Reimagining learning and development for a hybrid workplace
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Learning changes us. It helps us become better disciples of our profession, those who put forward the right questions, be more curious and aware. With learning, we develop an all-important growth mindset. This notion was evident over last year's remote work culture and showcased how employees valued and prioritized their learning via formal and informal learning. With workplace 2.0 in full effect, the L&D team must now focus on mapping skill requirements required to adapt to a hybrid future, where a combination of remote working and office goers will change the workplace.
Truly learning knows no boundaries, and the L&D team today has a sea of opportunities to transform its talent pool. You already have enough data of learner's behaviors and their viewpoint to help build, enable, and empower a future-ready workforce to meet tomorrow's challenges. So, how do you reimagine the learning and development for a hybrid workplace? Here's how:
Upgrade digital learning tools
Now that the world of work has completely changed and the hybrid work model is now a reality, organizations need to re-look at their digital learning strategies. But despite the desire to adopt digital learning tools, about 43 percent of the respondents from the "Learning Trends India" report said they aren't using new-age digital learning experience platforms. At the same time, 62 percent of the respondents said that their investment in digital learning is less than 25 percent of their overall L&D budgets. The imperative for L&D leaders is to audit their learning tools, assess the existing systems, processes and rebuild them. You'll need to look at the "HOW" part of learning as much as the "WHAT" is being learned. With new age 'learning experience' platforms that foster a continuous learning culture, it is easier to align employees' learning expectations.
Build skills and capabilities for the future
Developing future-focused skills should be a top priority for every organization. Technology will enable you to achieve this by delivering a more personalized and immersive learning experience to the learner based on their needs and career path. Did you know that workforce will require tech, social and emotional skills to do their job in the next decade? So, commence outlining the course by refocusing on your organizational priorities and sowing the seeds of growth for a better workplace. Focus on workforce strategies and map your skilling requirement by asking questions like which job roles are best required to be done at the office? Which roles can be accomplished remotely? Which functions are best performed at both places? And what is the best possible learning roadmap for these positions?
Track formal and informal learning
To improve learning outcomes, focus on what the learner is learning. Non-structured learning can give insights into interest areas, study patterns, and engaging formats. In our "Learning Trends India' report, 95 percent of the respondents said it's essential to track informal learning, while 58 percent don't currently track it. While several organizations would like to track aspects like non-structured learning as part of their learning strategy, most don't have the tools to do it. The need to have a learning ecosystem is critical here – one where all types of learnings happen, which enables you to reduce reskilling costs and increase employee engagement and retention.
Make learning personal
Hybrid work model, in some way, adds a layer of complexity of recognizing when and where the learning is undertaken. So, how can the effectiveness of learning be increased? What can make learners spend more time with their learning plans? The answer lies in personalization. Everyone has a different journey that's unique to them, and developing a clear connection for your people between what they are learning and their current, or future job role motivates them to dedicate time and attention to their development. The new-age learning experience platforms aid in connecting learning plans to each learner's short and long-term career goals, thereby empower learners with smart tools that personalize their learning experiences and support in building skills of the future. It becomes distinctly important to meet diverse learning needs with a personalized, human touch in a hybrid world.
Final thoughts
Returning to a pre-pandemic era work-life might take some more time, but that does not have to stop us from understanding and building a diverse ecosystem in which our learners work and live. With the latest tech and digital tools at our disposal, L&D teams can support the development of their personal and professional lives wherever they operate.