What is Learning and Development and 6 Ways Learning and Development Impacts the Workplace
Introduction
What Is Learning and Development?
Learning and development (L&D) is a function within an organization that is responsible for empowering employees’ growth and developing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities to drive better business performance. The function may be organized centrally, either independently or sitting under human resources (HR); decentralized throughout different business units; or be a hybrid (sometimes referred to as federated) structure.
The term, learning and development, encompasses any professional development a business provides to its employees. It is considered to be a core area of human resources management, and may sometimes be referred to as training and development, learning and performance, or talent development (TD). Onboarding and new hire programs, career development, ongoing training, corporate universities, leadership development programs, skills training, talent strategy and management, and required courses such as compliance training, are all initiatives a learning and development team or department might provide.
Video 1: what is learning and development
6 ways learning and development impacts the workplace
Learning and development is every organisation’s secret weapon in building the ideal workplace and workforce. Here’s what you can look forward to when you implement a solid L&D strategy:
1. Creates a positive culture
Investing in your employees’ L&D demonstrates your commitment to their long-term success, which makes them feel more empowered and supported. Plus, it creates a more collaborative and flexible environment; 64% of employees believe learning makes employees more adaptable to change.
2. Builds employee and company alignment
Today’s workers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are looking to join companies that enhance the overall wellness of their people, live out their mission statement and make positive changes in the workplace.
For 25% of UK professionals, working for a company that values them is their top career priority and 60% of UK professionals see career development as a very important part of a job offer.
3. Boosts employee retention
Has your company become a revolving door of employees? Is your attrition rate rising or going through the roof? Offering more L&D opportunities and internal mobility can help quash it.
Companies rated highly on employee training saw 53% lower attrition, while employees at companies that offer internal mobility stay almost two times longer. Remember: It’s often more cost-effective to train current employees than hire new ones.
4. Increases engagement and motivation
Did you know that lifelong learning is connected to overall happiness? Employees are often energised when they can learn something new, move up in the company or become experts in their role.
To increase employee engagement and motivation, incorporate community-based learning into your L&D strategy; 92% of L&D professionals believe this learning style helps foster a sense of belonging in their workplace.
5. Improves quality of work and performance
Companies that invest in their employees’ learning are more likely to hit their performance goals, as their teams are more up-to-date on industry information, have stronger skills and are more confident in their abilities.
Many employees are extremely open to improvement, with 83% of Gen Z workers eager to learn skills that will help them perform better in their current roles.
6. Creates stronger brand reputation
Offering L&D initiatives can position your company as a leader in your field, give you a competitive edge and improve the brand’s reputation. Invest in your employees and you’re investing in your business.
IOSR Journal of Business and Management (IOSR-JBM) e-ISSN:
2278-487X, p-ISSN: 2319-7668. Volume 20, Issue 7.Ver. IV(July. 2018), PP 20-23
LinkedIn-Learning_Workplace-Learning-Report-2021 Accessed on 16th March 2024
personio Learning and Development (L&D): Ultimate
HR Guide
linkedin-2020-global-talent-trends-report Accessed on 16th March 2024
Meeting candidate demands through the job offering -
research whitepaper - 2014
Agreed. In a larger sense, an organizational culture of constant learning and growth fosters creativity and flexibility. Employees become more competent at overcoming problems, accepting change, and bringing new ideas to fuel corporate development and success.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your Comment and yes as per my point of view Learning and development plays a huge role in HRM. As you mentioned it helps employees to take new challenges/Change.
DeleteAgreed with the content. As it is clearly said L&D helps both employees and companies positively since it will help the companies to achieve the company deliverables as well as the individuals to enhance their knowledge and develop themselves. It is a win-win situation for both organizations and the employees.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nimani. Yes it's a win win situation for both parties. Specially for employees to identify their learning curves and to overcome, also it helps a lot for the organization to achieve their goals successfully.
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ReplyDeleteThe article effectively underscores the critical role of learning and development in fostering organizational success. By investing in employee growth and skill development, organizations can enhance productivity, employee engagement, and ultimately contribute to economic prosperity.
