Sustainable employability means that you, as an employee, remain relevant and valuable to employers by continuously adapting your skills and knowledge to changing labour market requirements. It is about the ability to move flexibly with developments in your field and organisation. This approach differs from traditional career development in its focus on continuous adaptation and future orientation.
What exactly does sustainable employability mean for employees?
Sustainable employability means that, as an employee, you continuously invest in your competencies, knowledge and skills in order to remain relevant in a changing job market. It means that you proactively anticipate developments within your field and organisation, so that you remain valuable to current and future employers.
In today's labour market, jobs and organisations are changing faster than ever. Technological developments, digitisation and new ways of working mean that the demands placed on employees are constantly evolving. Traditional career development often focused on linear growth within a single field or organisation. Sustainable employability, on the other hand, emphasises flexibility, learning ability and the ability to adapt to new circumstances.
The difference lies in the mindset: whereas traditional career development was often reactive, sustainable employability is proactive. You don't wait for changes to happen, but actively prepare for them. This means regularly reflecting on your current skills, following trends in your field and consciously choosing development opportunities that will make you future-proof.
Which skills will make you employable in the future?
Essential competencies for future-proof employees include digital skills, learning ability, adaptability, critical thinking, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. These soft skills are often more important than technical knowledge, because they help you to understand new situations and adapt quickly.
Digital skills have become indispensable in virtually every job. This does not mean you have to become a programmer, but it does mean you need to feel comfortable with new technologies and digital tools. Think of working with cloud applications, online collaboration, data processing and understanding automation processes.
Learning ability is central to sustainable employability. This means remaining curious, being open to feedback, and being willing to explore new ways of working. You can develop this by regularly taking courses, reading trade journals, attending webinars, and challenging yourself with new projects.
Adaptability helps you to see change not as a threat but as an opportunity. Develop this skill by consciously trying out different ways of working, expanding your comfort zone and dealing flexibly with unexpected situations. Communication skills and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly important in a world where collaboration and human contact are central.
How do you know if you are still sustainably employable in your current position?
You can assess your sustainable employability by regularly reflecting on the alignment between your current competencies and the changing demands of your job. Warning signals These include: feeling that your work is becoming routine, difficulty with new systems or working methods, or the idea that younger colleagues are overtaking you.
Ask yourself the following questions regularly: What new skills are required in my field? How is my organisation developing and what competencies are needed for this? Do I still feel challenged in my work? Can I contribute to discussions about trends and developments in my sector?
Pay attention to signals such as changes in job requirements for similar vacancies, new technologies being introduced in your organisation, or feedback from colleagues and managers about areas for improvement. Feeling that you are becoming less involved in important projects can also be a signal.
At Nieuwkans, we use scientifically proven methods, such as the BrainsFirst methodology, to identify natural talents and cognitive behavioural preferences. These insights help you make informed choices about your development and career. Regular self-reflection and feedback from others give you a realistic picture of your current position and development opportunities.
What can you do yourself to improve your sustainable employability?
Start by mapping out your current skills and compare them with future labour market requirements in your field. Then make a development plan with concrete steps for further training, networking and seeking new challenges. Consistency in these efforts is more important than perfection.
Invest in continuous professional development by taking relevant courses, certifications or training programmes. Make a conscious choice to pursue developments that are in line with trends in your sector. Online learning platforms make it easier than ever to develop new skills, often at your own pace.
Build and maintain a professional network within and outside your organisation. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and stay in touch with former colleagues. A strong network gives you insight into developments and can lead to new opportunities.
Actively seek out new challenges within your current role or organisation. Volunteer for projects that take you out of your comfort zone, take the initiative to improve processes, and ask for more responsibilities. If your organisation offers limited opportunities for growth, consider external opportunities that better match your ambitions and development goals.
We assist employees in this process by providing insight into their unique talents and how these align with future labour market developments. Our sustainable employability programme consists of interactive sessions in which you learn to anticipate changes and make conscious choices for your professional future. Thanks to our tailor-made approach, we ensure that you not only gain insight into your current qualities, but also learn how to use them optimally for a successful and sustainable career.