Another Tool in the Box

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, including training practices. Using insights from 600 HR professionals in the US and the UK, management consulting company OC&C Strategy Consultants recently laid out a path for how businesses can incorporate AI into their L&D practices.

The report, Training Transformed: The Skills Gap, AI, and the New Corporate Classroom, found that about half of professionals think AI will completely transform how employers deliver training. Further, the research reveals that half of those currently using AI say AI tools have improved their company's results, and the same number believe it has improved their data insights.

The improvements those workers have seen align with Accenture Research data, which reveals that organizations can augment, automate, or reinvent more than 40 percent of all US work activity with generative AI. L&D professionals can lead the way by embedding AI into training programs to drive personalized learning journeys, reduce content creation costs, and create interactive training formats.

As training has evolved from traditional, in-person programs through stages of virtual training, Training Transformed found companies are moving toward training models that blend instructor-led content with self-paced content, more engaging content, and more sophisticated learning journeys.

Three trends will shape the future of corporate training.

Blended training delivery. These models combine traditional and digital learning methods to optimize cost-effectiveness and pedagogical impact, with 71 percent of respondents describing blended training as the most effective. Therefore, develop an array of personalized course content for better engagement.

AI paradigm shift. According to the OC&C report, AI will enable more personalized, interactive, and less expensive learning journeys for new and existing employees. L&D should set up AI teams to test new tools and learn how to implement them as technology becomes available.

Emphasis on return on investment. Knowing what kind of ROI your company wants from its training initiatives is essential. "The need to demonstrate ROI means shifting away from completion rate as the primary success metric of training towards focusing on the development of new skills that measurably improve performance," the report explains. The study's most popular ROI measure is employee retention and turnover rate, followed by performance and productivity of new employees. With that in mind, design and implement metrics to track your program's effectiveness.