The TAKE ACTION System
A practical approach to Strategic Workforce Planning and Development
Every workforce has a current reality and a future opportunity.
The challenge isn't simply understanding today's workforce. It's making informed decisions that prepare people, organisations, industries and regions for what comes next.
The TAKE ACTION System provides a practical framework for Strategic Workforce Planning and Development. Developed through more than three decades of projects across Australia and internationally, it brings together evidence, collaboration, strategic foresight and practical implementation to help organisations make better workforce decisions.
Rather than treating workforce challenges in isolation, TAKE ACTION considers the full picture. Workforce capability, leadership, education, technology, industry, economic development and changing workforce needs are all connected.
From the Current Workforce to the Next Workforce
The TAKE ACTION System helps move from understanding where the workforce is today to identifying where it needs to be tomorrow, and then putting practical actions in place to achieve that vision.
The Full Picture
Understanding the context, defining the challenge, gathering evidence and engaging the right people.
At This Time
Building a clear picture of the current workforce, critical occupations, capabilities and emerging issues.
Know What You Want
Using strategic foresight and scenario planning to explore future possibilities and define the preferred workforce.
Evaluate the Gaps
Comparing the current workforce with future workforce needs to identify priorities for action.
Address the Gaps
Developing practical workforce development strategies that strengthen capability, improve workforce supply and respond to future demand.
Co-design Solutions
Working alongside stakeholders to build practical, achievable and sustainable solutions.
Timelines and Targets
Turning strategy into action through clear priorities, responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
Inspire Implementation
Supporting leaders and stakeholders to build momentum and create lasting change.
Ongoing Review
Monitoring progress, measuring outcomes and responding to changing workforce, industry and economic conditions.
The Next Workforce
Strategic Workforce Planning is never complete. As industries, technologies and communities continue to evolve, the next workforce becomes the starting point for the next cycle of planning.
Where TAKE ACTION is applied
The framework has been adapted across:
- Businesses and employers
- Government departments and agencies
- Industry sectors and peak bodies
- Local government and regional development organisations
- Education and training providers
- International development programs
- National workforce and skills initiatives
Whether the focus is one organisation, a region, an industry or an entire country, the principles remain the same: understand the challenge, bring people together and develop practical solutions that can be implemented.
Looking ahead
Every workforce decision creates the foundation for what comes next.
If your organisation is planning for the next workforce, the conversation starts with understanding the full picture.