For some, working life has returned to the same as it was pre-pandemic. But for others, it’s entirely different. From hybrid working to flexible hours and, of course, the impacts of the great resignation, the work environment has fundamentally changed.
And how we work has caused a chain reaction. The way we learn in the workplace has shifted. The learner wants, and needs are changing, and smart businesses are adapting to the change.
So, how do your current and future workforce want to learn?
Now, we don’t want to spoil anything (you can get your FREE copy of the full Learner Survey Report here)… but here’s an exclusive look at the emerging L&D trends for 2022:
People are still leaving
Yes, that’s right. A full year since our last report, but nothing’s changed. People are still looking to leave their jobs at an alarming rate. In fact, 2 in 5 people will look for a new job in the next 12 months. And this is due to a series of factors including pay, benefits, ability to upskill or reskill or even just to move industries.
But there is also the small factor of the Great Resignation too, which has now led us to what is dubbed the ‘candidates’ market’. With the pandemic giving people time to reflect on what they really want out of life and their career, who can blame them for making changes!
People want L&D
In last year’s report, 44% wanted more learning, and this year is consistent at 43%! This means that almost half of your workforce aren’t happy with their L&D provision.
L&D is growing in popularity in 2022 as workers begin to realise the positive impact it has on their development and careers, with 32% saying staying relevant in their current job is the main motivator to learn and a further 37% doing so to find a new job or secure a promotion.
However, it seems that people are still not receiving the learning they want and need: 27% of people had no access to learning.
The gender gap is narrowing
2021’s report highlighted the disappointing fact that large numbers of women had been forced out of the workplace due to a lack of work-life balance in the pandemic.
However, this year we have seen a positive change in the gender gap. Women are now receiving the learning they need, and in fact, more compared to men. Now, we are not saying they should receive more, but learning should be equal for all, and we are pleased to see the gender gap close.
Self-led learning is on the rise
Remember that point during lockdowns when we weren’t exactly sure what day it was? Well, even though a lot of us were pretty bored, it did mean we took up a number of hobbies and learned new skills (banana bread, anyone?). In fact, in last year’s report, when we told you that 61% of UK workers were practising self-led learning, it was fair to assume this was down to all the free time.
But, to our delight, the trend of self-led learning has continued, with 60% of workers still driving their own development, despite the return to ‘normal’. And this could be down to hybrid working schemes and flexible working allowing more time for learning. But as we know, people want to learn. With 74% of learners wanting the freedom to take training courses in their own time and at their own pace, the future of self-led learning looks bright.
You need to cater for everyone
No two people are alike. So, why should their learning be?
67% of workers have taken the time to understand how they learn best (visual is the most common, in case you were wondering), but only 16% ‘always’ have access to choose how they learn.
But finding a learning style that works for everyone is tricky. So, where would you start?
Provide a platform for your learners to communicate their preferences. You may be surprised what your learners have in common. And sourcing a learning platform to help you cater for all doesn’t have to be hard, LMS anyone?
L&D is the future
This past year has seen the need for L&D in organisations continue to develop. Your people are demanding L&D and with self-led learning on the rise, learners are not letting organisations stand in their way.
But we have barely touched the surface here. With answers from over 5,000 UK workers, our learner survey is Europe’s biggest L&D survey report. It provides you with L&D insights and trends that help you to ensure you’re giving your people access to the learning they want and need to excel in their role and continue to develop.
Written by Claire Moloney Claire is an enthusiastic and meticulous content writer whose passion is to support growth and continual learning for everyone.
