Learning and development programs are gaining popularity among employees, but there is a divide between employees and employers on their value. According to a recent survey from edX, 84% of employees expect their employer to provide training and education to keep their skills up-to-date, but 51% of executives feel their L&D programs are a “waste of time.”
The gap between executive and worker perceptions extends to the quality of these programs as well. While 65% of C-suite executives believe their employees are “very satisfied” with L&D programs, only 32% of employees themselves report being similarly satisfied. This divide suggests that employees value career development and are looking for it through L&D programs, with the potential to seek employment elsewhere if their current employer does not provide it.
The survey also found that over three-quarters of employees would stay with their current company long-term if better L&D opportunities were offered. However, more than half of employees stated they would leave within the next year for a job that provides better learning programs. Andy Morgan, the head of edX for Business, emphasizes that workers are choosing companies that promote career growth effectively.
To address these issues, executives need to invest in effective learning opportunities that offer career growth. Employees would like to be offered better training and development opportunities to stay with their current company long-term: instead of asking them to sacrifice personal time to take these courses, employees should be given the time to take L&D courses during working hours. The method of content delivery also matters, with school-like class structures being recommended to foster accountability and drive discussion.
The growing prominence of artificial intelligence in the workplace is further amplifying the significance of these adjustments. The survey found that 49% of current work skills won’t be relevant by 2025, and 47% of workforces are unprepared for the future of work. As a result, both executives and non-executives should invest in developing AI skills to adapt to the changing landscape. Ensuring that companies adapt to these trends and offer learning and development programs that are effective and comprehensive will be critical to employee satisfaction and loyalty.
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