L&D Playing Catch-up as Workers Adopt New Ways of Working and Learning, Says New Towards Maturity Research
A new report from the independent research organisation reveals that L&D teams are finding themselves trying to keep up, as workers set the pace with new ways of working and learning.
Towards Maturity’s latest In-Focus Report, Learning and Performance on the Move, published today in association with learning technology provider Redware, reveals learning and development teams are having to ‘catch up’ as the workforce adopts new ways of working and learning. Despite the fact 90% of workers now own a smartphone or tablet, only 38% of L&D teams are enabling learning resources specifically for mobile devices.
The report, which uses data from the 2015 Towards Maturity Benchmark Study™ of more than 600 L&D leaders, shows that 87% of L&D leaders want to help learners access support at the point of need, but only 15% are having any success. Furthermore, of the 86% who want to facilitate continuous learning, only 11% report that this is actually happening. Given that 67% of organisations do offer mobile learning in some form, it is clear that current mobile strategies are not delivering the desired impact.
The current focus for most organisations, is to ensure that existing content is made available on mobile devices. However, only one-sixth of these organisations are harnessing the capability of the mobile device (for example, building apps expressly for L&D activities).
Commenting on the findings, Towards Maturity Founder and CEO Laura Overton, said:
“New flexible and fluid working environments require L&D leaders to rethink how learning and performance is supported. This is not simply about putting existing content on a phone or tablet; this is about understanding how L&D can support a mobile workforce that is tech-savvy, connected; a workforce that learns more from peers and resources that are easily found at the point of need, rather than from formal interventions.”
The report shows that Top Deck organisations (the highest-performing organisations in the top 10% of the Towards Maturity Index) are using tactics that make a difference. For example, 84% are using their mobile learning strategy to help people locate in-house experts when they need them (versus 38% on average), with 66% improving the ability to communicate in real time (versus 32%). These tactics are having a range of significant benefits for Top Deck organisations, including:
- 82% have improved the quality of learning experience (vs. 40% on average)
- 76% have extended learning to remote workers (29%)
- 67% have improved learning access and flexibility (40%)
André Wigley, CEO of Redware, added: “Working patterns are changing quicker than ever with three out of four people in part-time, temporary or zero-hours contracts. Legislation and government promotion of these practices along with a change in demographics are ensuring they blossom but what solutions exist for ensuring all employees are engaged in the learning strategy? As L&D leaders, are current practices adaptable enough to best meet their needs?
“As an industry we must see this time as a clear call to action to build solutions that answer not only the problems of the mobile demand today, but also lay foundations to answer the new and yet unseen demand of the younger generations appearing in the workplace.”
The report, which explores the four essential elements for supporting learning and performance on the move: rethinking content, moving beyond content, harnessing the technology in the hands of the workforce and mitigating the security risks, provides practical tips and data to support L&D teams that are looking to reinvent learning and performance support for mobile ways of working.
To download a free copy of In-Focus: Learning and Performance on the Move, visit: www.towardsmaturity.org/in-focus/2016/mobileworkforce
ENDS
Information for editors
Laura Overton is available for interview. Contact 0208 542 2331 if you would like to book a conference call.
About Redware
Redware is a privately owned business that has been established for over 15 years with its headquarters in Royal Leamington Spa. Redware has successfully developed and delivered a sector-leading Learning Management Solution to an extensive portfolio of clients.
Redware has enabled global brands and businesses to exceed their training and development expectations, by enabling formal and informal learning to be joined, bringing talent to life. It provides learners with the same environment they expect outside of work - multi-channel, device and media - to help them achieve their learning goals.
Redware prides themselves on delivering a personal and transparent service at every stage of the process. Clients work with named account managers and can discuss requirements directly with developers working on their solution.
Redware offers a second to none service, where learning comes to life.
Contact Redware at www.redware.co.uk/contact-us or phone on +44 (0)1926 659 444
Follow Redware on Twitter at @Redware