A global company plans to expand into two new international markets next year.

When a global company plans to expand into new international markets, the first step the chief human resource officer (CHRO) should take to determine what training the new workforce will need for successful expansion is a business needs assessment. This assessment identifies the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to meet the strategic objectives of the expansion.

Understanding Business Goals: The CHRO needs to understand the strategic goals of the expansion, such as market entry strategy, product or service offerings, and competitive positioning.

Identifying Workforce Requirements: Determine the types and numbers of employees needed to support the expansion, including any specific skills or experience required for the new markets.

Analyzing Current Capabilities: Assess the current capabilities of the workforce and identify any gaps between existing skills and those needed for the expansion.

Gathering Data: Collect data from various sources, including internal reports, market research, and input from key stakeholders, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business needs.

Prioritizing Training Needs: Based on the analysis, prioritize the training needs to address the most critical gaps that could impact the success of the expansion.

Developing a Training Plan: Create a training plan that outlines the specific training programs, timelines, and resources required to develop the necessary skills and competencies in the new workforce.

References:

SHRM resources on conducting business needs assessments

Best practices for workforce planning and training in global expansions