3 minute read
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the importance of transversal skills—also known as soft skills or transferable skills—cannot be overstated. These skills, which include but are not limited to, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and adaptability, are essential for employees to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.
For companies aiming to stay competitive and innovative, integrating transversal skills into their Learning & Development (L&D) strategy is not just beneficial but imperative.
Why Transversal Skills Matter
1. Adaptability to Change
Employees equipped with transversal skills can adapt more quickly to the fast-paced changes happening in today’s business environment, ensuring that the company remains agile and resilient.
2. Enhanced Collaboration
Effective communication and teamwork are at the heart of successful organisations. Transversal skills foster a collaborative culture where employees can work seamlessly across departments, share knowledge, and drive collective success.
3. Problem-Solving and Innovation
Critical thinking and creativity are key components of transversal skills. Employees who can approach problems from multiple angles and come up with innovative solutions are invaluable assets. These skills enable companies to tackle challenges in a proactive manner and seize new opportunities.
4. Employee Engagement and Retention
Investing in the development of transversal skills demonstrates a company’s commitment to the personal and professional development of its employees. This enhances job satisfaction and loyalty, reducing turnover rates and retaining top talent.
How do you integrate Transversal Skills into your L&D strategy? Here are 4 practical ways to do this:
1. Design training programmes which embrace both the technical as well as the ‘soft skills’ side. Great transversal skills to integrate include communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. These programs should be interactive and practical, allowing employees to apply what they learn in real-world scenarios.
2. Integrate Mentorship and Coaching to provide personalised guidance and support in developing transversal skills. This one-on-one interaction helps in addressing specific areas of improvement and fosters a culture of continuous learning.
3. Encourage Regular and Constructive Feedback so that employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive feedback is crucial for continuous development and mastery of transversal skills.
4. Encourage collaboration between different teams within your organisation so that employees can enhance their transversal skills. When participating in interdisciplinary and cross-functional teams, employees are exposed to different perspectives and challenges, promoting a more well-rounded skill set.
Incorporating transversal skills into a company’s L&D strategy is a strategic move that yields long-term benefits. By prioritising the development of transversal skills, companies can build a workforce that is adaptable, collaborative, and innovative—key attributes for thriving in the modern business world.
Hence, investing in transversal skills is not just an investment in employees, it’s an investment in the future of the company!
