5 Crazy Trends In The Corporate Training Companies Industry

Posted by BYLD Group on May 10th, 2021

HR and L&D professionals rose to the challenges of 2020, learning valuable lessons in the process. Organizations saw workers take the initiative and figure out the best way to work together during the pandemic. As we move forward in the new normal, 2021 holds a lot of promise and potential for Corporate Training companies to come up with new trends in training and development.

HR and learning and development professionals acquitted themselves admirably against the challenges of 2020, learning valuable lessons along the way. Looking ahead to 2021, we can anticipate even more changes. While we all struggled to keep our heads above water and respond to events in 2020, 2021 holds a lot of promise and potential for positive change as we move forward in the new normal.

During the pandemic, employees took the initiative to figure out the best way to collaborate and communicate digitally. Many workers have had to upskill in a hurry, with or without the help of L&D, to deliver services and communicate with each other and customers in a variety of ways. Too many L&D professionals have previously doubted workers' ability to do so.

The pandemic experience has shown, however, that if organizations provide their employees with the opportunity and tools to learn, they will use them to benefit both themselves and the organization. The coming year will provide us with the opportunity to do so and reap the benefits.

Factors that influence workforce training

Employees have begun to build the learning culture that L&D leaders have long desired as a natural response to the challenges of the pandemic crisis. The year 2021 is a good time to build on that, not least to prepare for more disruption to our old routine.
Here are some of the most important corporate training trends that will help to ensure a bright future for workplace training and development:

The three corporate training trends for 2021

1. Intelligent technology - We've been talking about artificial intelligence for a long time, but we believe that in 2021, HR professionals will put AI at the center of learning delivery. AI facilitates the high level of personalization required for learning to stick. Intelligent software can figure out how, when, and where individual learners prefer to learn based on their data. In the evening, one learner might prefer to use a mobile device to access video learning content. Another person may prefer to use written learning content to assist them in completing a task they are having difficulty with while at work.
   The process of learning a language is highly personalized. AI can also detect when a student has lost interest in learning and pinpoint the best time and activity to re-engage them
2. Distance learning and digital training - In 2020, corporate training became digital by default, paving the way for a 2021 revolution in training delivery and content. Individual learners accessing digital learning modules is all that digital learning entails. Social learning is the most effective way to learn, especially when it comes to language and communication skills. Learners can meet in real-time virtual classrooms – as well as in smaller break-out groups with other students at their level. Virtual instructor-led training programs – as well as one-on-one video mentoring sessions with humans or, in the future, AI mentors – are all part of digital learning.
3. The Hybrid Is the New Normal - Several industries thrived as a result of this grand experiment in which employees relocated from offices to their homes. However, the preference is for flexibility, and even amid quarantines and isolation, many companies have not fully adopted a work-from-home model. Some critical employees must be present on-site, as well as executives who must travel. Some businesses have been innovative in allowing their employees to gather in person by erecting outdoor offices.
4. Immersive Technology Improvements - With the introduction of 5G technology, more areas throughout the country will be able to support remote work and experiential platforms like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) (VR). Implications for learning include more immediate and immersive experiences; a better ability to meet employees where they are; and the ability to go deeper with the content, environment, and virtual “shoulder-to-shoulder” instruction. Zoom fatigue is demonstrating that video calls are insufficient, particularly when it comes to establishing a virtual classroom, and is one of the reasons why organizations will increasingly rely on AR and VR.
5. Increased Workloads - In 2021, developing an enterprise-wide digital acumen will be the antidote to some of the ongoing disruption, such as increased workload, expanded job responsibilities, and new skill requirements. Often, disruption is caused by internal forces rather than external forces. The same transformation that is causing companies to grow can also cause employees to grow by providing career development, wellness, and other benefits to help with the increase in work. Learning programs that evolve in tandem with broader corporate evolution can inspire employees, resulting in retention and growth.

The pandemic has brought to light certain trends that were beginning to emerge in early 2020, many of which have now become more pronounced in virtually every field. Learning and development (L&D) professionals and innovators should expect the following trends in 2021, which may be a reflection of those seen in 2020. Being agile — experimenting as a method of working — is only possible if learning is incorporated into the process.