Understanding L&D in 2023
In our latest survey, Learning & Development Impact Survey 2023: Benchmarking the changing role of L&D in achieving business success we asked 418 L&D, HR and talent professionals from a variety of different sectors and organisation sizes about the latest changes on the learning and development landscape.
The survey asked respondents about the changing business agenda, the evolving demand for skills, and how changes to working structures were shaping learning strategy. Questions focussed on budgetary realities, the role digitalisation, metrics and new delivery methods play, as well as asking what is topping the learning innovation agenda and where the big challenges are. We also asked what new skills and capabilities L&D is expected to deliver and if agile learning is playing a part.
With Covid-19 no longer a driving concern, L&D and HR practitioners used their survey responses to share how learning challenges had evolved over the last 12 months. Many are facing conundrums posed by hybrid work, learner fatigue, engagement and communication issues. They also need to get better measurements and data and the right balance of digital and in-person delivery approaches, as well as deal with uncertain financing.
Respondents also showed awareness of the learning strategy not being an end unto itself: understanding that it must deliver newly in-demand skills, contribute to the overall talent strategy, and to the overarching business goals. There will be an increased focus on how it delivers leadership skills and meets learners in the ways they want — driven, in part, by a growing understanding of the DEI&B agenda and understanding the benefits and drawbacks of different learning delivery methods.
Whilst there are challenges — such as the disconnect between the understanding of the benefits of measurement and agile learning and their implementation — 2023 survey responses show that there is a widespread understanding within the function of where to go next, how to evolve, why it needs to deliver, and the technology and approaches needed to do this.