From skills gap to growth engine – growing talent from within

From skills gap to growth engine - growing talent from within

Here’s a familiar story: your business needs new skills fast, so you recruit from outside. It’s quick, it’s easy… but what if a sustainable solution is already staring you in the face?  

The Adecco Group Workforce Trends 2026 Report shows that 61% of leaders struggle to move existing staff into new roles, even though many of those employees already have the potential. There’s a lot of hidden talent going to waste.

Your people are the answer (you just can’t see it yet)

Most organisations don’t have a clear view of the skills already in their workforce. Only a third are using data to map capabilities. Without that visibility, opportunities get lost - and so do people.

Three-quarters of workers now have their own career plan that includes options beyond their current employer. In other words, if you’re not helping them grow, someone else will.

Make learning personal and practical

The most successful organisations are rethinking development as a growth ecosystem rather than a one-off training session. That means giving people a mix of experiences - learning on the job, mentoring, stretch projects and short, focused modules they can fit around work.

The best part? This kind of learning isn’t just good for employees. It keeps your organisation agile too.

How to start unlocking your hidden talent

1. Balance “build” and “buy”
Before you rush to hire, check whether you already have someone who can grow into the role. Upskilling from within saves money and builds loyalty.

2. Offer flexible development
Learning doesn’t have to mean week-long courses. Create short, accessible options people can tap into when it suits them.

3. Use data to make learning relevant 
Map the skills you have and the ones you’ll need. Then connect employees to opportunities that make sense for them.

Growth is the new retention strategy