The Penn Foster Blog

Amidst the hype and fear-mongering over automation in the workplace, insightful business leaders are realizing something important: strategic digital upskilling can turn the robotic boogeyman into a workforce asset. With the right training and development, automation can help workers achieve more and engage more. As we stand on the brink of a new decade, automation-supported workforces promise to help us reach new heights of productivity and profitability. Workforce automation has been on the horizon for years. You’ve heard the projections: Robots will make humans obsolete. Workforces will be decimated by new technology. Millions will lose their jobs. As we step into 2020, you may be wondering if this is the decade when the takeover happens.

During Learn Launch 2020, there was a trend in sessions whose titles used the term “future” in some capacity. That’s unsurprising considering as people and leaders we’re always preparing for what’s next, but something an audience member said woke me up. She said, essentially, that we have to stop talking about the “future of work” because it gives us permission to assume we have time to change.

If you’re wondering how to recruit healthcare workers, you’re not alone. For almost three decades, hospitals and other healthcare facilities have struggled to fill open positions. The problem is likely to get even worse, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% growth in the healthcare industry, with the addition of 2.4 million new jobs by 2026. While good compensation and strong traditional benefits packages certainly have a role to play, healthcare employers can do more to stand out in the lean healthcare talent marketplace. Most importantly, don’t focus exclusively on attracting new employees. Implement policies, cultures, and training programs that support your existing talent pool. Here are our best tips for attracting and retaining healthcare employees based on real-world experience from our education partners.

In today’s tight labor market, workforce development programs have become a hot topic for employers. Businesses across all industries are finding that workforce development is no longer just a nice thing to have, it’s a pressing concern that must be addressed so employers can keep positions filled and employees satisfied in their jobs. You may not have a workforce development plan at all. Or your existing program may not be robust enough to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment. Either way, you have questions. What is a workforce development program? How do I create one that works for my business? Where can I turn for help?

Credentialed Veterinary Technicians can bring real value to your veterinary clinic or hospital. Yet many veterinary healthcare providers are under-utilizing these highly skilled team members. To realize the full value that CVTs can bring, you must create space in your practice for veterinary technicians to apply their training.

We’re past the point of debate about whether the world of work is changing. The labor market continues to tighten. The shelf-life of skills is shrinking as technological change and the rise of AI transform the global economy. The “future of work” has become a cliche.  As the pace of change picks up, what should employers and workers expect in 2020 -- and how can they keep up? Following the trend lines of workforce transformation can help us make smarter decisions and unlock economic mobility for workers. Here are five predictions for how the world of work will continue to evolve in the coming year.

Turnover is a major issue in the healthcare sector, which is why increasing employee retention is a top priority for many hospitals and clinics. You might think that higher salaries are the key to retaining workers. While salary increases may help, there are other powerful employee retention strategies you can use.

You know that training and developing your employees is vital to the success of your business. The question is, what kind of upskilling do your employees need? Should you provide workforce development or job training? What exactly is the difference? Some websites and even some experts use these terms as though they’re interchangeable. However, workforce development and job training actually describe two parts of the upskilling process. Your employees will likely need both over the course of their career. It’s important that you choose the right one at the right time.

People are staying in the workforce longer, some into their 70’s and beyond. For businesses, this longevity can be a valuable asset. Providing jobs for people over 50, means you retain their wisdom, experience, and industry knowledge. You can reap the full benefits of a multi-generational workforce by supporting older workers with training opportunities.

As we approach a new year and a new decade, smart employers are already looking to the future. They’re considering what skills employees will need to meet changing industry demands. Healthcare, skilled trades, and many other industries are in a state of change and growth. Your employees should be too.  It is true that each industry requires specific technical or clinical capabilities. Yet, there are some soft skills that every employee will need in 2020. These seven workplace skills can equip employees for success now and into the future.