The importance of L&D during COVID-19

There are two types of people when it comes to dealing with a crisis, one that hides their head in the sand hoping that it will all just disappear and the other that understands that things have changed, quickly reassess their plans and adapts their skills to survive.   

Organisational behaviour is no different. Some organisations believe it will be business as usual post a crisis, and some think that things will never really be the same again, strategies need amending and skills that need to be developed if they are to survive and thrive.

These organisations know to overcome a crisis; they require a knowledgeable, committed workforce that is quick to adapt to change and are future-oriented.  

With various digital learning platforms being available and Virtual Instructor-Led Training sessions now replacing face to face sessions, there is no reason to leave learning on the back-burner. While we combat the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic here are three reasons why L&D is more important now than ever:   

You Build Loyalty   

Times are tough, and people are worried about their mental, physical and financial well-being. Your people are your biggest asset and organisations that truly understand this are the ones that more likely will overcome the economic impact of the COVID-19.  

Investing in employees makes them feel appreciated and valued. It creates a strong culture of loyalty, which will not only help you overcome the economic impact of the COVID-19 but also conquer many other battles to come in the future.  

There’s a New Reality  

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every industry! The customer experience journey for most industries will never be the same. As customers slowly start to venture back into the shops and restaurants, the element of fear still lingers within, dictating where they spend their time and for how long. Retailers have to try harder than ever to ensure they provide a fantastic customer experience that makes customers feel valued and safe! So how can we prepare our team to deal with this change in mindset? 

Innovation is Key  

We learn through various interactions we have: we talk to people, we listen to what they’re saying, and then aim to apply or consider the insights. A company that continually engages in learning & development are essentially encouraging people to connect, talk and offer suggestions to overcome challenges. In a market that is constantly shifting, people have to adapt to new emotions, trends and technology, design thinking is critical to ensure you are keeping up with these trends and delivering solutions that meet the current needs.   

In conclusion, COVID-19 has strained businesses and individuals all over the globe but as author Maria Robinson said: “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” We might not be able to turn back time and prevent the crisis, but we can define what our future will be. The first step in this journey will be to build a team of confident and resilient individuals who are committed to delivering business results. A focus on Learning and Development is the key to making this happen.   

Check out Biz Group's range of Virtual Instructor-Led Training programs, and contact us if you want to find out more about how you can fit Virtual Learning into your strategy.

Keep learning,

Biz Group