Is Multi Skilling need of the hour?

The concept of multi skilling has been in vogue for a long time - since the arrival of small-scale entrepreneurs. Of late, with the emergence of global markets and multinational organizations, the concept has gained greater relevance. The onslaught of recession has brought a realization of the necessity and importance of multi-skilling across many fields. This has assisted many individuals to be nurtured and to grow along with their organizations. At careertunity, we try to derive benefits of this by capturing information on available skill with a candidate.   

However, the trait of “multi-skilled” may be latent or underdeveloped in many people. For the former, multi skilling may result in the resurgence of a dormant talent and enable them to become a better and more productive performer; for the latter, necessary skill sets can always be learned and mastered according to the needs of their position in the organization.

 It is imperative to know the basics of multi skilling:

• The need to understand the competencies of the employees and develop a plan to engage each individual.
• The need for a clear idea of the work schedule
• Organization of jobs on the basis of their importance
• Develop open-mindedness which, in turn, will help one acquire more knowledge of various associated fields of operation

Multi skilling opens new vistas for an individual to excel in related fields of work. In the current environment, the work profile is often much different from the educational background of the job holder. When jobs are scarce and competition is strong, multi skilling offers a unique way forward for employees to survive in their jobs and their organizations. So says many clients of careertunity whereby we see demand for multi-skilled profiles.

When knowledge gained from one’s education and its practical aspects are put together, the results will be gratifying: that is, the theory learned should complement the application. This in turn, increases the competence level and will pave the way for people to explore different fields of their interest and choice. Multi skilling will help to develop one's self-confidence and improvisational skills. It also shows the efficiency of an individual in various sectors of work.

Multi skilling can also play an important role in an organization. During economic downturns an organization may prefer not to have a lot of employees on its payroll. Manpower requirements will consequently be much less than under normal conditions. At this juncture, organizations resort to multi skilling, reducing manpower, but nevertheless still maintaining productivity. Delegating and sharing of work also becomes easy, and if the employee is good in his associated fields of work, it will help him hold a secure position.

In the present scenario, it is difficult to even know the reason for being laid-off.  Multi skilling will be a boon in such situations, where it will guarantee continuance of employment for the best. If an employee proves to be good in multiple fields of work, he/she is often retained by the employer and may even be given more responsibilities with additional pay and benefits. This becomes strong motivation and security for the employee, because it not only increases his/her pay scale but also brings opportunities to show their multiple skills, thereby making them a valued employee.

Multi skilling can, therefore, see the emergence of a wide range of abilities like flexibility, innovation and better communication skills that enable coordination amongst different departments in the organization. There is a popular saying that ‘an empty mind is the devil’s workshop’. Because multi skilling never allows a person’s mind to be empty, when they are tried and put to use, it will result in the betterment of not only one position but many.