Upskilling the Workforce in the Context of Digital Transformation - Managers’ Perspectives on the Learning Process

Abstract

The concept of upskilling is argued to be essential for organizations in the digital age since it allows them to remain competitive by providing their workforce with the necessary skills to adjust to new technologies and ways of working. However, previous research has primarily focused on what skills to achieve but studies on how to adapt and train the workforce in the context of digital transformation is still limited. This study addresses this research gap and contributes to earlier literature within the field of human resource development. The paper aims to increase the understanding of how managers view upskilling of the workforce in the context of digital transformation. In particular, this study explores how managers describe the learning process of upskilling the workforce and what learning activities and challenges they associate with this process. The study is based on a qualitative method and the data collection consists of interviews with 18 managers. By applying a learning theory lens of individual and organizational learning, as well as formal, informal and microlearning, the study shows that managers describe upskilling of the workforce and the learning process it entails as a necessary modernization due to the rapid digital developments in the business environment. Upskilling serves both individual and organizational goals of productivity, efficiency, empowerment, innovation and creating a culture of continuous learning. In terms of learning activities, a combination of formal, informal and microlearning experiences were emphasized. The study also concludes that the individual is described to have an active role by being responsible and in control of his or her own learning, whereas the organization plays an important role as a facilitator that supports the individual's learning by creating and offering learning content and activities. This view of the individual and organizational role showed to be a complex relationship and related to challenges of time, motivation, and mindset.