The skill mismatches identified in this analysis is essential for the Maldives to optimize its workforce potential and achieve sustained economic growth.
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The Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) Census 2023 provides a comprehensive snapshot of the nation's workforce. In this regard, one of the census outputs is a report titled Mapping the Employment Landscape. While the report offers numerous insights, a particularly critical area highlighted was the skill alignment between education and occupation. Table 1 below presents an excerpt from this report, classifying workers into nine occupational groups and assessing their educational fit across six levels. The table's shading visually denotes whether employees are underqualified, appropriately matched, or overqualified for their respective roles.
1. Key Observations
The provided data indicates a significant skill mismatch across various occupational groups. This is a critical issue for HR as it directly impacts organizational and employee performance and overall business efficiency. Specifically, the data demonstrates that;
- Clerical Support Workers have the highest skill match (90 percent), indicating a good fit between education and occupation.
- A high under-qualification rate is observed in Managers (52 percent) and Technicians and Associate Professionals (56 percent).
- A high over-qualification rate (64 percent) is found in Elementary Occupations, suggesting potential skill underutilization.
- The Skilled Agricultural and Forestry sector exhibits a near-equal distribution of matched (44 percent) and underqualified (50 percent) workers.
- Both Crafts and Related Trades (47 percent) and Plant and Machine Operators (61 percent) have the most workers’ skill match.
Thus, Table 2 provides a summary of skill alignment and misalignment across these occupational groups.
1. Key Concerns
- Managerial and Professional Roles: The high percentage of underqualified managers and professionals is concerning. This suggests potential leadership and expertise gaps within organisations.
- Technical and Operational Roles: A significant number of underqualified technicians and associate professionals indicates a potential skills shortage in critical operational areas.
- Skill Surplus: While a skill surplus in certain roles (e.g., elementary occupations) might seem positive, it can lead to underutilization of talent and potential job dissatisfaction.
2. Implications for HR Professionals
- Talent Acquisition and Development: HR professionals must focus on strategies to attract, develop, and retain qualified talent, especially for managerial and professional roles.
- Skill Gap Analysis: A deeper dive into specific skill gaps within each occupational group is required to develop targeted learning and development programs.
- Succession Planning: The data highlights potential challenges in succession planning, especially for managerial roles.
- Performance Management: Underqualified employees may require additional support and development, while overqualified employees might need career pathing or challenging projects.
- Compensation and Benefits: The data can inform compensation and benefits strategies to attract and retain talent in critical areas.
3. Recommendations
- Implement a Robust Skill Assessment Process: Regularly assess employees' skills to identify gaps and surpluses.
- Invest in Employee Development: Provide opportunities for employees to upskill and reskill to meet organisational needs.
- Strengthen Talent Acquisition: Develop effective recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates for critical roles.
- Career Pathing: Create clear career paths for employees to address the underutilization of talent and improve employee engagement.
- Succession Planning: Develop comprehensive succession plans for key roles, especially in management.
Effectively addressing the skill mismatches identified in this analysis is essential for the Maldives to optimize its workforce potential and achieve sustained economic growth. Only through the strategic implementation of initiatives to bridge skill gaps can the nation enhance productivity, foster innovation, and improve overall competitiveness.
