As industries evolve rapidly, organisations must cultivate a culture of continuous learning to stay competitive. Creating an environment where learning is a natural part of work involves providing employees with easy access to various learning resources, including online courses, workshops, and professional development programmes.
Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a learning culture. When leaders actively participate in their own development and encourage learning within their teams, it sets a positive example for others. Feedback-rich environments and a growth mindset are crucial in promoting continuous development.
India Today had a word with Priyanka Anand, VP & Head HR, Southeast Asia Oceania and India, Ericsson to better understand how companies can durve employee development and stay competitive.
ALIGNING LEARNING WITH ORGANISATIONAL GOALS
Aligning learning initiatives with company goals ensures that these efforts are beneficial not just for employees but also for the organisation as a whole. Companies have implemented comprehensive programmes to enhance employee performance and align with industry demands, reflecting their commitment to continuous learning and growth.
EVALUATING SUCCESS OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
“To fully understand the impact of Learning and Development (L&D) programmes, organisations need to adopt a multi-faceted evaluation approach. This includes Business Impact Analysis, Performance Metrics, and Behavioural and Cultural Observations, which collectively help assess the effectiveness of L&D efforts,” said Priyanka Anand.
IMPACT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ON EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) programmes are essential for fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and supported. These programmes ensure equal access to learning opportunities and encourage continuous learning, leading to higher motivation, job satisfaction, and retention rates.
INNOVATION FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
“Technology and innovation play a crucial role in supporting employee learning and skill development by providing accessible, flexible, and personalised learning opportunities. Innovations like AI, machine learning, and VR offer hands-on training experiences and personalised learning paths, enhancing the overall learning experience,” she further added.
To ensure that Learning and Development efforts align with organisational goals and values, companies should conduct comprehensive needs assessments, engage leadership, integrate company values into training, and regularly assess and adjust learning programs. This approach ensures that L&D initiatives are relevant, effective, and aligned with evolving business needs.