Six benefits of upskilling for businesses 

At FDM, we believe that people are the driving force behind every successful business. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, organisations cannot afford to stand still. Everything from data analytics to cloud engineering and AI adoption requires specialised capability, but many organisations simply don’t have access to the talent they need.  

Training is not just about learning new tools or processes; it’s about building confidence, fostering innovation, and creating a workforce that is ready for tomorrow’s challenges. For businesses, investing in training and upskilling means investing in resilience and growth. For individuals, it means unlocking potential and accelerating career progression. At FDM, we’ve seen firsthand how structured, high-quality coaching transforms graduates, returners, and career changers into industry-ready professionals who deliver real impact from day one. 

Our research shows 32% of organisations say they don’t have the specialist skills required to adopt AI. And it’s not just AI. Cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science—the list of in-demand skills where supply falls catastrophically short of demand keeps growing. The global skills gap threatens to cost the economy $11.5 trillion by 2028.  

Here are six reasons why coaching and skills development are more important than ever and why they remain a core pillar of business success.  

1. Closing the digitals kills gap  

The global demand for technical talent has never been higher. Yet the UK alone is facing a persistent digital skills shortage that costs the economy an estimated £23 billion a year. For organisations looking to modernise systems, improve cybersecurity, adopt AI, and work in more agile ways, the opportunities are massive. The one thing stopping them? Not having skilled people to deliver.  

Investing in workforce upskilling offers a sustainable solution. Instead of relying solely on external hiring, businesses can reskill existing employees into in-demand digital roles and create multi-skilled teams that adapt with changing technology. In software engineering specifically, coaching programmes can transform graduates with foundational computer science knowledge into production-ready developers within months, equipped with the latest frameworks, cloud technologies, and agile methodologies that businesses actually use.  

2. Productivity, efficiency and high-quality output  

When employees understand best practices, follow established design patterns, and feel confident in their abilities, productivity rises across the business. A software developer who has received proper coaching in test-driven development, coding, and continuous integration workflows will deliver higher-quality code with fewer defects, reducing the costly cycle of bug fixes. 

High-quality skills development also reduces errors and strengthens collaboration. When entire teams share a common understanding of methodologies, whether that’s Scrum frameworks, DevOps practices, or database optimisation techniques, communication becomes more efficient and projects move faster. Teams can make better decisions, identify potential issues earlier, and deliver solutions that are more maintainable and scalable over time.  

Beyond individual tasks, skilled teams contribute more meaningfully to their organisation’s strategic goals. They can participate in technical planning, propose innovative solutions, and take ownership of complex challenges rather than simply executing predefined tasks.  

3. Adapting to AI and emerging technologies

AI and automation are now shaping almost every sector, and employees need more than technical know-how. They need the confidence to understand how these tools fit into real-world workflows.  

Developing AI literacy helps teams identify opportunities, work responsibly with intelligent systems, and make informed decisions about when and how these tools should be used. This ensures organisations don’t simply adopt AI, but implement it in a way that supports ethical standards and long-term strategy.  

FDM Director of Skills Lab, UK and EMEA, Gangotri Bhatt says:    

“At FDM, we prioritise AI literacy across our internal teams and ensure our consultants are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to implement AI-driven solutions effectively when working on-site with clients. This proactive approach positions FDM as a trusted partner in navigating technological change.”  

4. Employee retention and growth  

People stay where they feel they can grow. When businesses invest in upskilling and coaching, employees feel valued, motivated, and more connected to the organisation’s mission.  

This reduces turnover costs, strengthens morale, and allows talent to be redeployed quickly as new needs emerge. Companies with strong learning cultures experience 30-50% higher retention rates.   

Gangotri believes that maintaining a robust and adaptable talent pipeline supports both individual growth and organisational resilience.  

5. Strengthening organisational resilience

While agility allows businesses to respond quickly, resilience ensures they can endure and thrive through periods of instability. The past few years have demonstrated how quickly operating environments can change, from remote work to supply chain disruptions to rapid changes in customer behaviour.  

By creating teams that are not only skilled but also capable of problem-solving under pressure and managing risks, organisations build lasting strength.  When knowledge and capabilities are distributed across teams rather than concentrated in a few individuals, organisations reduce single points of failure. If key personnel leave or are unavailable, well-developed teams can maintain continuity. 

6. Supporting compliance and risk management

In highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, compliance is non-negotiable.   

While upskilling and reskilling require investment, the financial returns are compelling and measurable. Organisations that prioritise workforce development consistently see substantial benefits. Beyond direct cost savings, upskilled employees contribute to revenue growth through improved performance, innovation, and the ability to take on higher-value work.  

Gangotri says:  

“At FDM, we ensure our consultants receive comprehensive training on legal, ethical, and security standards relevant to their roles. This reduces the risk of costly breaches, penalties, and reputational damage for both FDM and our clients. 

Conclusion  

The evidence is clear: investing in coaching and skills development is essential for business success. From closing critical skills gaps to strengthening resilience, the benefits extend across every area of organisational performance.  

At FDM, we frequently identify gaps in critical areas such as cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and data analytics, skills that are essential for modern digital transformation. These gaps can lead to slower delivery times, reduced quality of outputs, and increased operational risk for clients. By investing in targeted training and coaching, teams have the right capabilities to meet client expectations, maintain productivity, and deliver projects on time and to the highest standard. 

Explore how FDM’s multi-level consultants can accelerate project deliveries and boost productivity for your business.