Eight in 10 L&D professionals say reskilling will be primary focus for 2021: LinkedIn survey

Six in 10 learning and development (L&D) professionals in India expect their budgets to increase further in 2021, finds a survey by LinkedIn.

LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report 2021 finds that a majority of L&D professionals feel that skill-building and internal mobility will serve as critical growth pillars for companies in 2021.

As recruitment needs continue to evolve, companies are proactively improving their efforts to upgrade the capabilities of their workforce. The survey - now in its fifth edition - focuses on how organisations are prioritising skill-building.

In India, 78% of L&D professionals believe that upskilling or reskilling is going to be their primary focus for 2021, and 61% of L&D professionals report that they are responsible for helping leaders identify current and future skills gaps. Almost half the L&D professionals surveyed said they are working closely with talent acquisition to drive internal mobility and fill critical roles. They are also bullish on their budgets being back to pre-pandemic levels, as 64% expect their budgets to increase further this year.

“The L&D function has become even more critical for organisations in the present economic climate. By prioritising upskilling and reskilling, organisations have not just managed to retain employees, but also filled critical positions internally,” Ruchee Anand, director - talent and learning solutions at LinkedIn India, told ET.

The report finds that upskilling and reskilling is the top priority for L&D professionals globally (59%), followed by leadership and management (53%), and virtual onboarding (33%). Further, 51% said internal mobility is more of a priority now than before Covid-19.

Also, 76% of Gen Z learners believe learning is the key to a successful career, and watched 50% more hours per learner of learning content in 2020 compared to 2019.

“It is inspiring to see how L&D professionals in India are helping senior leaders shape critical learning and management decisions that can effectively equip their organisations and staff members with the right skills - an effort that could go a long way in boosting overall employee experience and helping professionals thrive in the new world of work,” Anand said.

The global survey was conducted among 1,260 L&D professionals, 814 learners and 3,080 people managers across 27 countries, asking them about their priorities, challenges, and anticipated growth drivers that will shape the new world of work.