Skills Matrix Explained: Definition & Benefits

A skills matrix is a valuable tool in any organisation, especially competency-based ones like construction, manufacturing and infrastructure. Organisations use skills matrices to map out employees' competencies at the team, department or company-wide level.
The skills matrix provides visibility and accountability over training gaps. It also ensures consistency of competency requirements across various business roles. And ultimately, it reduces workplace safety risks and ensures a safer environment for everyone.
If the concept of a skills matrix is new to you, then you've landed on the right page. We take things back to basics as we answer the following fundamental questions:

• What is a skills matrix?
• ​What are the benefits of a skills matrix template?

What is a skills matrix?

A skill matrix is a visual tool for mapping employees' hard and soft skills and proficiencies. It’s crucial for skills management in companies of all shapes and sizes. It also helps team leaders to more easily identify skills gaps and training needs.
Skills matrices can be as simple as a table or Excel spreadsheet listing employees' names, specific skills, and proficiency levels. They can also be more advanced and include relevant certifications and verifications of competency.
Competency management software like CheckSafe provides a customisable matrix template to suit your requirements. Easy to use, these templates help you see all the skills in your organisation in real time, highlighting any missing competencies so that you can provide targeted training.

What are the benefits of a skills matrix?

Skills matrices deliver a ton of benefits, especially in high-safety-risk environments. Here are the headlines:

Identify the right people for the job

A skills matrix helps team leaders select employees with exactly the right skill sets needed for the task or project. This maximises productivity and ensures that work is completed more efficiently.

Better workforce planning

A detailed overview of the organisation's capabilities helps with workforce planning. The skills matrix can be used to forecast staffing needs, identify future leaders, and help workers grow their skills and knowledge. It can also inform staff recruitment and help you hire workers with the required skills to achieve your business goals.

Improved safety performance

Using a skills matrix can enhance your company's safety performance. Identifying employees who are adequately trained and proficient in safety protocols ensures that only qualified workers are given tasks involving higher risks. This reduces accidents and near misses, improving overall workplace safety. Managers and workers in high-safety-risk industries can feel more secure and confident in their operations.

CheckSafe’s competency management software

Ready to take control of competency management in your company? A skills matrix is a fantastic place to start. Sign up for a free demo of CheckSafe and manage your skills matrices and VOCs in one easy-to-use platform.