Benefit: Workers expect relevant courses to address targeted upskill areas  that will also benefit them  throughout their lives

By Isaac Moledi

There has been a significant shift in eLearning (the delivery of learning and training through digital resources) this year, with the focus shifting from content to employees as more organizations prioritized eLearning to transform workers into high performers who drive businesses towards their goals.

“The need for tangible returns on eLearning investments was pivotal for 2023,” says Michael Gullan, CEO of G&G Advocacy, an eLearning consultancy that assists organisations in transforming their workforce into a force to be reckoned with. The learning and development (L&D) professionals sought deeper strategies, better, flexible technology and sharp, relevant, interactive learning experiences, from gamified modules to large-scale mentorship and coaching. 

The role of an L&D specialist is to identify the current and future skills requirements of an organisation and create flexible learning interventions through digital and other means to meet the diverse needs of the workforce.

“This year, we were privileged to see more organisations prioritizing eLearning to transform employees into high performers that drive businesses toward their goals,” Gullan says.

He tabulates the following aspects as some of the most common technologies used by L&D departments in 2023:

• Content supports objectives:  L&D professionals and eLearning specialists are putting employees first. A basic standalone LMS (learning management system) is no longer enough while uploading courses and information no longer cut it.  The year 2023 welcomed deeper learning strategies aligned with and in support of business goals.
  
  
• Focus on employees: This year saw a shift in focusing on employees with questions like, what skills do our employees have? What skills do they need to meet the organisation’s goals? How can we close the skills gaps in an interesting, dynamic way? How can they apply their new skills in the flow of work?
  
  
• Get a return on investment (ROI):  The days of uploading generic courses or learning content we think employees need are long gone. “2023 saw the growth of performance-focused eLearning that impacts the bottom line. eLearning strategies align with the organisation’s macro goals to enhance employees’ performance, passion and shared vision.”
  
  
• Meet employees where they are: Training and development no longer happen at predetermined times and spaces. Employees want to connect with new learning material when they have the time, the need and the mental space. This can be in the office, at home or when they are on the move. They also want opportunities to apply their new skills in the workflow.”
  
  
• Mentorship and coaching at scale: While L&D professionals and employees understand the benefits of being coached and mentored by leaders,  eLearning is being used to coach and mentor employees at scale via a blend of mediums, such as webinars, simulated webinars, videos and other interactive learning mediums. eLearning is also in high demand to upskill leaders on how to coach and mentor their teams better.
  
  
• Beyond upskilling and reskilling:  More organisations are using eLearning to lead key business-wide initiatives such as mentoring and coaching programmes, diversity, equity, inclusion, reskilling and upskilling, employee well-being, career development, leadership training, digital transformation, compliance and hybrid work.
  
  
• Employees have high expectations: Today’s employees are time-strapped and their days are fraught with distractions.

“     They expect hyper-focussed, targeted and engaging interactive learning experiences that fit into their busy schedules. Importantly, they expect courses to be sharp and relevant, facilitating knowledge retention and application. Employees also expect learning to address targeted upskill areas that will benefit them in life and the workplace.

• Interactive and memorable learning experiences: Employees expect their online learning to be memorable, enjoyable and gamified. They want simulations, case studies, and interactive quizzes to ensure their new skills and knowledge are applied and retained.

       They want sharp, to-the-point, relevant courses and learning outcomes.

• Hybrid working, hybrid learning:  Employees and organisations expect their eLearning to match how they work. Some want a fully online programme and others want a blend of online and face-to-face methods, even if the instructor is on video via webinar.

“Most employees prefer webinars to in-person training so they can pause and rewatch learning material on demand.’’ ‘’ 2023 welcomed many giant shifts in eLearning from content delivery to addressing organizational goals and employee needs.

’’ Traditional course uploads  on basic LMSs were replaced by hard-working  strategies prioritizing  skill acquisition  via sharp , dynamic learning experiences. Tangible ROI and alignment  with broader  organisational goals became paramount . Organisations are demanding solutions that unite personalised, targeted learning with eLearning technology that supports employees to learn, retain and perform.

