The latest data from the OECD paints a clear picture: about one in three adults in Italy have only basic skills when it comes to reading, working with numbers, or solving problems in everyday work situations. 

But instead of seeing this as a weakness, forward-thinking HR leaders and companies can treat it as a strategic opportunity. 

By investing in targeted upskilling programs, organizations can discover hidden talent, increase engagement, and create a workplace culture built on continuous learning and adaptability. 

Let’s break it down. 

What the OECD Report Tells Us

The report looks at three key areas: 

• Literacy – understanding and using written information 

• Numeracy – interpreting and applying numbers and data 

• Problem Solving – navigating unfamiliar or evolving situations 

Each of these is essential in today’s work environment. And while the data shows there’s work to do, it also shows us where we can start building. 

Literacy: Understanding Information to Take Action

About 65% of Italians are above the basic level when it comes to reading comprehension. That means 35% could benefit from support to better understand written information. 

What this means for your team:
You don’t need to look outside for talent, you might just need to help your people sharpen their skills. 

Example:
A reskilling program focused on reading technical documentation helps improve instruction comprehension and significantly reduces operational errors.

Numeracy: Getting Comfortable with Data

Numerical skills are equally important, and again, 65% of Italians are above the basic level. Still, there’s room to grow, especially as data becomes a bigger part of every job. 

What this means for your team:
Even frontline workers can benefit from learning how to interpret simple reports and use numbers to make better decisions. 

Example:
A data analysis course enables store managers in a retail company to better interpret reports and forecasts, helping them optimize ordering processes and reduce inventory surplus. 

Problem Solving: Adapting to Change

Only 54% of adults showed strong adaptive problem-solving skills. This is an area with huge potential for growth, especially in fast-paced or customer-facing roles. 

What this means for your team:
Training in critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving can lead to smarter decisions and more agile teams. 

Example:
Weekly collaborative problem-solving sessions, where teams tackle real cases using structured methodologies, help improve technical issue resolution and increase customer satisfaction.  

So, How Can HR Leaders Respond? Upskilling Strategies for HR Managers and Professionals

If you’re in HR or L&D, you have a unique opportunity to turn these gaps into growth through upskilling. It starts with activating the talent you already have.

Creating impactful learning experiences requires a multi-level approach: companies should foster the right environment for skill development, while individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their growth journey. Below are practical strategies for both perspectives. 

Here are a few strategies that really work, some for companies, some for individual employees: 

For Companies 

• Run skills assessments to pinpoint gaps and personalize learning paths 

• Integrate learning into everyday work not just during annual training days 

• Promote a culture of innovation where employees are encouraged to grow 

For Professionals 

• Self-assess: identify growth areas and set concrete learning goals

• Form learning groups to support peer-to-peer knowledge sharing knowledge sharing 

• Get certified in skills that align with business needs 

Why Upskilling and Lifelong Learning Are Smart Business Moves 

This isn’t just about professional development, it’s an investment in your company’s future. 

Boosting the basic skills of just 10% of the adult population could: 

• Raise Italy’s GDP 

• Reduce talent mismatches in the labor market 

• Help your organization stay competitive in a rapidly evolving economy 

Did you know?

Lavoce.info’s suggested priorities offer a valuable starting point for reflection and action. 

• Developing more STEM skills could increase Italy’s competitiveness in tech sectors by 25% 

• Getting more students into university could grow GDP by 1.5% in the medium term 

• Strengthening lifelong learning systems could cut skill mismatches by 20% 

Final Thoughts: Invest in Learning, Invest in Growth

The OECD report is a wake-up call, but also an invitation. Closing skills gaps isn’t about fixing problems, it’s about building future-ready teams and sustainable growth. 

Smart companies are already moving in this direction. Will yours be next? 

Turn language skills into a competitive edge

At Maka, we help companies like yours build real-world communication skills through flexible, personalized training programs designed for today’s work environment. 

Ready to upskill your team? Let’s talk.