The global business community faces a daunting reality: a skills shortage that is draining resources and causing an estimated annual loss of £6.6 billion. However, with a robust learning and development strategy, organisations can quickly and effectively plug these critical skills gaps. To stay ahead of the curve, learning and development professionals must stay informed of the latest L&D trends and leverage them to supercharge their programmes and drive success.
Here are the top 6 L&D trends for 2023
1. Growing use of mobile learning (MLearning)
The world of learning is rapidly evolving and MLearning, or mobile learning, is a key driver in this change. As technology advances and mobile devices become more ubiquitous, employees are looking for more convenient and accessible ways to acquire new skills and knowledge. This is where MLearning comes in.
Mobile learning has been around for a while, but its popularity is set to increase in 2023 as companies recognise its benefits. Studies have shown that MLearning can increase learner efficiency by 43% and result in learners finishing courses 45% faster than traditional methods.
As digital literacy becomes more widespread, educational apps are becoming a more engaging and enjoyable way of learning new skills. Research has revealed that two-thirds of people will use an app more frequently if it makes their lives easier. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that more and more organisations are incorporating MLearning into their development programmes to provide their employees with an accessible and convenient learning experience.
2. Learning analytics will be vital for a successful L&D strategy
Learning analytics holds the key to unlocking the full potential of L&D programmes in 2023. With its ability to identify learning trends, measure success, and address challenges, learning analytics will be an essential tool for organisations of all sizes. From finance to sales to marketing, data drives decision-making in every aspect of business – and learning analytics is no different.
By integrating analytics into your L&D process, you’ll have immediate access to valuable data that can guide your organisation’s employee development initiatives. This data will help businesses build more successful programmes and make informed decisions on where to allocate future resources. Don’t let your organisation miss out on the benefits of learning analytics – make sure you’re ready to harness its power in 2023.
3. Microlearning will become the preferred method for acquiring knowledge
Microlearning is changing the way employees acquire knowledge. By delivering bite-sized pieces of information at the point of need, this learning approach prioritises convenience and focus. Unlike traditional methods that require extended periods of study, microlearning offers short and engaging interactive assignments that concentrate on specific learning outcomes.
With the increasing demand for quick and accessible content in daily life, it’s not surprising that our approach to learning is also evolving. Research supports the effectiveness of microlearning, showing that it increases retention by 80% and is 17% more efficient than traditional learning methods.
The growth of microlearning is expected to accelerate in 2023, driven by the rise of mobile devices and the government’s support of e-learning. The future of employee education will see the emergence of nano learning, a more concise way of delivering content by splitting topics into smaller sections and conducting daily small tasks.
4. AR and VR driving immersive learning experiences
AR and VR are taking the world by storm, transforming our perception and interaction with the environment. In the realm of learning and development, immersive learning is emerging as a powerful experiential training technique that leverages virtual reality to simulate real-world situations.
As we enter 2023, the way we consume learning is set to change. Digital learning is taking a step forward and moving beyond videos, offering an immersive experience through AR or VR. Despite the availability of technology, this trend is taking time to fully develop.
Experts believe that immersive learning is a highly effective way to enhance knowledge and develop new skills. By creating a personalised environment where learning is tailored to each individual’s needs, immersive learning provides an adaptive, real-time experience unlike any other. Moreover, it enables learners to practice skills in a more interactive and engaging way that might not be possible in a conventional learning setting.
5. Tackling the skills gap with upskilling and reskilling
Business leaders are facing a critical skills gap that is hindering their progress, with 71% of CEO’s identifying it as a major obstacle. The solution lies in reskilling and upskilling their current workforce.
By analysing their data and assessing the competencies required for each role, organisations will be able to understand the necessary skill development needed to support their employees in moving into new positions. Investing in upskilling and reskilling strategies now will create a talent pool that is future-ready and equipped to tackle future talent shortages.
As L&D undergoes a major transformation, labour reallocation through upskilling and reskilling will become crucial to an organisation’s success, especially in light of the ongoing shortage of skills. 2023 and beyond will see a continued emphasis on this trend.
6. Learning in the flow of work
The future of learning and development is centred around “learning in the flow of work”, which provides employees with instant access to information without interrupting their work. The trend towards this approach has led to the creation of asynchronous and accessible learning environments that empower learners to control their learning experience.
Over half of all learners now expect training to be available on-demand, a trend that is likely to continue in 2023. Learning in the flow of work is crucial for engaging learners and ensuring the success of L&D programmes. With the ability to learn at their own pace and on any device, employees can apply their newfound knowledge instantly in their role.
What do these L&D trends mean for organisations?
The impact of changing trends in L&D will require organisations to review and adjust their approach. While traditional learning is still important, adopting modern techniques is crucial for better results, engagement and participation.
Companies must revise their L&D strategies and move away from ad-hoc training. To foster success, employees must continuously acquire new knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the competition.
These trends may require major changes to L&D strategies, but organisations can take gradual steps to incorporate current advancements in L&D and improve their overall approach.
Unlock the power of 2023 L&D trends to drive success
Tack TMI’s team of L&D specialists can help your organisation harness the latest L&D advancements to improve your 2023 strategy. Our innovative approaches and blended solutions can revolutionise how employees acquire knowledge, ensuring your organisation stays ahead and builds a workforce ready for future challenges. Speak to a Tack TMI learning advisor to discover how you can tap into current L&D trends to drive success.
This blog was originally published on Tack TMI UK, you can read the full article here.
