As we navigate the evolving landscape of work, online learning has proved to be a valuable resource with numerous benefits. In higher education, online colleges and universities have witnessed substantial growth, with approximately 2.79 million students — nearly 15% of all U.S. postsecondary learners — opting for online programs. However, the impact of online learning extends beyond academia, as an increasing number of employees (and employers) are recognizing the importance of upskilling.
Engaging in skills development initiatives can lead to significant income growth, considering that since 2021, U.S. workers experienced an average income increase of 8.6% (nearly $8,000) after participating in upskilling programs. Employers are also recognizing the significant value of online learning, particularly in light of widespread layoffs, as they seek to bridge skill gaps and replace positions that were affected by these job cuts.
To empower employees to reach their maximum upskilling potential, employers should consider investing in a comprehensive online content library. By partnering with content providers covering a wide range of topics, from technical to soft skills, employers can establish a cohesive online learning ecosystem for their workforce.
Access to a Myriad of Learning Courses
More courses offer learners the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects that may extend beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. By presenting a variety of mediums such as training modules, videos, e-books, articles and experiential materials, like recorded keynotes and conferences, learners can take courses that meet them where they are in their learning journey, whether that be a short course or a deep dive. This diverse collection caters not only to the different skills employees seek to explore, but also accommodates different learning preferences, fostering inclusivity for all.
Increased access is also an incredibly versatile resource for enhancing skills that you may not even be aware of. By exploring these courses, you can discover valuable knowledge and competencies that have the potential to benefit both you and your teams in the long run.
Suppose an employee sets out to master pivot tables. Along this learning journey, they may come across other courses that provide unexpected benefits. For instance, they might stumble upon a course on physiognomy, the skill of remembering faces. This seemingly unrelated skill could prove valuable in the long run when seeking to make strong impressions with leadership or preparing for job interviews if they decide to switch companies or departments. Access to diverse content that embraces unconventional learning methods can enhance overall engagement and promotes better knowledge retention.
Going beyond skills, an all-inclusive learning environment also allows managers to help meet the needs of their employees in other ways. An expansive selection of courses is likely to offer a variety of courses around inclusion, helping both managers and employees find better ways to work to understand each other and work together. Inclusion courses can cover a variety of topics, like LGBTQ+ inclusivity and neurodiversity, and having courses easily accessible can provide managers with the tools to ensure all employees feel seen and safe at work.
Self-Directed Learning Opportunities
Providing a variety of upskilling opportunities empowers employees, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning journey and subsequent professional growth. This enables self-directed learning, leading to improved work-life balance and enhanced productivity.
According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, 69% of employees agreed that their employers should take additional measures to support them in dealing with burnout.
The benefits of self-directed learning extend to both employees and managers. For instance, if an employee feels overwhelmed with their workload, they can proactively engage in learning initiatives, such as courses on effective communication, to develop the skills necessary for addressing workload concerns. Similarly, managers can leverage self-directed learning to enhance their abilities, such as seeking courses on delegation, to ensure they avoid burning out employees and ultimately reduce turnover rates. By embracing these newfound learnings, both employees and managers can grow, adapt and contribute to a healthier work environment.
Learning is an individualized and autonomous process: The days of relying on generic assigned learning programs are quickly fading away. Learners now seek the freedom to access learning tools that align with their individual preferences and goals. Ideally, they desire the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on a schedule that suits them best. Through offering a multitude of learning pathways, organizations can cater to a diverse range of interests and provide courses that pique curiosity. It ignites a desire to learn by offering a wide range of options that appeal to your individual learning preferences.
Promoting Ongoing Learning
While content libraries offer a wide range of learning materials to enhance both hard and soft skills, the key to implementing a successful learning ecosystem lies in guaranteeing unrestricted access to this library. By providing employees with open access, organizations can foster continuous learning and professional development in a convenient and accessible manner. Additionally, facilitating a knowledge-sharing dynamic among colleagues continues to build trust within the organization. This holds more weight knowing that research indicates that employees in high-trust companies experience reduced stress and burnout, while enjoying heightened productivity and engagement levels.
Whether it’s designating time throughout the week to continue learning or encouraging managers to work with their teams to find courses that fit their unique needs or desires, these actions show employees that their companies are prioritizing their learning journey by providing them with limitless resources to learn and grow both personally and professionally. Embedding these programs and sharing these tools in a thoughtful way will have a profound impact on your workforce; greatly improving morale, retention and, most of all, promoting a positive learning culture within your organization.
