Accenture Helping Henkel Transform Its Workforce Through Digital Skills Training and Development

Rhea-AI Summary

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is partnering with Henkel to enhance digital skills among employees, essential for navigating shifts in consumption. Since the program's inception in early 2019, over 215,000 training courses have been completed, reducing the external application process time from 30 minutes to just 60 seconds and increasing applications by 40%. The initiative includes skills assessments, personalized training, and creating a ‘recruiter toolbox’ to attract talent for digital roles. This approach emphasizes continuous learning as a core element for long-term growth, aligning with Henkel's business strategies.

Positive

• Over 215,000 training courses completed since 2019.
• External application process time reduced from 30 minutes to 60 seconds.
• 40% increase in external applications.

Negative

• None.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is collaborating with Henkel, a global leader in industrial and consumer goods, to attract and grow people with digital skills, which are needed for the company to better anticipate and respond to shifts in consumption.

Accenture is helping Henkel embed continuous learning and digital upskilling across its workforce (Photo: Business Wire)

Since the transformation program went live in early 2019, Henkel employees have completed more than 215,000 training courses on the new system. In addition, the application process for external candidates has been reduced from around 30 minutes to 60 seconds, and external applications have increased by 40%.

Key elements of the program entailed:

• Skills and capabilities assessments. To provide a clear picture of the digital skills that would be required in the near future, Accenture used industry standard capability frameworks and tailored them to Henkel’s needs. Employees’ skill levels were then assessed in key functional areas, including marketing, sales, procurement, human resources, information technology (IT), finance, supply chain, and research & development.
• Personalized training programs. Once the strengths and skills gaps were identified, Accenture helped conceptualize learning programs tailored to Henkel’s specific functions and existing business processes. The initial digital upskilling programs, for approximately 2,000 IT and finance managers, included selecting more than 50 courses from the Accenture Academy.
• Attracting new people for digital roles. Accenture helped Henkel create a “recruiter toolbox” for digital roles within the new HR system. The toolbox established a clearer connection between the digital, functional and technical skills required for a certain role and what recruiters should be looking for on candidates’ résumés.

“Developing the best products for our customers requires that our people have the digital skills and knowledge to respond to change quickly and effectively,” said Sylvie Nicol, Henkel’s executive vice president for human resources and infrastructure services. “Lifelong learning and digital upskilling are now key elements of our culture and long-term growth plans — not just a momentary answer to an HR or recruiting issue. They’re motivating and giving our teams the confidence to grow together.”

Christina Raab, Accenture’s global client account lead for Henkel, said, “Henkel recognizes that, in today’s environment, digital skills aren’t simply a nice ‘to have’ but a necessity for all employees. We’re excited to help Henkel embed continuous learning and digital upskilling across its workforce.”

Oliver Wright, who leads Accenture’s Consumer Goods & Services industry group globally, added, “Henkel is a great example of a company that is putting their people at the center of change to use data more effectively and drive future growth. We share a commitment, demonstrated in the new Accenture brand, to embrace change and deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity.”

The Accenture/Henkel program, “Global Digital UPskilling Initiative,” won a Gold Medal in the Best Advance in Competencies and Skills Development category in the 2020 Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Learning Awards.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all pow

FAQ

What is Accenture's role in the Henkel digital skills initiative?

Accenture is collaborating with Henkel to enhance digital skills among employees to adapt to market changes.

How many training courses have Henkel employees completed with Accenture's help?

Henkel employees have completed over 215,000 training courses since the program's launch in early 2019.

What improvements were made to the external application process for Henkel?

The external application process was reduced from around 30 minutes to just 60 seconds, resulting in a 40% increase in applications.

Why is digital upskilling important for Henkel?

Digital upskilling is vital for Henkel to maintain competitive advantage and ensure employees can respond effectively to market changes.

Has the Accenture/Henkel program received any recognition?

Yes, the Global Digital UPskilling Initiative won a Gold Medal in the Best Advance in Competencies and Skills Development at the 2020 Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Learning Awards.