POWER OF PERSONAL BRANDING

BUZZWORD: Insights and strategies to boost career opportunities through authenticity in a digital age…

By Prabashni Reddy

The world we live in has become a hyper-connected world, a strong personal brand is an essential tool for professional growth and success.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the way we present ourselves online can significantly impact our career opportunities, networking potential, and overall professional credibility. Marketing Manager, Prabashni Reddy from Regent Business School, unpacks the power of personal branding.

In the digital era, your personal brand acts as your virtual handshake – it’s often the first impression you make on potential employers, clients, or partners. With this in mind it stands to reason that personal branding is more than just a buzzword. It’s about presenting a consistent, authentic image of who you are, what you stand for, and the unique value you bring to the table.

Unearthing Your Unique Value Proposition

The cornerstone of a compelling personal brand is authenticity, and building a brand that resonates, starts by introspecting your unique skills, strengths, and attributes. What sets you apart? How do you want to be perceived? Understanding and articulating your unique value proposition is vital in shaping a brand that truly represents you. With the digital realm offering a myriad of networking avenues, a strategic approach is key. Engage, don’t just exist. Actively participate in discussions, share insights, and provide value to your audience when you share content. All these are pivotal in leveraging social and digital platforms effectively.

Crafting an Engaging Online Persona

When used effectively, platforms like LinkedIn become a powerful tool in building a professional brand image. Your online persona should reflect your professional self, tailored to the digital medium. Take the time to optimise your social media profiles by creating engaging content and being active on relevant platforms. Remember, authenticity and consistency are crucial – your online presence should align with your real-world persona.

Networking in the Digital World

Networking remains a critical component of personal branding, this is where leveraging online platforms comes into play – they are not just for connecting but for building meaningful relationships. Engage in conversations, share your expertise, and be a proactive member of your professional community. By doing this you position yourself as a thought leader in your area of expertise which can only add to your personal brand.

Navigating Digital Reputation Management

Effectively managing your digital reputation involves a nuanced approach in the ever-evolving online landscape. The digital world, dynamic in nature, can be unforgiving, making it crucial to be mindful of the content you share and engage with. Every post contributes to your digital identity, and a seemingly harmless comment may have unintended consequences. For instance, an offhand remark made in jest could be misinterpreted, highlighting the importance of strategic and deliberate online contributions.

Engaging thoughtfully with content is equally vital; active participation in discussions and forums shapes your personal narrative and influences how others perceive you. A consistent pattern of insightful comments on industry-related platforms, for example, can establish you as a knowledgeable and respected figure within your professional community.

Responding constructively to criticism is another key aspect of digital reputation management. Instead of reacting defensively, addressing critiques with a measured and thoughtful response demonstrates resilience and openness to improvement. Consider a scenario where a company responds transparently and empathetically to a negative product review. Such an approach showcases a commitment to customer satisfaction and can mitigate potential reputational damage. Lastly, maintaining awareness of your online perception is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring of social media profiles and staying attuned to feedback allows for proactive issue resolution. By navigating the digital realm intentionally, you can shape and safeguard a positive reputation aligned with your goals and values.

Measuring Success and Adapting

Success in personal branding isn’t just about gaining followers or likes; it’s about thoughtful engagement, influence, and achieving your professional goals. Set clear KPIs, monitor your online influence, and be prepared to adapt your strategy as the digital landscape evolves.

Building a strong personal brand in the digital age is an ongoing journey. It requires self-awareness, strategic thinking, and a commitment to authenticity. With these insights and strategies, you’re well-equipped to start that journey, enhancing your professional reputation and unlocking new opportunities in the digital world.

• Reddy is marketing manager at Regent Business School with over 20 years of senior management experience spanning diverse sectors such as tourism, gaming, events, and education marketing