A study, which shows increases in learning consumption across Skillsoft portfolio; highlights in-demand skills and top trends shaping the future of work

The ever-evolving workplace culture and nature of the work have led to a surge in skilling. There has been a 37% year-over-year (YoY) increase in total time spent upskilling by learners.

The findings of the Skillsoft report highlight that generational shifts, technological transformation, and an increasingly complex global economy have put a premium on leadership. 

"Employees want more enriching and rewarding careers, while organisations want a sustainable, future-fit workforce. A social compact has emerged, creating a skilling revolution underpinned by learning,” said Jeffrey R. Tarr, Chief Executive Officer, Skillsoft.

The report shows a 32% YoY increase in time spent by learners upskilling their leadership, business, and power skills. Written communication, unconscious bias, virtual work in the new normal, working remotely, and communication essentials are the top five skill areas of interest that reflect learners’ desire and need to adapt to the evolving, hybrid workplace.

The findings of the report also reveal that Skillsoft’s First Time Manager and Leadership Development Core Aspire Journeys are seeing the largest overall number of completions as organisations and learners prioritise leadership capabilities within a work environment that has been fundamentally transformed since the pandemic.

Technical modernisation is the practical reality

The rapid evolution of technology is driving economic growth, innovation, and development, and investing in relevant skills is essential for talent and organisations to stay competitive in this fast-moving digital area. As a result, Skillsoft’s report notes a 39% YoY increase in time spent by learners expanding their technical skillsets.

IT-decision makers surveyed in Skillsoft’s 2022 IT Skills & Salary Report said their top four skill areas of investment are cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, and infrastructure and systems, respectively. This aligns with Skillsoft’s Lean Into Learning Report showing 70% of the top 10 technology & developer skill areas of interest revolving around infrastructure, cloud, and security.

Python stands as the most searched topic over the past year by learners, followed by Java, SQL, JavaScript, and HTML, respectively. Web development, data science, machine learning, computer science, and data analytics are the top five subjects across Codecademy’s catalogue.

A true culture of compliance is a mindset rather than a mandate

The wake of the pandemic has brought new regulatory requirements, supply chain challenges, cultural conflicts, and emerging risks from a hybrid workforce. As organisations increasingly view compliance as a mindset rather than a mandate, Skillsoft’s report highlights a 27% YoY increase in time spent by learners on compliance training, with 60% of the top 10 trending compliance courses revolving around physical workplace and personal safety. 

Additionally, 60% of working professionals surveyed for Skillsoft’s recent CSR at Work Report cited an uptick in CSR interest and investment from both employers and employees alike.