The Top Workplace Learning News: April 2021
With more than a year of pandemic life under our belts, there’s a growing amount of workplace data of its effects on companies. We’ve seen some companies and industries contract while others have grown. Commute times shrunk while screen time ballooned. What, exactly, comes next, and how do we help employees prepare?
This month’s news roundup examines some of the pandemic’s top trends and how they might influence what comes next in the world of learning and development.
Bye-bye, business as usual
It’s widely reported that the pandemic has disproportionately affected women in the workplace. To remedy this situation, companies can’t carry on with business as usual, argues Kimberly Jones, a managing director at PwC. Flexibility is key to making the workplace more welcoming to women. Head to Fortune to read all of Kimberly’s recommendations.
Reimagine workplace wellness
If 2020 was the most stressful year in your working life, you’re not alone. Seventy-eight percent of workers say the pandemic negatively affected their mental health. The shift to remote work also meant a decline in traditional in-person wellness programs. Discover practical ways to preempt work stressors and detect emerging issues in this article on MIT Sloan Management Review.
Resilient leadership lessons from Colin Powell
Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell knows a thing or two about leadership. And Udemy instructor Beth Payne had the chance to learn from his example. As a US diplomat in Iraq, Beth survived a rocket attack and experienced PTSD. But Colin Powell’s behavior taught her some powerful lessons. Beth shares advice on how leaders can build resilient teams, like publicly asking for help and acknowledging bad days. Read all of her tips on Inc.com.
The (IT) skills that pay the bills
Two-thirds of companies plan to hire for IT or tech roles in 2021. But the profile of the ideal IT professional is changing, according to a recent report by CompTIA. There’s a growing emphasis on communication and technology skills for a remote workforce. Explore the findings in more detail on CIO Dive.
Create a better workplace for Black women
Black women make up 7.4% of the US population yet hold only 1.4% of C-suite positions and 1.7% of vice president roles. If your organization is serious about diversity, equity, and inclusion, you need to consider how you will develop and promote Black women. Being a mentor and ally is one approach, says Udemy instructor Marie Deveaux. Get the full story in Training Industry.
Prepare your organization for whatever’s next
How well are your employees adapting to these changes? Do they have the support they need to keep up with their demanding work and home lives? HR leaders recommend creating regular opportunities for employees to share their experiences and concerns. Conduct pulse surveys, hold open office hours, and encourage managers to ask their teams for feedback.
Help your employees keep up with the pace of change — with everything from in-demand technical skills to critical communication and stress management skills. Discover how Udemy can help. Discuss best practices for training your workforce with our learning experts.
