Two in three businesses have no clear employee training plans

New CIPD/ Accenture research shows firms must accelerate the move to digital learning experiences as the workplace goes virtual


LONDON; June 8, 2020 - Only one in three (29%) organisations claim to have clear learning and development (L&D) plans for their employees, according to a new report, Learning and Skills at Work 2020, from the CIPD and Accenture.

Based on a survey of more than 1,200 employers, one in five organisations (21%) do not use any technology to support learning activities and many continue to rely on classroom-based training. The report calls for organisations to harness digital learning methods, while fostering a culture of supportive learning, particularly at a time when skills development is being exacerbated by the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report suggests that use of technology to support learning has increased in importance, but barriers to virtual learning experiences and strategic L&D still persist:

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said:
“Learning has never been more important for business, the UK and working lives – we needed it before COVID-19 and we need it even more now. Yet this report highlights the gap between companies who know this, following through with strategic investment, professional practice, new technologies and time to learn – versus those who know the importance, but allow it to be the first thing cut from the budget. Within the report, there are some incredibly innovative examples of learning, which are developing new skills, behaviours and performance – at times like these we need these examples to be more commonplace.”

Andy Young, Managing Director, Talent & Organization / Human Potential at Accenture said:
“Technology was already disrupting the world of work, and now with most of the workforce going virtual, the pandemic is accelerating the need to harness human and digital skills. While digital learning is commonplace in our personal lives, our report shows that many UK organisations have not invested in this as a competitive advantage, risking significant skills gaps. With new solutions such as virtual and augmented reality that simulate difficult situations, gaming technology, and films to encourage decision making and new behaviours, employers can revolutionise their training plans at a time when their people need it the most. The good news is that some leading UK organisations are getting learning right and seeing productivity gains as a result.”

ENDS

CIPD press enquiries
Helen Ablett / Izzy Uhlig / Becka Bourley
07973 167141
press@cipd.co.uk

Accenture press enquiries
Accenture media team
Andy Rowlands or Alex Dee
ukmediateam@accenture.com

Notes to editor