Global employment leader, Manpower has released its latest Global Talent Barometer in the UK having surveyed more than 1,000 workers across the UK to better understand what workers want and how they feel about their wellbeing, job satisfaction, and confidence.
One area of particular interest in the report relates to self employed workers, a sector that includes the entrepreneur, start ups and consultants, all of which come to Bay Tree for operational support.
The report reveals that self-employed workers were the least confident they had the skills to do their job properly. More than 90% of all other worker types said they felt they had the skills, compared to just 76% of self-employed workers. From our experience, this stat really does stack up; we often use the expression ‘do what you do best and leave us to do the rest’ when setting up a new working relationship.
There are several reasons why this group can feel they lack the skills to do their job properly:
1. Lack of formal training opportunities
Unlike employees in organisations, self-employed workers often do not have access to structured training. As the report states, a significant portion of employees haven’t received skills training, and the issue is likely worse for self-employed individuals, who must proactively seek and fund their own learning. From a financial and time point of view, the needs of the business are likely to take priority over any skills development or self-training.
2. Diverse skill demands
Running a self-employed business often requires a broad range of skills beyond the core profession. For example, a psychotherapist may be excellent dealing with patients but poor with time management and promoting their services.
3. Industry changes
Industries are evolving quickly, driven by technology and changing market demands. In our experience, someone who has had prolonged success delivering their service or selling their produce in one way may be reluctant to respond to a change in demand or prepared to embrace new technology – in their view, it’s not broken so there is no need to try and fix it.
4. Isolation
Self-employment often lacks the collaborative environments of traditional workplaces where colleagues or supervisors provide guidance, mentorship, and feedback. Without such input, self-employed individuals may question whether their skills meet industry standards or are up to the job.
5. Perceived impostor syndrome
Many self-employed individuals experience impostor syndrome, where they feel inadequate despite evidence of competence. This might stem from the pressure of managing all aspects of their work alone, contributing to self-doubt about their capabilities.
The Bay Tree team is a powerful resource for the successful self-employed individual needing to address skills gaps and manage their business more effectively. What that looks like at an operational level will vary so we use an initial meeting and chemistry session to identify the most suitable member (or members) of our team to provide support, based on their skills and experience. Not only can we fill the skills gap, we’re good to have around; we listen, can make suggestions and are always happy to be a sounding board. This leaves our client to ‘Do what they do best’.
Read the full report from Manpower here: https://www.manpower.co.uk/en/insights/blogs/2024/11/11/global-talent-barometer
Find out how the Bay Tree team can free you to do what you do best by arranging a call with Brigette or Katie www.baytreeva/contactus.
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