Future of Work Glossary

TABLE OF CONTENT

Reskilling

Category
Learning & development
Also seen as:
Retraining, skill shift, new skill learning

What is reskilling?

Reskilling is the process of training employees to develop new skills so they can move into different roles or adapt to changing business needs.

It’s how companies stay relevant without constantly hiring new talent.

Why reskilling is becoming essential

Technology and market demands evolve quickly. Roles change, and some skills become outdated.

Instead of replacing employees, companies invest in reskilling to retain talent and build new capabilities internally.

Key areas of reskilling

Digital and technical skills.
Leadership and management capabilities.
Cross-functional knowledge.
New tools and systems adoption.

Business impact of reskilling

Reskilling reduces hiring costs, improves retention, and creates a more adaptable workforce.

It also strengthens employee loyalty—people stay where they can grow.

Example

A company trains customer support agents in basic data analysis, allowing them to transition into operations roles instead of hiring externally.