When a person’s skills are well matched to their role, it shines through in greater job satisfaction and productivity. But when there is a skills mismatch – either because someone lacks some of the key skills needed to perform their job effectively, or because they could cope with more demanding duties – it’s bad news for the individual and the employer. Skills mismatches often manifest in trust issues, lower job satisfaction, lower productivity, lower confidence and higher stress.

This is a particular problem in the UK where CIPD research shows 45% of UK employees feel their skills are under-utilised in their current roles, resulting in disengagement and suboptimal business outcomes. So, it's no surprise that the CIPD's Learning at work report shows that addressing skills gaps is a top priority for learning and development professionals.

This guide will help employers gain a competitive edge by developing and deploying skills more effectively.

Member tool: CIPD Buddy AI
Use AI to find trusted answers on our Knowledge hub. Start using CIPD Buddy

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
  • Thought leadership

    Future-focused HR: How can HR practitioners stay ahead and prepare for 2026?

    Rebecca Peters, Senior Policy and Practice Adviser, outlines some of the biggest changes impacting people practices in 2026 and what actions people teams can take now. Offering a legal perspective, Shoosmiths' Paul Stokey, Partner and Head of People and Reward, and Emma Morgan, Partner and immigration specialist, highlight some of the key legal considerations under these reforms

  • Guide

    People manager guide: Family leave

    Advice for managers on how they can help to manage maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, parental leave and parental bereavement leave

    For Members
  • All guides