Why should mid-market companies invest in employee upskilling?

Upskilling helps mid-market companies close skills gaps without the cost of external hiring. It also boosts employee engagement and retention, which reduces turnover costs. Over time, a more skilled workforce directly improves productivity and competitiveness.

How can technology help mid-market companies with workforce training?

Learning management systems (LMS) and online training platforms allow mid-market companies to deliver scalable, on-demand education at a fraction of traditional training costs. These tools enable personalized learning paths and progress tracking. Technology removes geographic and scheduling barriers that previously limited workforce development programs.

What is the business case for employee education programs?

Companies that invest in training see measurable returns through higher employee productivity, reduced recruitment spend, and improved internal mobility. Upskilling also signals to employees that the organization values their growth, which strengthens culture and loyalty. The combined effect positively impacts the company's bottom line over the long term.

Employee Education and Workforce Training:...

Employee Education and Workforce Training: Unlocking Mid-Market Potential Through Technology and Upskilling

Mid-market companies can unlock significant competitive advantage by investing in employee upskilling and leveraging technology-driven workforce training programs. Strategic education initiatives not only improve talent retention but also directly strengthen the bottom line. The article explores how technology platforms are making scalable, cost-effective training accessible to organizations at the mid-market level.

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Education Technology teams put it to work with Executive Thought Leadership.

Promoted content from DisruptED on MarketScale.

By Ron Stefanski · January 22, 2025, 10:30 AM UTCEducation as a BenefitEducational Assistance ProgramsMid-sized Businesses Challenges and OpportunitiesSasha Thackerberry-voinovich

Key takeaways

Mid-market companies that prioritize upskilling gain measurable competitive advantages over peers who do not invest in workforce development.

Technology platforms are democratizing access to employee training, making enterprise-grade learning tools available to smaller organizations.

Investing in employee education improves retention, reduces hiring costs, and strengthens overall business performance.

Integrating education and workforce training as an employee benefit has become a pivotal strategy for talent acquisition and retention. While industry leaders like Walmart, McDonald's, and Starbucks have long championed such programs, mid-sized and smaller enterprises often face barriers to implementation. A study found that education reimbursement programs deliver a 129% return on investment, meaning for every dollar spent, companies gain an additional $1.29. This makes the case clear that upskilling is not just a perk but a business imperative.

Education reimbursement programs deliver a 129% return on investment, meaning for every dollar spent, companies gain an additional $1.29.

How can mid-market companies effectively adopt and benefit from educational assistance programs?

Part two of this episode of "DisruptED" features host Ron Stefanski continuing to engage with Sasha Thackerberry-Voinovich, CEO of SkillsWave. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities mid-sized businesses face when implementing education benefits, emphasizing the importance of aligning these programs with cutting-edge technology and measurable business outcomes.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

Technology as a Driver: Innovative platforms streamline the implementation of educational and workforce training programs, enabling scalability and efficiency for businesses of any size.
Investment with Impact: Upskilling initiatives not only reduce turnover but also foster innovation and competitiveness in a disrupted workforce landscape.
Tailored Learning Paths: Personalized education tracks align employee career growth with organizational goals, enhancing engagement and retention.

About the Guest

Sasha Thackerberry-Voinovich is a renowned leader in corporate upskilling and education innovation. As the CEO of SkillsWave, she bridges the gap between education providers and businesses, driving transformative workforce development. Sasha holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Kent State University and has held key leadership roles at D2L, Louisiana State University, and Pearson, bringing unparalleled expertise to the table.