Skill Gap

A skill gap is the difference between the skills a job actually requires and the skills an employee currently has. When that gap exists, an employee may struggle to perform parts of their role effectively, or may not be able to take it on at all.

Skill gaps can show up at the individual level, when one employee lacks a specific competency, or at the organizational level, when an entire team or company falls short of what is needed to meet its goals. They are often caused by fast-changing technology, evolving job requirements, or simply hiring someone whose experience does not fully match the role. Employers typically address skill gaps through training programs, upskilling or reskilling initiatives, mentorship, or by hiring to fill the specific gap directly.