More important than ever for businesses to use technology to support learning

A recent report has shown that just one in three (29%) businesses claim to have clear learning and development plans for their employees.

This is according to the CIPD and Accenture’s new report, Learning and Skills at Work 2020, which also found that one in five organisations (21%) do not use any technology to support learning activities and many continue to rely on classroom-based training.

The report calls for organisations to harness digital learning methods while fostering a culture of supportive learning, particularly at a time when skills development is being exacerbated by the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report, based in a survey of more than 1,200 employers, suggests that use of technology to support learning has increased in importance, but barriers to virtual learning experiences and strategic learning and development (L&D) still persist.

For example:

• Learning technologies are now used by 79% of employers, with leaders showing signs of growth in digital learning. Yet, the adoption of emerging technologies is sluggish: augmented reality (2%), virtual reality (4%), mobile applications (12%) are only used by a minority of organisations. The report shows that where these methods are being used, they are highly effective and growing rapidly in use.
• Many employers lack the roles and skills needed to deliver digital learning. In-house L&D roles are still dominated by face-to-face trainers. Digital asset creators or curator researchers are rare, appearing in fewer than one in ten organisations.

• The research also suggests a link between learning and productivity. Of businesses with above-average productivity, 84% said their learning strategy is linked to business needs, compared to just 43% of companies with below-average productivity. Similarly, 41% of high productivity firms have increased their investment in learning technologies compared to 22% of firms with below average productivity.
• Lack of learning time (41%), limited budgets (40%) and lack of management time or support (29%) top the list of barriers to the delivery of learning.

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said, “Learning has never been more important for business, the UK and working lives – we needed it before Covid-19 and we need it even more now. Yet this report highlights the gap between companies who know this, following through with strategic investment, professional practice, new technologies and time to learn – versus those who know the importance, but allow it to be the first thing cut from the budget.”

Andy Young, Managing Director, Talent & Organisation at Accenture, added, “While digital learning is commonplace in our personal lives, our report shows that many UK organisations have not invested in this as a competitive advantage, risking significant skills gaps. With new solutions such as virtual and augmented reality that simulate difficult situations, gaming technology, and films to encourage decision making and new behaviours, employers can revolutionise their training plans at a time when their people need it the most. The good news is that some leading UK organisations are getting learning right and seeing productivity gains as a result.”

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