59 a true learning organisation not only requires a shift in thinking to ensure that learning is core to both business strategy and organizational culture , it also depends upon developing the key building blocks of learning organisations ; a supportive learning environment , concrete learning practices and leadership behavior that reinforces the learning agenda .
… the impact of the pandemic has delivered 10 years ’ worth of anticipated change , in less 10 months .
- Vicky Knight , Associate-Dean of International
Programmes , BPP Education Group
Traditional approaches to learning are no longer agile or impactful enough to meet the enormous talent challenges ahead . When organisations need new skills , refreshed more often , what becomes important are not just new skills but enduring capabilities and the ability to learn , apply and adapt them . To be fit for the future , learning must be personalised , relevant , convenient and social , and learners need support to apply their new capabilities in the ‘ flow of work ’. More than ever , L & D professionals recognise that mindset and behaviour changes need a different approach ; a longer and deeper engagement than traditional one-off training can deliver .
COVID-19 has revealed resilience and adaptability of the workforce , but the challenge now is to sustain the momentum gained and discover new ways to thrive in the long term . Leaders must seize the opportunity of the crisis response to design the future of work by employing the lessons , practices and goodwill they have engendered . The pace and scale of organisational development must simultaneously keep up with radical change , business as usual and preparations for the future .
More than ever , leaders must create new opportunities to ensure staff can deliver to new business strategies , develop a flexible , agile , digitally enabled workforce and encourage cultures of learning to futureproof their people and their organisations . As Vicky concluded “ now is not the time to pull back on workforce development efforts , but to double down on the commitment from business leaders to invest in building agile and resilient organisations fit for the future ”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vicky is Associate Dean of International Programmes at BPP University School of Business and is based in Singapore . She has been an influential figure at BPP University for more than seven years , while teaching leadership and management to students from across the world . She has over 20 years of international management experience and her expertise in leadership , management and organisational change spans four continents . Her current focus is the creation of learning programmes in executive education and designing impactful work-based learning in the area of future capabilities and digital disruption .
ABOUT THE COMPANY BPP is a global education provider delivering a full-range of qualifications for professionals at every stage of their career . This includes professional qualifications , university degrees , apprenticeships , work-based learning , and accredited short courses . Established for over 40 years , we deliver courses in law , accountancy , technology , management , nursing and more . Our education is delivered to be as real-world , relevant and innovative as possible . For more information on how BPP can help you identify skills gaps and develop your people , visit
bpp . com / asia-pacific for more information .
FUTURE OF WORK :
BALANCING THE LEARNING CULTURE