L&D professionals urged to focus on human-centred skills

The new challenge for learning and development professionals is shifting their focus on teaching skills that machines, automation, and artificial intelligence cannot do.

This is according to a white paper from SAP, which highlighted the future of L&D programmes in the wake of transforming employment landscape due to technology.

According to the paper, L&D programmes need to shift their strategies to focus on human-centred skills as automation kills easily quantifiable and repetitive work.

This includes the ability to communicate effectively, empathize, and reframe challenges.

It comes as current L&D offerings are still too focused on "highly perishable" skills under the heat of automation, according to the paper.

They do not properly account for the big shifts happening in the way the work is done, including the improved network technologies and the debate on whether university degree remains necessary in the workplace.

"Not addressing these issues will worsen longstanding problems for L&D leaders," the report read.

"With ROI difficult to measure, executives often fear that traditional training programmes deliver minimal results. At the same time, L&D budgets are shrinking and learners lack time for training – and often, clarity and support from their managers on learning goals."

The SAP report urged executives in charge to have a "clear view of the present" before planning for their future.

"Chief human resources officers and chief learning officers need to get a handle on the forces — some visible, some hidden — that exist today, and that will play a large role in shaping the future," it read.

"One thing is clear: The future of corporate learning is tightly tied to the future of work."

The white paper from SAP highlighted six drivers that will affect the future of corporate training and learning, which are all currently acting in full force. Grab a copy of the paper here.