What would you do if nearly half of your team’s skills became obsolete within the next five years?
According to the World Economic Forum, the ‘Skills Instability Rate’—the percentage of core skills that will change or become outdated—stands at 40% between now and 2030.
This highlights a stark reality for Irish businesses: the workplace is evolving faster than ever, driven by rapid technological advances, changing workforce expectations, and shifting global dynamics.
To thrive, leaders must prioritise building resilient, adaptable teams.
Here are key strategies to future-proof your workforce:
Key Strategies for Resilient Teams
1. Focus on Skills That Matter
Invest in Learning and Development (L&D) initiatives that prioritise emotional intelligence, adaptability, and stress management. These skills help employees navigate fast-changing environments.
Example: A Dublin tech company introduced workshops on managing ambiguity, resulting in faster decision-making across teams.
2. Promote Work-Life Synergy
Flexible working arrangements and wellbeing programmes are no longer optional—they’re essential for reducing burnout and improving productivity.
Tip: Use pulse surveys to identify team needs, from flexible hours to mental health resources.
3. Encourage Peer Support
Mentorship programmes and collaborative team-building exercises foster a supportive culture where employees can share knowledge and grow together.
Example: A Cork pharma company paired senior mentors with junior staff, building trust and accelerating learning.
4. Build Transparent Communication Channels
Clear communication is critical in uncertain times. Transparent channels help teams make quicker, more informed decisions while improving collaboration.
5. Provide Decision Frameworks
Equip teams with tools to navigate ambiguity. Decision frameworks help employees assess risks and make confident choices in complex situations.
The Power of a Resilient Team Culture
Building resilience is about more than creating strategies — it’s about cultivating the right mindset.
Leaders can foster resilience through:
Empowering Creativity: Allow teams to experiment and innovate without fear of failure.
Building Trust: Encourage collaboration and open communication, even in remote or multinational teams.
Adopting Servant Leadership: Support employees in taking ownership of projects and finding solutions independently.
Why Resilience Matters
Resilient teams adapt to change, bounce back from setbacks, and thrive in uncertainty. They’re better equipped to innovate and succeed in a constantly evolving world.
If your organisation is ready to build a future-ready workforce, Next Generation is here to help.
Contact us to learn more.
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