In 2024, a significant skills shortage is challenging Australian businesses, with a notable impact on roles critical to sales and account management. The emphasis is on developing a strategic approach to nurturing and retaining existing talent to meet business needs effectively.
The 2024 Skills Outlook:
A recent Hays article, 2024 Skills Outlook, indicates a persistent skills gap in Sales, Business Development and Account Management, underlining the necessity of retaining skilled professionals within these roles.
Upskilling as a Retention Tool:
In light of the tight talent market, it's essential to engage and develop the skills of your Sales and Account Management teams to bypass the competitive hiring process.
Critical Components of Employee Development:
Forbes highlights the benefits of upskilling, advocating for practices that retain staff and equip them with skills to execute business strategies. They suggest a focus on:
Customised learning paths tailored to individual goals
Integrating skill development with career progression
Leveraging AI for enhanced learning and engagement
Aligning training initiatives with overarching business objectives
Building interpersonal skills for today's mixed work settings
Leadership's Role in Skill Advancement:
Leaders are critical in identifying and addressing skills shortages within their teams. Providing training to address the gaps is a proactive approach that often produces quicker results than recruiting new hires.
Tailored Training for Impact:
A sophisticated training program customised to align with your company's unique culture and requirements is fundamental to overcoming the complex challenges presented by the current labour market.
Strategic workforce upskilling should be prioritised in an environment marked by rapid change and a scarcity of skills. Providing opportunities for employee development will benefit your existing employees, create a positive culture, build capability, and enable you to achieve your business goals and deliver to demand.
Interested in Account Manager Training?
Our Account Manager training is built on a proven framework that teaches Business Development and Account Managers the skills and techniques and provides the tools required to develop and manage a portfolio and key clients to boost retention and expansion for your organisation.
Learn more about our Account Manager Training here or book a call to discuss your organisation's needs.
Hays. 2024. Skills in Demand for 2024. https://www.hays.com.au/industry-insights/jobs-report
Forbes. 2023. Training Wanted: 41% Of Employees To Walk Out On Employers In 2024.