Technology has been the cornerstone of success for American businesses for years. But its significance witnessed a drastic rise amid the pandemic. Technology kept companies afloat as they switched to the remote work mode during lockdowns. Even in the new normal, it continues to be the lifeline. You cannot imagine running without tech, whether you plan to reopen or continue with the WFH model.

At this point, you will probably encounter IT skill gaps. Fortunately, addressing them is easier than you imagine, and your HR team can do their bit. Here are some tips to close IT skill gaps for your company in the new normal.

Identify the gaps

Before thinking of ways to address skill gaps, identify them first. A clear view of your shortcomings is the key to resolving them. Check the tech skills of the existing team to decide where they lack. You must take a long-term view to understand the IT goals for the future. This way, you can understand the current and future gaps and create a strategy accordingly.

Fine-tune your recruitment strategy

The easiest way to cover IT skill gaps is by recruiting people with the relevant skills. Things will be easy if you can afford experienced resources. But many businesses cannot expect to spend big on hiring and team expansion in the new normal. You can pick fresh graduates and young professionals with solid IT training backgrounds. Seasoned resources cost more, but you can put your money on freshers as they are more willing to learn and contribute.

Upskill your current team

You may consider upskilling and reskilling your current team instead of recruiting externally to address the tech gaps. It can save you a lot of time and money on hiring, onboarding, and training new resources. If you operate in Kansas City, you can collaborate with an expert for M365 training in Kansas City to get your team ready for the evolving M365 environment. Proficiency with this suite gives your business a winning advantage, and upskilling your team with it is a valuable investment. 

Prioritize soft skills

Another valuable piece of advice for HR professionals is to prioritize soft skills. As you make efforts to fill the missing pieces of IT, do not forget that people need soft skills to give their best. Ensure that every employee in the current team and recruits has relevant ones like strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities. People who are flexible are valuable as they are great at learning new skills.

Keep an eye on the new gaps

Technology evolves constantly, and every business must keep pace with it. The last thing you want to encounter is a pandemic-like situation when everything went crashing down. Businesses had to struggle a lot to get back on their feet. It makes sense to keep track of new developments and resulting skill gaps. Reskilling should be an ongoing effort for all organizations in the new normal.

Closing the IT skill gaps should be the top priority for a business today and in the future. Following these steps can help you stay ahead of your needs and address the shortfalls as soon as possible.