The Future of Learning Technologies 2023

Optimize learning technologies to improve organizational learning culture

Organizations are transforming at lightning speed fueled largely by new technologies. But of all the functions undergoing these changes, one of the most critical is the way we prepare our workforce for the future. 

Imagine delivering training today without robust virtual communication platforms or online learning systems. And reskilling and upskilling have become top business priorities.

Twenty-five percent of the skill sets required to perform many jobs have changed since 2015 and this number is expected to double by 2027. Predicting what new skills will be needed, delivering training just-in-time and as part of the daily workflow, AI-driven content creation, and determining the impact of our training investments are just a few examples of learning technology solutions that will consume a larger percentage of our corporate learning budgets.

In HR Research Institute's recent 'The Future of Learning Technologies 2023' report, we take a closer look at learning technology trends and practices through the eyes of HR professionals.

Here are a few highlights from the report.

The Prevalence and Relevance of Learning Technologies

Finding: The majority say learning technologies play a critical role in learning and development
The past few decades saw the use of technologies become commonplace within the learning function. Technology is radically transforming how organizations prepare workforces for the future and help employees grow. Our respondents agree; 83% agree or strongly agree that technologies currently play a crucial role within L&D and just 8% actively disagree with this statement.

Career Development is a Key Aspect of Learning and Learning Technologies

Finding: Employee career development and new skills development are driving corporate learning
Employee career development has always been critical to an organization’s current and future business performance. However, with skills shortages, rapidly changing business models, and the number of jobs requiring reskilling or upskilling, it has now become even more crucial. In fact, respondents rate career development as the most important factor driving learning in their organization (62%). Career development benefits both the organization and its employees. It helps the organization with a pipeline of ready talent for current and future talent needs while increasing retention. For employees, it makes them feel valued and increases a sense of belonging.
Finding: Learning technologies will better aid career development in the future
Since career development is the top driver of learning, it makes sense that 59% expect learning technologies will better aid career development over the next three years. Learning technologies may better enable organizations to develop career paths based on forecasted business needs. Employees will more easily be able to match their skill sets and interests with their career objectives and automatically suggest learning paths to help prepare them for future careers.

Barriers and Benefits of Learning Technologies

Finding: While limited collaboration functionality is the most common weakness of learning systems, no weakness was selected by a majority
We asked respondents to choose the top four weaknesses of their organization’s learning systems. While no weakness was selected by more than half of respondents, 46% feel their learning systems have limited collaboration functionality. A further 39% say that a lack of personalization is a weakness and 35% say a poor ability to integrate with other systems.  

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