The future of work begins now

The turbulence that the workforce has experienced over the last few years has changed how we work. The pandemic, quiet quitting, the Great Resignation, and continued talent shortages have forced organisations to adopt new ways of working.

According to Skillsoft’s 2022 Lean Into Learning report, the evolution of working will stay as there has been “a distinct shift in the traditional balance between employee and employer”.

“We’ve been on a remarkable learning journey. COVID-19 thrust the world into crisis; hybrid work disrupted culture, process, and labour markets; skills gaps and the Great Resignation forced business leaders to reassess how they build, nurture, and retain their workforce,” commented Skillsoft chief executive Jeffrey Tarr.

“All of this disruption has given birth to a ‘skilling revolution’. Throughout this transformative time, we have worked closely with our customers to help them leap into action, empowering their employees through learning, and ensuring they have the skills to succeed in a new world.”

According to Skillsoft, employees are no longer searching for the biggest largest salary. Now, other aspects of the business will attract talent just as much as wages.

Learning and development

In the midst of talent shortages, ensuring learning and development opportunities are available is not only a great way to attract employees to the business but also serves as a way of upskilling existing staff to fill positions.

Mr Tarr said: “And, as 2022 unfolded, a common question arose: How can organisations build learning programs that show clear ROI — not only to support employee growth, but to drive enterprise-wide transformation?”

“We’ve discovered that while those giant leaps into learning can be the springboard for change, it’s the ‘steady leans’ that create sustainable gains: the day-to-day commitment to people and purpose, especially in times of crisis.”

Lean Into Learning listed the benefits to investing in learning and development as:

• Closing skills gaps for today
• Investing in a sustainable workforce for tomorrow
• Building in-demand tech skills
• Reaching the next level with power skills

“When you offer your employees purpose-driven learning, you invite them to make that commitment, too — leading to increased loyalty, improved employee retention, and incredible ROI — along with the skills and competencies that ensure a future-fit workforce. When they do well, you do well,” added Mr Tarr.

ESG responsibilities

The workforce of the future is reportedly seeking to make a change. Companies should be focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG), not only to make the world a better place but also to attract employees that want to represent a progressive organisation.

“The world stands at a critical crossroads with public health emergencies, climate concerns, economic and social disparity, and rapid technological change creating unprecedented and simultaneous disruptions. Today’s employees, partners, and customers are asking organisations to support the greater good. And, business leaders are answering the call,” said Mr Tarr.

“The businesses that will thrive tomorrow are those that embrace the new social compact of today: one where employers, their people, and their communities are leaning into learning — and growing — together.”

Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an important aspect of ESG responsibilities that resonates with candidates.

Lean Into Learning said DEI is “a significant contributor to competitive advantage. Diversity leads to innovation, and innovation leads to growth. Consequently, organisations need to recruit, build, and develop stronger teams through diversity.”

Hybrid working

HR Leader recently discussed why hybrid working is here to stay, with Peerspace CEO Eric Shoup saying: “Hybrid work will continue to evolve, but there is no question that it is here to stay.”

Skillsoft agrees with this, saying that hybrid work will become the norm in 2023, and organisations will be forced to conform to this as talent remains harder to come by.

While hybrid working is still in a relatively experimental phase, Skillsoft said that new processes, software, and practices would emerge as we get used to this new way of working.

Lean Into Learning listed the ways employers will stay ahead in the new world of hybrid working:

• Spend time talking to employees
• Have an open calendar
• ‘No team member left behind’
• Utilise global talent
• Recognise remote workers
• Embrace flexibility

To read the full 2022 Lean Into Learning report, click here.