UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX | WHITEPAPER

The Upskilling & Reskilling Imperative: Why Employee Skill Development is a Business Priority

Abstract

This 2024 Industry Research Study from Executive Networks and University of Phoenix, is based on a survey, conducted in February 2024, that tapped into insights from 502 HR leaders in the U.S. and Canada in organizations ranging in size from under 1,000 employees to more than 50,000. The study explores how HR leaders are ensuring their employees have necessary skills in a rapidly evolving business landscape, including digital skills, as well as leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, and more. The study findings examine the importance of skill development programs, reasons for investment in upskilling and reskilling, perceived barriers to these programs, responsibilities, and methods for delivery.

The Upskilling & Reskilling Imperative: Why employee skill development is a business priority

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Contributors

Gina Jeneroux is on a mission to change how people build new skills to prepare for a bold future, starting now. Through a 30+-year career in the finance and learning industries – including five years as Chief Learning Officer at BMO Financial Group – Gina has developed deep expertise in business leadership, human-centered design, and predicting and developing skills for the future. She has a proven track record of driving strategies and solutions that make an impact, and she has led her teams to win more than 20 global awards.

Today, you'll find Gina at the intersection of AI, skills and industry, as a strategist, GenAI adventurer, Professor of Practice, and Chief Skills & Innovation Officer. Gina holds an MBA from Dalhousie University, and she is a curious explorer who tries to learn at least one new thing each day.

Raghu Krishnaiah’s career as a seasoned change agent and strategist spans more than 20 years of progressive P&L management, strategy, sales and marketing, product, operations, technology, human resources, and data-analytics responsibilities. As the Chief Operating Officer at University of Phoenix, Krishnaiah is instrumental in the transformation of the University and responsible for all operating strategy and results.

Krishnaiah earned both a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.