Can Skill Mismatch Cause Workplace Stress?
Yes. Skill mismatch occurs when there is a significant difference between the skills required by a role and the skills an employee currently possesses.
This can occur in two directions.
A person may have skill gaps, meaning the role demands capabilities they have not yet developed.
Or a person may be over-skilled, meaning their capabilities substantially exceed what the role requires.
Both situations can create difficulties.
The two directions of mismatch
An under-skilled employee may experience anxiety, repeated mistakes, pressure and frustration because they are constantly trying to meet demands they are not prepared for.
An over-skilled employee may experience boredom, disengagement or frustration because their capabilities are not being meaningfully used.
Diagnosing before deciding
However, skill mismatch should not immediately be interpreted as evidence that someone is in the wrong career.
Sometimes the solution is:
- training;
- mentoring;
- coaching;
- redesigned responsibilities;
- additional resources;
- gradual skill development;
- or a different role within the same organization.
The key is diagnosing the type of mismatch before deciding what action to take.
Audit Your Skills
Penagix helps you map your current skill level against what your role and career require.
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