C OVER
STORY
Along with this shift to how we work, companies realised technology and the adoption of technology was paramount. According to Gartner, even amid the current cost-constrained environment, 90 per cent of HR leaders still plan to maintain or increase their investment in technology. In the end, talent leaders will be looking for technologies that streamline processes in balancing a remote and hybrid workforce to provide employees with digital tech-
Artificial intelligence and automation are changing the learning landscape, and L&D departments need to examine how employees are learning to ensure they feel engaged and have the best experience nologies to deliver business services anywhere and ensure greater productivity for the organisation.
66
cloud systems, and Learning Management Systems (LMS). According to Deloitte, 98 per cent of HR leaders utilised virtual learning as the learning landscape transformed dramatically in the ‘new normal’. Learning teams have adapted as 80 per cent focused on creating and communicating detailed learning-related material. With automation tools becoming more widespread and affordable, even smaller
How has the pandemic transformed workplace learning? Can you share the top three shifts that you think are significant? COVID-19 accelerated large-scale digital adoption and transformation, leading to an increased need for acquiring new skills. The pandemic highlighted the need to invest in digital technologies, such as video conferencing tools, | october 2021
organisations took advantage of the chance to reduce daily workloads. Collaboration tools with seamless integration and automation enable a more streamlined remote work experience that eliminates time-consuming tasks. This translates into extensive time savings over the course of a workday, freeing up employees to carry on with more important efforts. The pandemic has shown us the opportunity, strategic value and need for L&D to be put on boardroom agendas. Workplace learning should
be a continuous mechanism with connected parts.
As AI, analytics, automation, and digitalisation disrupt industries and transform businesses, they’re reshaping existing jobs, giving rise to completely new roles – and opening up a deep skills gap in the process. What’s your take on how organisations can offer the global workforce a seamless skilling path? Organisations have to prioritise learning strategies to keep up with the changing environment and preferences of modern learners. Developing a culture of continuous learning – in an environment that embeds upskilling into the flow of work – is vital. A renewed learning strategy makes learning part of the organisation’s mission and adds value. Organisations are rapidly shifting to a digital-first culture as they position for the new norm. Companies are increasingly investing in digitalfirst strategies to drive growth, efficiency and resiliency by upskilling the digital savviness of employees. They’re also investing in integrated intelligent automation platforms built for professional and citizen developers. Integrated low-code platforms enable and accelerate collaboration between