Thanks Shan and agreed with you by improving L&D organization will be be able to enhance their productivity.
DeleteI got a good idea about the brands and reputation too, 🤠 the quality is important yessss
ReplyDeleteThanks Amesha :)
DeleteThis is great and very true. Learning and development are the twin engines that drive personal and professional growth. In today's dynamic world, where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt and learn continuously is paramount. Investing in learning isn't just about acquiring new skills or knowledge; it's about fostering a mindset of curiosity and innovation. Whether through formal education, on-the-job experiences, or self-directed learning initiatives, individuals and organizations alike can cultivate environments where growth thrives. Embrace the journey of learning, for it is the path to unlocking your full potential and shaping a brighter future.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne. yes by enhancing employees learning curves they can upgrade their skills and experience about the corporate world. It helps them to open for the corporate world / to take new challenges and to win their dreams.
DeleteIt was very interesting to see Pakistan used for this blog and I am curious to know if you’re going to further explore Pakistani Human Resources and how learning and development can impact Pakistani employees? I did not see any further reference to Pakistan beyond the introduction. However good points made on learning and development and how it increases employee engagement and motivation to boost employee retention. I do not see any sources for the statistics you have mentioned though, and it would be good to see what learning and development methods you recommend for Human Resources to implement.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anjalika. I'm hoping to explore more about pakistani HRM but here i just wanted to give a basic introduction about how other countries use L&D. I have already attached references and also by clicking the above links you will be able to see the sources as well.
DeleteThe blog gives a clear and concise details of the necessity in Learning and Development in an organization. It certainly is a win-win situation for both the employer and employee when there's proper investing in learning and development. Thanks for sharing good content.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judith. Yes actually to motivate their employees and for them to adopt with the skills and knowledge, organizations needs to have the proper L&D process. As you mentioned yes it is a win win situation as by enhancing L&D organization will be able to success in the corporate world.
DeleteThis is a very good and clear article. You have clearly stated on the impacts of having the Learning and Development for an organization.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shelan. Yes L&D plays a major role in HRM and also in the organization.
DeleteOf course! This blog raises a great point. It all comes down to allowing workers to develop and learn. When they do, it's like sowing the seeds of success. It improves their performance and strengthens the team. It's as if you're providing them with the means to increase their happiness, longevity, and level of professional excellence. Everyone wins in this situation!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruwan. Agreed by developing employees skills / knowledge automatically organization raises perfect leaders for future.
DeleteInteresting article Chethani. While encouraging close links between the employees L&D will effectively communicate the company values that needs to be prioritized (Murray, 2019)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kishani. Agreed with you.
DeleteLearning and Development is a critical function within organizations, aimed at fostering employee growth, enhancing skills, and ultimately driving improved business outcomes. Whether structured centrally, decentralized, or through a hybrid model, L&D encompasses a broad range of initiatives, including onboarding, career development, leadership programs, and compliance training. By investing in L&D, businesses not only empower their workforce but also ensure they remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-evolving marketplace..
ReplyDeleteYes. L&D refers to the intentional and organized activities and processes that organizations use to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of their employees. It's a continuous process designed to support an individual's and, in turn, the organization's growth and progression.
DeleteGood work! Learning and Development initiatives are necessary for developing growth and enhancing skills within organizations. Investing in employee development cultivates talent and drives success. Since you have mentioned Pakistan as a good example I would like to know your thoughts about Sri Lanka?
ReplyDeleteThanks Prasani!! In sri lanka actually lot of university students have done researches on different different areas. As a example university of colombo student has done a research in 2019 about Training and development practices and its impact on employee
Deleteperformance (Horana Industrial Estate, Sri Lanka) below is the conclusion of her reserch
As per the demographic features of sample, researcher can generalize the population as, majority of the employees in HIE are machine operators where most of them are performing entry level jobs. Further, more than 80 percent were young employees where majority of them are in below 45 years. And the same time 59.4 percent employees are female where 40.6 percent are male. It seems that employees in HIE are more female than male. By looking at their education, it indicates that most of them are obtain entry level qualification. The first objective of the study is to investigate the current T&D practices in HIE, Sri Lanka. As per the results driven from analysis researcher identified that the current T&D practices are in satisfactory level. Secondly researcher investigate the current level of EP in HIE, Sri Lanka. From the results it was reviled that EP are in moderate level. Third objective is to examine how T&D practices are impact on performance of the employees in HIE, Sri Lanka. As per the results of correlation analysis it seems that there is a positive relationship between all five variables of T&D; formalization, identification of the training needs, training method, training evaluation. Further results of the stepwise regression analysis reviled that 63.7 percent of the variance of EP explained by the training method. So the results revile that among five variables of T&D; formalization, organization involvement, identification of the training needs, and training evaluation, training method is a significant contributor where it was having a strong positive correlation with EP. Hence training specialist needs to put their maximum attention towards the training method.
