5 Learning and development trends 2024: What to expect 

1. Utilising the power of AI 

According to research carried out by Gov.uk, around one in six organisations have embraced at least one AI technology. If 2023 has shown us anything, it’s that Artificial Intelligence and the role of technology in general has a huge part to play in the L&D space going forward. Organisations are looking at ways AI technologies can help with making digital learning more robust and streamlined, including: 

• Creating personalised learning journeys 
• Reducing time spent on administrative tasks 
• Providing real-time feedback for assessments 

While there is still ways to go for AI automation, the surge in its reliance and the way it has been utilised in the past 12 months paired with the recognition of the L&D opportunities it brings suggests this is only the beginning. 

2. Developing skills for leadership roles 

The importance of strong leadership has never been more pronounced and this became even more present towards the end of 2023. Notably, the most recent LinkedIn Learning Report underscores this emphasis, revealing the top three training priorities for managers: 

1. Leadership and management skills
2. Role-specific digital upskilling and digital transformation
3. Supporting employee career development 

These findings are really no surprise: developing staff for leadership roles and presenting them with opportunities that will advance their skillset will lead to job satisfaction, with the same report confirming  that employees’ top motivation to learn is progression toward career goals. The feeling of belonging within an organisation will also increase employee retention and create a more resilient and flexible leadership team.  

When looking to develop leadership skills within your organisation, you should consider undertaking the following activities:   

Skills gap analysis: 

Skills gap analysis is a crucial process in identifying the disparity between the skills that employees currently possess and the skills required for effective job performance, particularly in leadership roles. This analysis involves assessing the skills and competencies needed for a particular position and comparing them with the skills possessed by the employees. 

With this understanding, organisations can tailor targeted training to bridge identified skill gaps, fostering individual development plans and measurable outcomes. The analysis contributes to succession planning by identifying potential leaders and enhances employee engagement through clear career paths. 

Performance measuring metrics: 

Performance measuring metrics are tools used to track, maintain, and improve how well an employee is doing within their role. It can include activities such evaluations, setting goals, providing training, and continuous development. Some organisations choose to utilise performance management software to align performance with business goals.  

Targeted management and leadership training 

When courses are offered which focus on essential leadership and management skills, it can help to bridge any skill gaps and foster professional growth. This can include a mix of hard and soft skills which can help to progress someone to a leadership position.  

Our range our Workplace skills and development eLearning include: 

• Management and Leadership training 
• Communication and social skills 
• Personal Development 

Using these methods will help to identify and foster leadership skills, ensuring that leaders within your organisation are striving for more. By giving them the right opportunities and support they need, they will be able to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving professional landscape with success. 

3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training initiatives 

It goes without saying that fairness, equality and inclusion should be woven into the fabric of your organisation’s values. However, you need to ensure you are also holding your learning materials to the same standard. By doing so, it will ensure everybody can access and utilise learning in a way that suits them most.  

Consider the following points: 

• Is the navigation of your training easy to follow? 
• Can the text be enlarged and is the font legible? 
• Has the content been tested for accessibility? 

Utilising technology to ensure these needs are met will give your employees the reassurance that the organisation they work for is taking DEI seriously. When you provide inclusive and accessible learning content, you are empowering all employees by removing any barriers they may be facing.

4. Learning in the flow of work 

Another of the future trends in learning and development is integrating learning seamlessly into the flow of work. By embedding learning opportunities with employee’s daily tasks, they are more likely to seek out different types of training and encourages a more hands-on approach to learning.  

Learning should be: 

• Available on demand 
• Offered in bitesize chunks 
• Undisruptive to a workflow 

By embodying these principles, organisations create an environment where learning becomes a natural aspect of an employee's professional journey. To facilitate this, organisations can use a mobile app connected to a Learning Management System that delivers easily digestible content. 

This makes it convenient for users to undertake training during short blocks of free time. Such an approach not only enhances the effectiveness of training but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement, where knowledge acquisition aligns seamlessly with the demands of the modern workplace. 

5. Shaping a Culture of Learning 

An L&D trend we touched upon in our 2023 predictions was the value of a robust learning culture, and this has become even more apparent in recent months. A culture of learning is not just a corporate buzzword; it's a daily process. Beyond merely presenting learning opportunities, organisations must actively support employees on their journey towards lifelong learning.  

Your organisation should encourage: 

• Pursuing further learning opportunities beyond training they may view as a box-ticking exercise  
• Utilising a learning management platform such as an LMS which provides insightful data to measure learning uptake 
• Fostering a collaborative knowledge-sharing environment 
• The freedom to undertake learning on a self-directed basis 

Learning trends 2024: a summary 

As we embark on the journey into 2024, five key L&D trends emerge, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of professional growth: 

1. Utilising the power of AI 
2. Developing skills for leadership roles 
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training initiatives 
4. Learning in the flow of work 
5. Shaping a culture of learning