For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), equipping employees with the latest skills and tools must be a priority.
Given the increasing competition, SMEs cannot afford to remain idle. And it’s not always possible for new hires or experienced employees to know exactly what the industry needs will be. For this reason, SMEs need to budget for further training of their workforce.
Further qualification does not have to incur large costs either. With some training or certificate programs, employees can get a head start that will help them become more productive and more invested in their work. Read on to learn about eight upskilling activities that should support SMEs in 2026.
1. Workshops on building comfort with AI tools
Today’s workforce needs to be comfortable working with AI in many areas. From finance to sales to customer service, employees should know how to effectively use AI tools to write emails or analyze data. You can streamline daily operations with AI, and simple workshops can help employees learn about the latest advances.
2. Frontline leadership programs
Not everyone enters an industry with leadership training or experience. But many employees aspire to leadership positions, and training can help them achieve these goals. Frontline leadership programs can show employees how to communicate confidently and encouragingly. And employees can learn to intervene when there is internal conflict or stagnation in employee engagement. Group coaching workshops or online modules can be excellent ways to explain concepts and model leadership behavior. When employees know they can advance to leadership positions, they are more likely to stay there.
3. Basic data analysis skills
Data collection is central to the business of every SME. But simply collecting data is not enough. Knowing how to interpret it can help teams identify vulnerabilities and make changes in response. Although not every employee needs in-depth knowledge of data analysis, selected team members can benefit from expanding their knowledge. Investing in training or certifications for a smaller number of employees can ensure that someone is always able to interpret the numbers. GMC online programs can equip students with the skills they need to evaluate information and build a better career path.
4. Project management training
With many project teams meeting remotely, it is important to understand how to manage projects using the latest digital tools. Everything from planning to follow-up meetings can be part of the responsibilities. And knowing the basics of Agile and Scrum can help employees deliver projects on time and within established frameworks.
5. Experience with customer success
Customer retention is crucial for SMEs seeking sustainable success. For this reason, employees need to develop some understanding of customer success best practices. With customer success training, employees can learn to build stronger customer relationships, troubleshoot problems, and identify goals. Further developing their soft skills is a must, especially for employees with customer contact.
6. Ongoing cybersecurity training
As cyber threats become more complex, SMBs need to be prepared and evolve. Offering routine cybersecurity refresher training can help keep employees flexible and prepared. Explore phishing scenarios, talk about password security, and demonstrate how to manage data securely. Regular training ensures everyone is aware of the latest threats.
7. Degree completion programs
In some cases, more time-intensive study may be required to enable an employee to further develop their skills and career. Finance and IT-oriented careers, for example, require more in-depth knowledge that may not be as well developed in shorter workshops. For high-performing employees with clear potential, providing instructional support can help employees achieve their goals. Ideally, employees can complete a degree while maintaining their current position.
8. Fixed study period
It’s not easy for employees who already have a full-time job to take advantage of new learning opportunities. SMEs can show they are serious about supporting their employees’ upskilling by giving them enough time to invest in learning. This can lead to setting study times or giving employees a degree of flexibility during the workday. Even just a few hours per month can help jump-start the process of learning new skills.
Invest in further training
At first glance, further training seems to be an additional cost factor for SMEs. But upskilling can contribute to greater efficiency, innovation and retention in the workplace. For companies looking to build their brand, being competitive means staying current and giving employees a reason to stay. By investing in training opportunities such as workshops or certificate programs, SMEs can support their workforce.
