresight, leveraging them as challenges and avenues for innovation and growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a central force, transforming the hiring scene with its promise of enhanced productivity and efficiency.
It is a pivotal time for India as it is poised to become a global hub for a skilled workforce, yet current realities underscore significant challenges. 87% of the organizations are grappling with skillsgap. While 40% of employees’ skills will no longer be relevant in just four years According to an IBM report, only 48% of India’s youth are deemed employable, revealing that half of the country’s young population lacks essential job-ready skills.
This gap not only highlights a critical issue in talent development but also underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions in education and vocational training. Digital skills are becoming increasingly vital in India, with 67% of employees prioritizing them more than any other country in Asia-Pacific except Singapore, according to a report by Economist Impact supported by Google. Two-thirds of employees look to their employers for new digital skills, as the country continues to be a prominent outsourcing hub due to its cost advantages and high digital competencies.
As India advances its digitalization journey, the emphasis on advanced digital skills and soft skills will become paramount. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity are transforming business operations, necessitating a workforce proficient in these areas. Advanced digital skills enable employees to implement and leverage these technologies, which will, in turn, maintain India’s competitive and economic edge in the global market. Furthermore, economic growth is directly impacted as businesses scale faster and enter new markets, contributing significantly to GDP. The potential of AI alone to add the substantial value of 500 billion dollars by 2025 is a cause for anticipation and excitement.
A critical concern emerging from these evolving changes is the widening skills gap. As technology advances redefine job roles and requirements, the ability to rapidly reskill and upskill becomes imminent. This isn’t just about keeping pace with change but proactively shaping it, ensuring that every member of the workforce has the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully.
40% of HR leaders report that they can’t develop skill development solutions quickly enough. To close this gap, organizations need a holistic and comprehensive workforce agility strategy that recognizes the importance of continuous learning and development.
Another pivotal aspect is the evolving nature of work itself. The rise of gig economies and project-based engagements underscores a shift towards flexibility and meritocracy. This paradigm shift necessitates reevaluating traditional structures and embracing agile workforce models that foster innovation and inclusivity.
Another critical dimension is aligning workplace strategies with Gen Z’s expectations. With preferences leaning towards flexible work arrangements, purpose-driven roles, and technology-enabled environments, organizations are redefining their cultures to attract and retain the next generation of talent. By prioritizing these aspects, leaders can cultivate environments where employees can grow in professional roles.
Skill alignment remains pivotal as employees prioritize acquiring skills, such as Generative AI skills and programming languages, while employers may seek cybersecurity expertise and data science proficiency. This divergence underscores the importance of fostering a learning culture that bridges these skill gaps, ensuring teams remain agile and capable in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, including the youth and older generations.
At the heart of these transformations lies a call for leadership and vision. It’s not only about envisioning the future but actively shaping it. Whether it’s through fostering learning cultures that adapt to individualized learning paths or embracing technologies that enhance productivity and engagement, the mandate for leaders today is clear: to lead with empathy, foresight, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation.
As I look forward, I’m inspired by the collective journey toward workforce readiness and agility that incorporates the hard and soft skills critical for managing remote teams, fostering productive collaborations, and navigating the dynamic workplace environment. This journey should encompass efforts across the spectrum, including employers and the government, to create a culture of continuous learning, providing access to training programs and resources that align with industry needs.
By focusing on upskilling, India can sustain its global leadership in IT (Information Technology), drive long-term economic growth, future-proof its enterprises, and cultivate a more resilient and prosperous economy. The journey ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities alike. By championing lifelong learning, we can build a future where every individual can thrive, and every organization can lead with purpose and impact.
-Nishchae Suri is the Managing Director at Cornerstone OnDemand India