Qu'est-ce que Employability ?
Definition
Employability is the combination of competencies, attributes, professional experiences and personal qualities that give an individual the capacity to find employment, maintain it, and progress within or across organisations. It is not a fixed state but a dynamic capability that must be actively maintained throughout a career.
In practice
Employability is built on several pillars: continuously updated technical and digital skills; strong transferable competencies (communication, adaptability, critical thinking); a maintained professional network; self-knowledge (knowing one's strengths and development areas); and labour market awareness (understanding which skills and roles are in demand). For organisations, employability is increasingly a retention tool — companies that invest in employee development maintain their people's external market value, which paradoxically reduces attrition (people stay where they grow). In Belgium, VDAB, FOREM and Actiris offer employability assessments, coaching and training to job seekers and at-risk employees. The concept is central to social security reform discussions: active welfare states are increasingly designed around developing rather than just compensating unemployability.
Key takeaway
Employability is a shared responsibility — individuals must invest in continuous development, and organisations that support this investment see better engagement, performance and retention as a result.
Définitions connexes
Skills assessment
A structured process of analysing one's skills, aptitudes and motivations to define a professional or training project.
Upskilling
Process of developing and deepening skills in an existing professional domain, to adapt to technological evolution or access higher-level responsibilities.
Continuing Professional Development
All formal and informal learning activities undertaken throughout a career to maintain, develop and expand professional competencies.
Career change
A significant change of role, sector or activity requiring the acquisition of new skills and a redefined professional project.