L&D leaders are taking a pivotal role in driving business success
With much talk of the Great Resignation heading for Australia and New Zealand, talent attraction and retention is a critical topic for HR leaders right now. Salary, flexibility, purpose – these are all factors jobseekers are considering as they decide whether to stay or go. But there is another key driver that is often overlooked. Learning and development is a powerful tool, tapping into a jobseeker’s desire to grow and upskill as part of their new role.
At the Learning and Development Summit ANZ, being held virtually later this year, the country’s leading L&D experts will discuss a range of topics from leadership strategy to the neuroscience of performance. Supported by event partner Coursera, panellists include L&D practitioners from the likes of Citi, Lendi, Canva and Mars. Raghav Gupta, Coursera managing director, India & APAC, said the discussions will share how businesses can accelerate talent outcomes by leveraging measurable, role-based learning programs and precise skill proficiency goals.
“Our enterprise customers from across the globe have the same overarching goal – equipping employees with the critical digital and human skills needed to succeed, at scale,” he said. “Curating a highly effective learning program aligned to business objectives is crucial for an organization's growth.
“This year's Learning and Development Summit ANZ will offer a nuanced understanding of designing learning programs impacting business outcomes.”
After a rollercoaster 18 months, the role and pace of L&D has changed dramatically. Gupta said talent development is now a core priority for businesses wanting to keep pace with the new norm of remote work, navigate business model disruption and accelerate digital transformation.
“The skills landscape is changing rapidly, and uncertainty is looming large across industries and job roles,” he added. “Online learning holds the promise to drive business growth and resilience, offering required flexibility and scalability, helping companies to address employees’ immediate and future skill needs swiftly.”
The way employees consume L&D has also evolved, thanks to in-and-out lockdowns that have seen some Australians endure the longest periods of restrictions of anywhere in the world. Gupta said organisations met employees’ learning needs by turning to online platforms, and the shift is continuing to grow. L&D leaders recognise the immense value of upskilling and career growth, for both the business and individuals. Now in the wake of the pandemic, a comprehensive L&D offering is no longer just a ‘nice thing to have’.
“In these past few months, L&D leaders shepherded the CEO to prepare the workforce for a new normal, thereby validating their role as strategic business transformation partners and finding their sweet spot in the boardroom,” Gupta said.
“Today, learning leaders play a more significant role in driving enterprise-wide learning strategies, developing a workforce of lifelong learners who progress on their learning paths, learning at their own pace to drive innovation and impact for employers, businesses, and communities.”
Click here to see the full event agenda for this year’s Learning and Development Summit Australia and New Zealand and register for your spot.
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