Step 2: Conduct a Gap Analysis

Overview

Once you've determined training goals to support organizational needs, it’s time to conduct a gap analysis. In the simplest terms, this involves assessing the current skill sets among individuals, job families, or teams against the desired future skill sets.

Approaches to Gap Analyses

There are many ways one can go about this: administering surveys, reviewing position descriptions and HR records, and conducting one-on-one or group interviews are among the most common methods used.

The process typically involves several steps:

1. Identifying Required Skills: Defining the essential skills needed for various roles and tasks within the organization, often aligned with strategic goals and business needs.

2. Assessing Current Skills: Evaluating the current skill levels of employees through methods such as surveys, interviews, performance reviews, and job analysis.

3. Analyzing the Data: Comparing the required skills with the current skills to identify any discrepancies or gaps that might exist.

4. Developing Action Plans: Planning and implementing training programs, hiring, or other HR strategies to address and close these gaps.