In the complex and dynamic marketplace of today, organisations have to manage a global workforce – their most valuable asset – to achieve sustainable growth. Regardless of the economic conditions of recent years, competition for top talent has remained paramount, and is seen as the key differentiator among organisations. At the same time, the notion of “skills gaps” is receiving substantial attention as business leaders lament deficiencies in employees’ competencies and the vulnerability in their organisations’ ability to achieve business objectives. The issue is particularly acute at the leadership level, with organisations realizing their future success depends on identifying, engaging and retaining the right high-potential employees to make up the next generation of managers and leaders.

The topic of assessment generally, elicits suspicion and confusion in the minds of many BUT modern assessment technology can play a pivotal role in identifying and developing the talent South African companies need to succeed in the global market and to comply with employment legislation. Because of changes to South African legislation, specifically in terms of selection criteria, scientific assessment techniques are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa as a highly reliable and fair way of assessing people. Companies rely on psychometric assessments to hire, promote and fast track employees – in short, for just about every decision they take about the people in their organisations.

Today, most assessors are professionals from outside the organisation. Using outside professionals provides an accurate and unbiased view of a person’s potential and competencies. This is crucial in our culturally diverse and sensitive society.

To Skills4U the principle aim of assessments are to provide accurate, timely and relevant information for the business in order to make lower risk, effective and accurate decisions regarding people in their organisation.