In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive talent landscape, continuous learning and development programmes are crucial for organizations to stay ahead. At the same time, employees need to upskill and cross-skill regularly in order to stay relevant and contribute effectively to the organization.
Given that close to half (44%) of employees’ skills will be disrupted over the next five years according to the World Economic Forum’s The Future Of Jobs Report 2023, it is crucial for both organizations and employees to bridge the knowledge gap. The most common method to address skills and knowledge gaps is through reskilling, with 37% of organizations already offering reskilling training and upskilling opportunities to employees. To maximize learning and development opportunities for employees, the best way is to invest in a robust training tracking system to ensure effective administration of learning and development programmes.
Here are some ways in which capitalizing on a training tracking system can enable organizations and employees to bridge the knowledge gaps and build a highly competent and capable workforce.
Efficient tracking of training programmes
A training tracking system offers a centralized platform for HR to administer training programmes efficiently. This often includes detailed tracking of individual employee’s learning progress as well as upcoming and overdue courses. Most training tracking systems allow HR to easily schedule and assign mandatory training and learning programmes to employees, ensuring that employees complete the necessary training on time.
Automated push notifications and reminders also keep employees and line managers informed about existing training programmes that they have to complete. These automated features and centralized tracking software enable HR and employees to track their own learning progress. Further, it ensures that employees receive the appropriate training and are up-to-date on the latest policies and procedures.
Personalized learning pathways
Most training tracking systems today allow HR and line managers to create personalized learning pathways for their employees. Self-service features within the training tracking system also allow employees to design their own learning curriculum in line with their existing role, skills gaps and career aspirations. This is where HR plays a crucial role in maintaining an updated database of learning resources and materials on the training tracking system for employees to access easily. Such self-service features empowers employees to take charge of their learning in order to upskill and cross-skill, while building a culture of professional growth and improving employees’ overall job satisfaction.
Accurate skills assessment
A tell-tale sign of a good training tracking system is one that offers a comprehensive view of employees’ skills and competencies. This enables HR to conduct skills assessments and evaluations, identify knowledge gaps in selected departments or employees, and determine areas for improvement on existing training programmes. These data-driven insights help HR to understand if the learning programmes are effective in addressing skills gaps and introduce targeted training interventions. Concurrently, HR is able to make informed decisions, backed by data, regarding training investments, succession planning and talent management.
Enforces compliance training
Many organizations face legal requirements to provide specific types of training depending on the industry that they are operating in as well as for specific roles. A training tracking system ensures that organizations remain legally compliant by automating compliance training assignments and tracking completion. With an efficient compliance training tracking system, HR is able to monitor and ensure that all employees have received the necessary training within specified timelines. This helps to protect the organization from incurring hefty fines or penalties due to non-compliance.
Investing in a training tracking system brings about a slew of benefits to organizations seeking to bridge knowledge gaps and drive a highly-agile workforce, including administrative efficiencies, personalized learning pathways for employees, and in-depth insights into the employees’ existing skills and competencies. Further, it helps organizations to remain legally compliant with industry or country specific training requirements. A good training tracking system comes with features that enable organizations to adapt to the workforce’s evolving learning needs while aligning to business objectives. By investing in a robust training tracking system designed to bridge knowledge gaps, organizations can enable their employees to unlock even greater potential and build a more effective and capable workforce.