10.19.20 – SSI – PALO ALTO, Calif. —
As COVID-19 accelerates the work from home trend, employees are reskilling and retraining themselves for the future of work.
While working from home is an increasing trend these days, what many might not realize is how the acceleration of digitization and remote work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for employees to update and broaden their skill sets.
According to HP’s recently released HP Workforce Evolution Study, the pandemic has heightened the need for reskilling, with a majority (60%) of office workers in the United States and Europe agreeing that lifelong learning is now more important than ever before.
In the face of decreased job security, HP’s study identifies a new trend in the rise of “empowered” employees. These are office workers who are retraining themselves with the skills needed to succeed beyond their current roles and for the future of work.
With 35% of employees surveyed more likely to start their own companies with the new skills they gain, HP’s survey also examines what actions employers must take to ensure they are providing employees with the support, equipment, training and flexibility required to attract and retain top talent.
For key findings from the survey, view this quick four-slide gallery.
“The past few months have accelerated the future of work. Everyone has been affected — from the world’s most powerful organizations to small businesses and individuals,” says Tracy Keogh, chief human resources officer at HP and co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s task force for the Future of Work. “It is more important than ever to not only invest in the latest technology but also invest in the skills of our workforce. The strength and agility of our people will be what continues to propel us forward.”
These trends are not exclusive to the U.S. and Europe, according to survey. Another report HP commissioned earlier this year — The HP Asia SMB Report 2020 — found that SMBs in Asia also realize the important of innovating the way people work and investing in digital-first skills to maintain growth post-COVID.
Workforce Study Methodology
Commissioned by HP, and conducted by Edelman Intelligence, the study involved a 15-minute online survey of 6,000 office workers across the U.S., United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France and Italy. Data was collected between July 24-Aug. 5.
Office workers are defined as primarily desk- or office-based employees who work full-time, part-time or reduced hours due to coronavirus pandemic.