Don’t overlook Learning & Development
Learning and development (L&D) is often an overlooked aspect of workplace strategy, yet is a powerful tool to build skills, promote loyalty and improve engagement. We are facing an unprecedented transformation in the nature of work in the next five years. The World Economic Forum predicts that 42% of tasks will be automated by 2027 and 60% of workers will require training by 2027, so it is critical that companies start focusing on skills development of their workforce.
Companies offering formalised training programmes have been found to increase profitability per employee by 218% and achieve a 24% higher profit margin compared to those spending less on training. Employees also consider L&D opportunities a deciding factor when choosing an employer, suggesting that organisations that incorporate development programmes may be more successful at attracting and retaining talent. We are not talking about compliance training or those annual certifications that HR are required to distribute, but rather how a culture of growth and innovation in an organisation can be better supported by learning opportunities.
Offering courses that focus on skill-building empowers employees to expand their knowledge, building confidence in their roles and preparing them for future challenges. What’s more, a team that feels supported in their personal development is more engaged and motivated. Employees are more likely to stay loyal to a company that invests in their growth, leading to higher retention rates.
Making L&D Accessible
On top of any training programmes that are already embedded in an organisation, having non-vocational and vocational opportunities for learning can further enrich the employee talent pool but a strong learning culture starts with accessibility. My Staff Shop includes discounts on learning resources and courses, making professional development more affordable and appealing. From language classes to industry certifications, these benefits encourage employees to take ownership of their growth independently. This also offers them autonomy to improve their skills outside of work and build their own personal skill-set. Courses such as languages, marketing and business development, leadership, communication, business analytics and web development are just some of the subjects on offer from a host of providers such as Udemy, Rosetta Stone, Oxbridge, International Open Academy and The Shaw Academy.
A learning culture is worth the investment and demonstrates a value in your people, while providing a tangible ROI. If you would like to explore the learning and development aspect of My Staff Shop, just fill in the contact form and one of our team will be in touch soon.
