Why Upskilling Is No Longer Optional and Working Professionals are taking control in their own hands
CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella’s claim that “Ultimately, it’s not going to be about man versus machine. It is going to be about man with machine. And to be that, you have to be skilled,” This statement rings especially true in today’s fast-evolving world of work. As automation, AI, and emerging technologies reshape industries, being prepared for opportunities can mean the difference between career stagnation and professional growth.
That preparation doesn’t come from waiting — it comes from continuous learning. This idea is explored in TeamLease EdTech’s new report, The Impact of Upskilling on Performance Appraisals, which presents compelling evidence that investing in upskilling leads to measurable professional advancement. Notably, the report finds that young professionals are proactively steering their learning journeys, aiming for greater control over their careers.
Opportunity Belongs to the Prepared
The TeamLease EdTech report surveyed over 14,316 professionals across functions like Sales, Tech, HR, Finance, and Operations, to uncover a striking connection between upskilling and performance appraisals. According to the findings, 90% of employees who pursued upskilling initiatives believed it could make an impact on their appraisal. Even more notably, 64% felt that it had a direct impact on their performance appraisal, while another 26% felt that maybe it had an impact.
These findings highlight a growing belief that career mobility favours those who consistently upgrade their skills. Opportunities rarely announce themselves. Whether it’s a promotion, leadership role, or industry shift, those already equipped with the right skills are more likely to succeed. The time to learn is not after the opportunity has arisen, but well before it.
Self-Initiated Learning Is Leading the Way
Another noteworthy trend from the report is the growing shift toward self-directed learning. A majority of employees (61%) now choose upskilling programs for future career planning, far outpacing employer mandates, which account for only 4.84%. A significant 20% sought out upskilling as those skills were an immediate requirement for their current job roles and another 14% chose to upskill inspired by their peers and co-workers. This reflects a changing mindset where professionals are no longer just responding to training opportunities but actively seeking them out, tailoring their learning journeys to match the needs of their current jobs as well as future aspirations.
By aligning their learning with market demand, these professionals aren’t just boosting their knowledge — they’re also future-proofing their careers. Whether it’s picking up a certification in data analytics, learning to lead remote teams effectively, or mastering a new coding language, the emphasis is now on intentional, forward-looking development. This trend is especially strong in tech-related fields, where over 86% of professionals pursued domain skills or AI & emerging technologies, highlighting a clear focus on staying relevant in rapidly evolving industries.
Who Pays for Upskilling?
The report revealed that a significant 46% of professionals relied on self-funding for their upskilling initiatives. Nearly 18% professionals relied on free online courses to augment their skill set. While this speaks volumes for an individual’s passion to learn and inculcate new skills, it also underscores the lack of structured organizational support for upskilling. The report found that only 24% received full employer sponsorship, and 12% partial support.
This gap suggests that while individual motivation is strong, organizational support is lagging. Given the current talent crunch and skill shortages, increasing investment in employee learning could benefit both parties. Employer-backed upskilling not only raises the quality of training but also ensures alignment with organizational goals — improving retention and reducing hiring costs in the long run.
Preparation Is a Continuous Process
Being prepared is no longer a one-time effort tied to a degree or job title. It’s a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity. Staying updated with market trends, building both technical and soft skills, seeking mentorship, and embracing feedback — these are the habits that create resilient professionals capable of rising to new challenges. Over 84% of professionals reported engaging in some form of upskilling in the past 12 months, over 37% focused on domain skills, showing a balanced approach to capability building. Additionally, 61% cited future career planning as their primary reason for learning.
Moreover, upskilling is not just about climbing the corporate ladder, it enhances confidence, increases job satisfaction, and equips individuals with the ability to make more meaningful contributions to their teams and organizations. In a talent marketplace that values innovation and agility, stagnation is the real risk, especially for those relying solely on experience without evolving.
The Best Time to Learn Is Before You Need It
The message from the TeamLease EdTech report is clear: upskilling is not just a professional advantage — it’s a necessity. In an era where opportunity favors the ready, professionals must treat learning as a career-long investment.Over 42% of respondents timed their upskilling within 18 months before their promotion or salary hike, and nearly 90% reported a positive impact on their appraisal, showing how well-timed learning can lead to tangible outcomes. Because when that unexpected opening arises — whether it’s a new project, a promotion, or a chance to pivot careers — the most prepared will not just seize it; they’ll thrive in it. The future belongs to those who are ready. Are you?
