2023 has been a transformative year for organisations. Many are still in the early stages of navigating and adapting to evolving technologies, strategies and ways of working. In this dynamic environment, L&D teams too have had to adapt to effectively meet the evolving demands of the workplace.
Join us as we explore three key trends impacting the L&D landscape – and discover the strategies successful L&D teams are using to drive thriving adaptable workforces.
Reading time: 5 minutes
2023 has proven to be a transformative year for organisations. Although the disruptive effects of the post-pandemic era have gradually diminished, there has been an acceleration in the evolution of technologies, strategies and ways of working. Organisations are still in the process of mastering these changes, recognising that it will take time to fully navigate and adapt to this new landscape.
In this dynamic environment, Learning and Development teams have been instrumental in shaping the workforce's future readiness. And L&D teams too have had to adapt, demonstrating creativity, agility, and resourcefulness to effectively meet the evolving demands of the workplace.
Join us as we explore three key trends impacting the L&D landscape – and discover the strategies successful L&D teams are using to drive thriving adaptable workforces.
1. Flexible working
Employees now have greater control over when, where and how they work. Flexible working is no longer seen as a perk; employees expect it (1). In fact, 70% would consider leaving their current position for more flexibility. This expectation is not only transforming the way we work, it’s reshaping the entire L&D landscape (and some argue for the better).
Cultivating a continuous learning culture
Flexible working has accelerated the shift from traditional learning towards a culture of continuous learning. As employees adopt autonomous, self-directed learning, they are taking more responsibility for their own development. Which means L&D has a new responsibility. Fostering a continuous learning culture and empowering employees with the skills, tools and resources to learn in the flow of work.
This, however, comes with challenges. Employees may have greater control over their schedules, but they may also prioritise tasks over learning or multi-task during training, impacting engagement and results. And there are other factors to consider. Physical separation and isolation. Tech fatigue and burn out. All of which can negatively impact learner motivation.
Developing broader, deeper flexible working skills
In the initial, hurried transition to remote work, basic skills in remote communication, digital literacy and self-management were sufficient. However, organisations now recognise that flexible working skills are not just short-term solutions but long-term investments in their workforce's future success. Skills diversity is now a must-have, combining technical and soft skills with role-specific knowledge, all tailored to individual roles and responsibilities. And basic skills are no longer enough: to be effective, our employees need to be adept.
Reporting ROI by monitoring and tracking learning
In today’s cost-conscious environment, tracking and monitoring learning is essential to demonstrate measurable ROI and its direct impact on achieving organisational objectives. However, when learners are dispersed, learning in the flow of work, accessing learning on different devices and engaging in informal learning, tracking and reporting progress can be challenging. Plus, it can be difficult to assess skills that require hands-on experience or certain soft skills such as communication or adaptability.
Strategic priorities for L&D teams
How are successful L&D teams navigating the rise of flexible working arrangements?
- Collaborating with HR and functional teams to define the organisation’s learning culture.
- Supporting managers to develop a growth mindset in their teams and bring learning into the flow of work
- Using predictive analytics to identify emerging flexible work skills, adapt frameworks and identify potential skill gaps early
- Diversifying learning solutions to create personalised learning paths that adapt to individual employee needs and work patterns and develop the breadth and depth of skills needed for different roles
- Incorporating gamification elements
- Providing resources and support for mental health and wellbeing to prevent isolation and maintain motivation
- Using learning analytics, performance metrics, data-driven insights and feedback mechanisms to monitor learner progress and increase learner engagement.
2. Technological transformation
Another major trend shaking up the learning and development landscape is rapid technological advancement. The L&D playbook can now include a wide array of digital tools and new AI technologies.
Integrating technology into learning content
Learning technology is no longer an added bonus, it is now expected. This has given L&D teams an opportunity to streamline the learning experience, create personalised journeys and enhance accessibility. Another game changer? L&D can leverage data analytics and AI-driven insights.
But these rewards come with challenges. Reviewing new solutions and assessing how they might be integrated into a cohesive and manageable structure can be complex and time-consuming.
Upskilling and reskilling to address skills gaps (including L&D teams)
The race to develop skills for success in an AI and tech-enabled future is on. Many organisations have yet to clearly identify and define the key skills their employees need. And without concrete plans for upskilling and reskilling, they risk falling behind and becoming uncompetitive.
Protecting data privacy and security in L&D solutions
With increased use of tech comes an increased need to ensure data privacy and security: learning management systems and analytics collect extensive user data to personalise content and generate reports. What’s more, AI models used in learning analytics can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, with data being manipulated to provide incorrect feedback. Without robust data privacy and security, there is a risk of data breaches and a lack of trust in learning systems.
Strategic priorities for L&D teams
How are successful L&D teams navigating this tech transformation?
- Aligning tech plans with organisational strategy
- Collaborating with other teams and experts to review existing tech solutions and learn about trends, tools and evolving skills
- Integrating digital and tech skills into existing skills frameworks, job descriptions and career paths
- Reviewing and diversifying learning solutions and using learning analytics to enhance L&D
- Adapting existing initiatives for AI-related upskilling and reskilling
- Listening to employee feedback to ensure teams (including their L&D team) are motivated to develop future skills
- Engaging experts to implement and ensure data privacy and security measures within L&D practices
3. Talent retention
The war for talent is still very real in 2023, with 77% of employers reporting difficulty filling roles. And while some experts have declared the Great Resignation over, many organisations are still experiencing talent and skills shortages.
And high levels of turnover impacts L&D. Teams may have to navigate loss of organisational knowledge, skills and expertise, disrupted continuity, increased onboarding and training costs and challenges in tailoring learning initiatives to a constantly changing workforce.
Developing agile and personalised onboarding
With frequent turnover, onboarding becomes an ongoing process. Greater diversity of hires and working patterns, along with a more dispersed workforce, mean that organisations need innovative solutions for a consistent onboarding experience. Personalising this experience can enhance engagement and accelerate the integration of new hires into the organisation’s culture, ultimately leading to long-term retention.
Upskilling and reskilling to address constant and shifting skills gaps
Loss of knowledge and expertise mean constant and shifting skills gaps. Ongoing skills assessments, gap analysis and adjustment of learning strategies can help identify and develop relevant skills. And ensure these align with evolving business objectives and shifting workforce demographics.
Identifying and developing internal talent for succession planning
Building strong talent pipelines can be challenging. According to recent research, only 12% of companies are reaching leadership development maturity (3). Ensuring that employees are both well prepared for leadership positions and motivated to stay within the organisation is a complex balance when turnover rates are high.
Strategic priorities for L&D teams
What steps are successful L&D teams taking to drive talent retention?
- Proactively collaborating with HR and business teams to contribute to talent retention strategies
- Creating individualised development plans that align with career aspirations and paths
- Fast-tracking onboarding, upskilling and leadership development to improve continuity of skills
- Leveraging technology to create personalised, engaging, adaptive onboarding, reskilling and upskilling programmes that can swiftly address specific learning needs
- Using data analytics, measuring learning ROI and implementing continuous feedback to ensure programmes are engaging and meet learner needs.
Looking ahead
By embracing these trends, leveraging their opportunities and tackling their challenges, L&D teams have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation in 2023.
As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, the L&D landscape will continue to shift and evolve. But we can be sure that L&D will remain a driving force in empowering individuals and organisations to flourish. And L&D teams need to remain agile and be prepared to lead in this ever-changing environment.
British Council has over 80 years’ experience of partnering with organisations and individuals in over 200 countries. Our four-step approach to skills gap analysis, learning design, delivery and evaluation supports L&D teams to navigate the upskilling process and empower teams with skills that make a difference.