An analysis for multi-skilling and its benefits for the Water Services Corporation

Abstract

Multi-skilling affords the firm the flexibility needed from its workforce to be able to maintain production and in many instances raise production also in less time with less costs. Today's firms are looking at workers who are adaptable to any given work requirement thereby ensuring continuity of production. An employee will not appreciate being multi-skilled without some sort of elevated status or financial reward. The financial reward can be in stages after levels of competence are attained. However, a poorly performing trainee must be investigated to establish the cause of his failure to keep up with his colleagues, given a chance to catch up and helped if possible, and then if he doesn't regain ground, should be removed from the program. On the other hand, successful performers should be highlighted, rewarded and given the chance of further company sponsored education and promotion. Scheduling and planning are the keys to a successful program. As "Production rules supreme", trainees' work schedules are carefully planned to cover on-site manpower requirements. Time must be sacrificed by a fair combination of work and off time, for on-site training. "There are also arguments which suggest that workers enjoy increased job satisfaction in multi-skilled roles, have increased job security due to their wide-ranging skills and have increased sense of worth because of their value within the organization. On the down side some believe existing cross-training is inadequate and does not ensure competence, multi-skilling is designed to undermine the professionals.