The rapid progress in technology has fundamentally influenced the development of the modern workplace. Traditional methods of learning have given way to new modes of communication and collaboration. Companies have started to incorporate these new methods into their learning and training programs, both on-site and at home. Doing so allows them to employ innovative techniques for continual learning for employees outside of the workplace, as well as reduce training costs. The number of technologies utilized is beyond the scope of this article, but the main ones will be considered.
One of the main uses of technology for employee development pertains to the facilitation of career planning between management and employees. Digital technology profiles allow a flexible and creative method for employees to keep management continually updated on their goals and achievements. The inclusion of a career development planning section on regular performance review forms ensures constant interaction on this issue. Employees can discuss with management their performance and career goals, and management can provide an appropriate level of career opportunities.
Learning and Development (L&D) programs allow employees to fine tune their career development. Millenials now make up a large portion of the workforce in Western countries,and a recent study has shown that they rank training and development as the number one most valuable benefit an employer can provide. How you offer your L&D is important. Millenials are familiar with mobile devices, so use of apps is vital. However make sure not to leave your older workers in the dust.Flexibility is important.
Although training is moving from the classroom to the digital, human-to-human contact can still be maintained. Video conferencing technology plays a role in facilitating this. It allows people not located in the same place to interact as if they were. Remote training sessions allow tutors to share their screen to demonstrate specific and important tasks, and distribute content to everyone watching. As mentioned above, tech-savvy millenials are very competent in the use of smartphones, and experts predict that there will be 6.1bn smartphone users globally by 2020. Video conferencing technology allows such devices to be used as well. A good example of this is Google Hangouts.
Taken together, the strategies presented above allow companies to keep pace with the face changing nature of the technology landscape as it relates to employee development. The key is to synthesize the various technologies in a L&D package that is both useable and flexible. One pertinent example of a company that does this is Adobe and its Leading@Adobe curriculum. Adobe’s size made it rely on technology, including its web conferencing platform, Adobe Connect, and on-demand resources. It’s Check In performance management model has resulted in improved employee satisfaction and productivity. Such as example shows what can be done when a company adapts technology in an innovative way to better serve employee development.
Adam Watson