Continuous learning ánd invest in learning during a crisis, such as COVID-19, is key

For many, the financial crisis of 2008 is within memory – the lessons from then are fresh and still relevant today. The experience of those organizations that emerged resilient, offers today’s leaders examples of actions to take to ensure growth in the long term. It also acts as a good reminder to ensure we don’t repeat any mistakes – such as neglecting to foster continuous learning.

Failure to invest in learning has long-lasting consequences on talent pipelines. In recent years, many of the professional sectors we recruit for have felt the after-effects of a past failure to invest in training and development. Employers that cut back on training during the last recession were – and continue to be – faced with a chronic shortage of skilled workers and they haven’t always been able to capitalize on opportunities as a result.
 

In times of great change, upskilling is vital. In order for our organizations to remain future-ready, our workers’ skills must remain relevant and we need to ensure they have the skills to be adaptable and productive. Investing in learning, development and training allows organizations and employees to have the knowledge and skills not just to keep-up, but to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work.

Unfortunately, training fell from many organizations’ list of priorities as leaders worked to resolve the immediate challenges wrought by the pandemic and in some cases, it still hasn’t been put back onto the agenda. It is these businesses that need to take note and take action now. Not only do they risk not being able to shift gears quickly enough when the market returns, but they risk a disengaged workforce and will struggle to attract the talent they need.

Opportunities for learning and development are key priorities for professionals when considering a new job. It’s something most candidates ask about at interview, and that most employers claim to offer their employees. Continuous learning and the opportunity to upskill are no longer the preserve of junior staff, but more experienced professionals will be equally aware of the impact of digital transformation and how rapidly their skill sets need to continue to evolve to keep up with an ever-changing workplace.

So, neglecting to invest in learning and development has negative consequences for the future availability, attraction and retention of talent, as well as innovation and business growth now.
 

This begs the question:

 

It is too easy to suggest that continuous learning is solely the responsibility of the individual – but that is only part of the puzzle.

Instead, leaders should look closely at areas of skill shortages within their own organization and target their team’s development accordingly. Crucially, think ahead: you know where your skills gaps are now, but will they be the same in 12 months or 5 years? Then, align your learning and development programmes with this bigger picture view.
 

Furthermore, leaders should look at how they offer training opportunities to their staff. Training doesn’t have to – and in these socially distanced times, shouldn’t – mean spending a whole day in a meeting room. Instead, training should be flexible and virtual. It should be able to fit around how your employees work and want to continuous learning, and be adaptable enough to suit everyone’s individual learning preferences.

With new technology and cloud-based e-learning platforms, such as Hays Learning, employees can undertake training when and where they want, in a way that suits them best. The appetite is there from professionals, so managers should be thinking about what online training platforms might suit their teams.
 

It is vital that you ensure these learning opportunities are accessible, visible and – most importantly – encouraged. Too often, employers offer some learning opportunities, but employees are not aware of them, and they are not taken up by current staff.

 

Promote these opportunities in the recruiting process for new employees, and make sure everyone in your organization has heard about them.

Continually stress the importance of continuous learning not only to the growth of the organisation, but for the career progression – and indeed career satisfaction - of individual employees. And here, leaders must lead from the front: remember to be open about your own upskilling journey – show your employees that you take your own learning and development seriously and you’ll inspire your team to do the same.

Sign your team up today to Hays Learning for free and help them adapt to new ways of working.