Businesses can help ensure their business is future-ready by developing their workforce to meet the changing operating environment.
The changing nature of work is emphasising the skills that individuals need to thrive in workplaces. While technical skills remain important, broader skills are becoming increasingly critical, and developing them will enable people to more resilient, agile, and better placed to succeed now and in their future careers.
Many Service sector businesses are small, owner operated businesses run by people with a passion for delivering service but not necessarily formal skills around how to run a successful business. Business owners who invest in their own capability can help lift business performance and longevity.
Tips and tools for Business Owners
Business.govt.nz – Tools and expert advice from government and industry, designed to help Kiwi businesses save time and succeed.
Assess skills in your business: business.govt.nz – A quick self-assessment tool that sheds light on where skills and knowledge sit in your business. This tool helps you see any gaps and identify opportunities and next steps.
Grow your business – GoBusiness – Tools, resources and e-services to help Kiwi businesses grow and export
Creating a network
Industry Associations – New Zealand’s industry associations are numerous and diverse, representing a wide range of sectors and professional groups. These associations play a crucial role in advocating for their members, providing industry information, and fostering professional development.
New Zealand Chambers – As not-for-profit business membership associations, the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce promote, support and encourage sustainable, profitable business growth.
Whāriki – Māori Business Network Aotearoa – the largest collective of Māori businesses in Aotearoa, designed to support, uplift and connect Māori business owners and professionals across the motu.
Pacific Business Trust – the Pacific economic development agency of Aotearoa New Zealand. They empower Pacific-owned businesses to maximise Pacific economic performance.
Gain a Qualification
There is a range of qualifications for business owners including the NZ Certificate Business (Small Business). Some of the largest providers are:
Open Polytechnic – the nation’s leading distance and online learning provider.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa – a uniquely Māori learning environment for everyone.
Customer service has always been at the heart of the Service sector. As technology and cost pressures reduce the number of direct human interactions in the Service sector, the quality of those interactions becomes even more important. Having a workforce with great customer service skills, who can cater for a range of unique needs and tailor service accordingly, will give businesses an edge in an increasingly competitive market.
Typsy.com – a growing online short course video library that includes customer service training. Typsy has partnered with HospitalityNZ to provide free courses for their members and suggested training course plans for pathways in food & beverage service, house keeping, front office, and more.
The changing workplace has increased the need for digital and technology skills across virtually all roles within the Service sector. At a minimum, people need to be comfortable engaging in a digital environment and working with technology. There is also an increased need for individuals with higher-level technology skills who can effectively engage with emerging technologies, such as AI. Businesses that can lift the digital skills of their workforce, including those who aren’t comfortable engaging with technology, will be better able to adapt and take full advantage of opportunities as technology continues to evolve.
Why digital skills are important
Why Digital Literacy Education is Critical for NZ Businesses
Evaluation of SMEs Digital Skills Fund 2020/21: Building Digital Skills for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises run by Māori, Pacific peoples and disabled people | NZ Digital government – six SME stories in their own words about how they developed new skills necessary to operate confidently and with ease in the digital world. This enabled them to trade online, maintain business viability and potentially save jobs.
Home | NZ Digital government – a guide to information and tools to support digital transformation across government.
Tools to increase digital capability
Digital Boost — business.govt.nz – range of free learning videos and gain skills to launch your business into the digital world.
Discover Digital Passport: MSDs Free Online Education Platform – bite-size modules make it easy to learn the essential skills needed in today’s workplace.
Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa – Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa – the Alliance brings together and supports local communities, not-for-profits, businesses, researchers, government agencies and individuals working for Digital Inclusion in New Zealand.
Using AI in your business
AI Course For Businesses | QRC – specialised courses designed to empower your staff with the skills to harness the power of AI, enhancing productivity and innovation.
Help your business thrive with AI – AI Forum – practical insights on how to integrate AI into your business operations.
Whakapapa of AI | Dan Te Whenua Walker, Tuia 2024 (password: RHtuia24!) – an overview of the history of AI, the ways it can be used, and opportunities for businesses.
Workforce development plays a pivotal role in bolstering industry and creating a skilled and adaptable workforce that can effectively navigate disruptions and contribute to the overall sustainability of industries.
Explore key factors currently shaping the Service sector and how these will impact the workforce, skills and training.
We want to build a resilient and capable workforce that enables economically, socially, and culturally thriving people, businesses, and communities.