Chamari Edirisinghe , Training and development practices and its impact on employee performance (Horana Industrial Estate, Sri Lanka) 2019
This review shows the results of learning and development. Creating a positive culture, build employee and company alignment, increasing engagement and increasing of employee retention…..
ReplyDeleteGood and important facts to try in an organization for a better work environment.
Thanks Mihira..
DeleteAgreed by all means. An office culture with L&D is fast growing in all aspects, employee, employer and customer. Employee growth and satisfaction, enhanced performance and productivity, top talent attraction and retention, customer satisfaction and loyalty at the end which makes the situation a win for all parties.
ReplyDeleteYes Dilhara. Simply by improving good L&D culture within the organization we can satisfy athh the parties.
DeleteGood insight. Learning and development is vital for organizational growth and success. They empower employees with new skills, enhance productivity, foster innovation, and improve employee satisfaction. Learning and development also strengthens the organization's competitive edge and ensures adaptability in a rapidly changing business landscape. Sadly only handful of organizations understands its importance.
ReplyDeleteYes Agreed, Systematic process to enhance employees skills, knowledge, and competency, resulting in better work performance
ReplyDeleteL&D is a strategically important activity for an organization which is aimed to produce win win results for both the employee and employer. The 06 impacts you have mentioned are all positive outcomes of a well executed L&D plan of an organization. I think the benefits to the employees who go through the L&D process also equally important to consider.
ReplyDeleteWhat a comprehensive exploration of learning and development's pivotal role in today's workplaces! This article beautifully illustrates how investing in employee growth not only fosters a positive culture but also enhances alignment, retention, engagement, and ultimately, organizational performance. A must-read for any company looking to unlock its full potential through its people!
ReplyDeleteGood article Chethani, in most of the organizations in SL focus on L&D is lacking. You have elaborated beautifully the impact and the importance of investing in L&D. Since, you have discussed about Millennials and GenZs, I believe these workers are more attracted towards a company with good pay and a social mission along with career growth. Of course L&D will encourage them to stay within the company. But what do you think about the Gen Alpha? In few more years they will start joining the work force. Can we apply the same strategies on them?
ReplyDeleteThe blog emphasises how education enhances employability in addition to production. How can businesses use L&D to lower turnover and foster an environment that attracts new hires?
ReplyDeleteStrategic investment in learning and development not only enhances individual and organizational success but also fosters a culture of continuous learning, enabling sustainable growth in today's fast-paced business world.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest difference between HR and L&D is that HR professionals deal with a range of responsibilities, including processing payroll, recruitment, and managing employee relations. In contrast, the learning and development department is solely focused on one specific role: the professional growth and skill development of employees. This includes identifying training gaps and developing employee training programmes that are aligned with the overall business strategy established by HR (Symonds, 2023).
ReplyDeleteAs you have rightly mentioned, strategic investment not only enhances the L&D but the overall organizational culture too. HR professionals who are well trained to carry out the proper L&D progammes for the organization will enhance the quality of the employees and the organization as a whole.
ReplyDeleteInvesting in learning and development demonstrates a commitment to employees' professional growth and contributes to building a skilled and resilient workforce.
ReplyDeleteYes agreed with you.There are different learning methodologies but it is essential to select proper model according to the participants, training environment and working background of the partners. Further, Cetin et al(2009),emphasized that use of different teaching methods and techniques together makes high effectiveness.
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