A significant portion of organizational roles faces imminent disruption due to evolving businesses, economic shifts, demographics, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
 

Failing to "future-proof" the workforce risks the organization's growth and survival. The stakes are high. And, yet most organizations lack the necessary learning and development (L&D) capabilities to address this urgency.

As per the latest study by Forbes, half of the skills required to perform current jobs will become irrelevant in two years! They also claim 47% of our workforce will be unprepared for the future of work.

Thus, there is an urgent need to upskill and reskill the workforce. This process will compel our L&D functions to reimagine their approach to employee development learning. Given the sheer volume of employees who will require upskilling and reskilling, L&D will need to transform the nature of jobs/skill sets, create innovative approaches to career pathing, rely more heavily on learning analytics, and create personalized learning experiences.

We recognize the prevailing concerns among organizations regarding employee productivity and the sustainability of their businesses. Many are grappling with the challenge of establishing clear priorities in talent development, particularly in light of the emergence of Generative AI. Moreover, organizations seek an inclusive approach—one that ensures workforce development and is equitable for all, transcending gender, demographic, etc.

While we are on the topic of gender, here is something to ponder as we celebrate International Women's Day. The overarching theme for this year is "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." This theme emphasizes the critical role of investing in women's education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and leadership development to accelerate progress towards gender equality.

Picture a world where every woman is equipped with the skills and confidence to lead. It's a world where innovation thrives, where businesses flourish, and where communities prosper. By investing in women's leadership development, organizations not only empower individuals but also fuel societal progress.

In the pursuit of progress, there's a powerful truth we cannot ignore: Investing in women accelerates our journey toward prosperity and sustainability. Yet, we face a daunting challenge—a staggering $360 billion annual deficit in gender equality measures by 2030, as reported by un.org.

To bridge this gap and unlock the full potential of our societies, organizations must champion the upskilling of women for leadership roles. This isn't just about leveling the playing field; it's about tapping into a wellspring of diverse perspectives that enrich decision-making and drive enhanced performance.

Check out the exclusive columns, written by human resources leaders, learning and development experts, and women leaders featured in this edition.

They delve into critical areas of talent development, touch upon the need for strategic upskilling for women, and share the latest trends that will impact the future of employee learning. We hope these insights will help you gain valuable perspectives on what works and what doesn't, offering you insights on building effective talent development strategies for your employees.

Don't forget to check out our “Future of Upskilling and Employee Learning 2024” research report, where we take a close look at reskilling/upskilling and the overall learning function now, and in the near future. We also examine the drivers, barriers, and impact of the market and technology (such as AI) on L&D function.

The future of work is here; one that rides on technology, economic factors, and workplace dynamics. Instead of becoming wary of the new world of work, organizations must prepare for the change and then embrace it wholeheartedly. Paving the way for employees to develop is the first step toward it.

Together, let's unleash the transformative power of upskilling for leadership and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow.

Happy Reading!

 
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