SMEs: training as an alternative to recruitment difficulties?

Whether you're a VSE or an SME, what training courses should you choose in 2024? Digital transformation continues to have an impact on management and business, while new uses for artificial intelligence are emerging in the workplace. At the same time, many managers are finding it difficult to recruit. To meet the new challenges in what remains an uncertain environment, employee training is vital for SMEs. Marie-Ruth Guillaume, VSE/SME referent at ORSYS, analyses the situation.

"In 2021, France will have 159,000 small and medium-sized enterprises. These SMEs employ 4.3 million people and account for almost 23 % of the added value of all businesses". These are the latest figures released by the Ministry of the Economy.

As an essential part of the economic fabric, SMEs are constantly adapting to changes linked to digital transformation and recruitment difficulties. The online presence of French SMEs is growing, as are their security practices. As a result, the company's image as a magnet for new talent and, of course, new customers, is taking on a whole new dimension. These are the findings of the latest Afnic study (French Association for Cooperative Internet Naming).

What about their training needs? In 2024, training in digital technologies will still be essential. Other trends to watch: management, certification, CSR, climate change, etc.

Training courses most in demand by SMEs

Training is essential to the dynamism and longevity of a VSE/SME.

Professional training in support functions, i.e. administration, accounting, finance, management and organisation, has lost ground. So, alongside the essential training in digital technologies, training in the environment and corporate well-being is more topical than ever. SMEs are emerging as a social cocoon, where employees feel good and find meaning in their work. So they don't feel the need to go and see if the grass is greener elsewhere!

"Acquire the basics of management "

In many VSEs/SMEs, employees generally learn on the job. When they are promoted or when a team is expanding, employees may need to acquire managerial skills. To do this, they turn to training that provides them with a solid foundation in management :

In addition, the economic crisis seems to be stabilising. The unemployment rate stands at 7.4 % at the end of 2023 (Source: Insee). The new challenges are giving rise to new needs for skills development to retain employees, and therefore new training requirements for VSEs/SMEs.

"Five main areas of training "

The first is the teleworking. Hybrid organisation has become a way of working.

Teleworking has even become an attractive argument for recruiting and retaining employees. Some employees may still need support to help them get to grips with new tools, new ways of organising themselves or new ways of managing. In this case, they can turn to training in particular Managing employees working from home or in a hybrid organisation with DiGiTT® certification to boot.

"The two most important things do not appear on the company's balance sheet His reputation and his people.

Henry Ford

The second concernscorporate image. A good reputation, or e-reputation, attracts and inspires trust. Employer branding builds loyalty and CSR communication enhances the value of a company's employees and, by extension, the company itself.  

"Certifications are vital for ESNs "

The third is certifications. They are essential for ESNs and, increasingly, for all SMEs. Keeping clients and attracting or retaining new talent remains vital. Among the most sought-after certifications :

The fourth is project management. Projects are becoming ever richer and more complex. The parameters to be taken into account are diverse: the people, the company, the financial, environmental and social aspects. On this issue, the courses most in demand are those with a proven track record :

"Safety and durability "

The fifth and final axis is the security. With the uncertainty caused by repeated crises, some SMEs are feeling the pinch. Cybersecurity, and therefore the fight against cybercrime, are essential to the survival of an SME. Cyber security is everyone's business. Every employee should be given a security mission within his or her area of responsibility.

• Discover our selection of training courses for SMEs

Face-to-face or distance learning: which format is right for SMEs?

The "distance learning" format, sometimes referred to as the "virtual classroom" (VC), continues to gain ground. Today, 55 % of training takes place remotely, compared with 45 % in the classroom. SMEs are increasingly opting for distance learning, which saves them time and money, as well as making it more convenient for their employees.

Like face-to-face training, distance learning classes can be funded by the OPCOs. This gives SMEs access to a wide range of training courses, whatever their cash flow. Why miss out?

In practical terms, how do you go about it?

In practical terms, companies should contact their OPCO to make their funding applications. They can also get in touch with their ORSYS training contact, who will help them to do so.

To meet the needs of VSEs and SMEs, our range of distance learning is constantly developing.

How does ORSYS training help SMEs retain their talent?

Firstly, employees and managers of VSEs and SMEs always need to optimise the time they spend in the company. The duration of ORSYS training courses is therefore particularly well suited to this need. On average, training courses last two to three days (excluding advanced IT training).

Employees are therefore quickly back in the company cocoon to put into practice what they have learnt in training.

"Recognising and being recognised at work means injecting humanity into work".

Lucie Legault - Psychologist, health and safety advisor

What's more, employee training makes a major contribution to the stability and development of the company on both a professional and human level. VSEs and SMEs are being built, rebuilt and face the future with the strength and determination of their employees and managers. More than ever, therefore, VSEs and SMEs need to become cocooning businesses. Benevolent management, communication and teleworking all contribute to this, as they boost the motivation of teams on a day-to-day basis.

When training contributes to recognition

Employees also appreciate being known and recognised for their work. Here again, training is one of the keys to this recognition.

“ The world hates change. And yet it is the first thing that has enabled it to progress. "

Charles F. Kettering - inventor

Still on a human level, training allows you to take a step back and break away from routine. Training is a stimulating and inspiring break. thanks to its openness to others. It therefore encourages innovation and progress.

Finally, optimising your time also means choose the right training to progress. At ORSYS, SMEs are in contact with specialised advisors. More specifically, they have a dedicated contact person who answers their questions, helps them find the training courses that correspond exactly to their needs and helps them obtain the best funding.

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