A recent survey conducted by D2L, a global learning technology company, has uncovered a significant disparity between U.S. employers and employees regarding the pursuit and provision of skills development.
While both parties acknowledge the importance of continuous learning for retention, productivity, and adaptability, consistent upskilling remains uncommon among the workforce.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with Morning Consult in early 2024, highlights a broad consensus on the value of learning and development. A striking 82% of learning and development leaders identified talent acquisition and retention as their primary human resources challenge.
Additionally, 83% of employees acknowledged the importance of ongoing skills development for their job performance.
Despite this shared recognition, the survey reveals notable obstacles to continuous education. While 41% of employees prefer to look to their current employer for job-specific skills training, only 51% have engaged in formal education or training outside of work in the past five years. Time constraints (42%) and a lack of motivation (35%) are cited as significant barriers.
Potential for positive change: Baker
John Baker, Founder and CEO of D2L, emphasized the potential for positive change in response to these findings.
“This data shows us that there is a clear opportunity to help make a positive change when it comes to upskilling that could dramatically shift the way employees learn and grow while strengthening organizations,” Baker said. He further noted the role of technology in enhancing training delivery and addressing skills gaps.
Key suggestions
D2L’s report, titled “Invest, Upskill, Excel,” delves deeper into the survey results and offers strategic recommendations for learning and development leaders.
Key suggestions include aligning talent strategies with business goals, prioritizing outcome-focused learning experiences, and leveraging metrics to track the return on investment of training programs. Additionally, the integration of educational technology is recommended to meet the diverse needs of the workforce.
The report underscores that continuous skills development is essential not only for individual growth but also for organizational resilience and success. As Baker highlighted, “Learning and development is no longer a nice to have but a necessity to help ensure the workforce is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the modern workplace.”