The Top Workplace Learning News: February 2021

It’s officially been a year since the COVID pandemic led to stay-at-home orders and a sudden shift to remote work. What has changed over the past 12 months? And how are these changes likely to affect our work and lives in the coming months and years? We’re seeing new research and predictions on the topics within the HR world.

Here is a quick overview of the industry news and thought leadership we’ve been reading this month.

How the pandemic is reshaping the labor market

New research from McKinsey reveals some big changes to the labor market. Around one out of every ten US workers — 17 million people — will need to leave their jobs by 2030. The demand for retail and hospitality jobs will decline as companies shift more toward e-commerce and delivery models. How can workers prepare for this shift and what other changes can we expect? Head to Bloomberg for a detailed summary of McKinsey’s findings.

Hot topics for remote workers

Udemy’s 2021 Workplace Learning Trends report uncovered some massive changes in learning habits. Between 2019 and 2020, interest in soft skills skyrocketed. Some topics, like anxiety management and listening skills, saw quadruple-digit growth. Udemy’s VP of Learning Shelley Osborne and other Udemy instructors reflect on why we’re seeing these changes. Read their insights on CNBC.

New urgency for upskilling

The changes to the labor market aren’t just limited to the US. As many as 375 million workers (14% of the global workforce) will need new skills by 2030. While the specifics vary by role, industry, and country, there are clear trends for in-demand skills. Some of the top skills needed in 2021 include advanced IT and programming, leadership and management, and communication and negotiation. Explore the top ten skills on the Association for Talent Development blog.

How managers can navigate the ongoing crisis

Now that we’re a year into the COVID crisis, leaders can no longer rely on short-term solutions. They need to foster team agility and resilience to see their teams through this next phase. Udemy’s VP of Learning Shelley Osborne shares her tips for being a good manager during this ongoing crisis. Find Shelley’s insights in her latest post on Entrepreneur.

Employees are ready for the next phase of work. Are you?

2020 gave many employees a chance to test out remote work for the first time. And many of them made the most of the situation, embracing the flexibility of working from home and upskilling to prepare for the future. In Fast Company, consultant Shawn Casemore warns of an upcoming war for talent. He offers tactics to help you plan and prepare for this next phase of work.

Prepare your organization — and your people — for the future

These stories paint a picture of a future where soft skills like communication, listening, and management matter more than ever. With continued uncertainty in the job market and the world at large, employees are leaning more on leaders to guide them through this next phase. And while the crisis continues, forward-thinking leaders are already planning for the future and considering how to retain top talent and keep employees engaged.

This is all a lot to navigate. If you’re looking for help to prepare your people for the future, get in touch with our learning experts to discuss the best practices for training your workforce.