Rapid changes in technology mean that the work environment is 
constantly evolving and organisations have to prepare for, and embrace, a digital transformation. The adoption of digital tools and processes will have a significant impact on the workforce as a whole, as well as the learning culture of the workplace.
Advancements in technology mean that learning and development can be used to leverage and rethink the way that staff are supported in their day-to-day learning. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are more commonly used to enhance employee learning.
VR eliminates obstacles such as time and distance, as it can provide consistent training across disparate workforces. AI contributes to the idea of just-in-time learning – personalising learning and bringing it exactly where employees need it, such as on their mobile devices. A 2015 report from Narrative Science found that 80% of tech leaders believe the usage of AI will boost employee productivity!
There is a widespread notion that new technologies reduce the need for a human workforce, when in reality it means that the mundane jobs can become automated which, in turn, creates roles that are more skilled and rewarding. So, through learning, it is an organisation’s responsibility to prepare and upskill their workforce.
In the modern day, the best methods of learning are digital. Going digital with learning is often associated with content being readily available on employees’ mobiles, which allows them to choose how they learn (whether it be quizzes, videos or ebooks). This gives learners a sense of freedom with their learning, which may help them retain more.
Microlearning is another example of a more captivating learning method. Breaking down large topics into digestible chunks means more information is retained, and digital learning allows this information to be presented more than once. Wranx combines all of the above elements to create a future-ready training tool that provides continuous digital learning. This reinforcement of knowledge is essential as we often forget up to 90% of information only three days after first seeing it.
It is important to remember that modern technology will not instantly replace more traditional methods. In fact, they can be combined to create a blended learning experience, which incorporates instructor-led teaching and independent computer-based learning. This caters to a variety of learning styles, but it is also more cost and time effective. It also means training is delivered more than just once!
For a business to be successful, employee learning must be built into the organisation’s culture as opposed to one-off training deliveries. Encouragement to upskill and continuously learn shows employees that they are valued and that their personal development is important.
Through conducting a skills gap analysis, businesses can easily identify areas of improvement and, in turn, boost employee skills. This can be done on an individual or team level and involves identifying essential skills needed for certain roles or projects. Once these have been identified, they need to be measured within the company.
The best approach for measurement include surveys, performance reviews and employee assessments. Wranx offers Certainty Based Marking (CBM) assessments that require learners to rate how certain they are of their answer from ‘High’ to ‘Low’, meaning their result will be an accurate indication of their confidence surrounding certain knowledge.
Results from assessments can be examined through in-depth analytics, commonly provided by e-learning platforms, to identify any knowledge gaps. The organisation can then act on this data and provide the training required to upskill their current staff. This also comes in useful for hiring new talent, as they can target candidates with the necessary skills.
Moving into the future, businesses can expect various changes in technology that will have a direct impact on staff and the culture of learning within the workplace. Although it’s a common fear that automation will replace the need for employees in specific roles, it’s important to remember that this new technology can be leveraged to develop and upskill employees.
Combining new technologies and traditional methods results in a more well-rounded learning approach that can develop employees for the future. This is the case for Wranx, as content is readily available on mobile and AI technology helps determine what questions learners should see and how frequently. Investing in technology and getting your workforce future ready will benefit your organisation as you can stay ahead of the digital disruption, whilst increasing the productivity and skills of your employees.
