Research by McKinsey & Company shows that, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, workplaces underwent a rapid digital transformation. This digitalization has had a major impact on the way we work and calls for digital knowledge and skills. It is important for all workers to be able to keep up in a changing work environment.
The added value of lifelong learning
More and more employers require employees to become flexible and agile in order to be able to keep up with these future changes and the competition in the market. In addition, employers recognize that there are benefits to stimulating employee development. For example, when they offer a training budget it generally results in greater engagement and higher labor productivity of employees. The government recognizes that as well. In 2022 a new scheme was introduced:
STEP
(Labour Market Position Stimulation). Everyone who is 18 years or older can apply for a subsidy for training aimed at personal development and sustainable employability.
By focusing on LLO, employers can keep the skills of their employees up to date in a changing labor market. In addition, it is also a way to provide support to people who are far from the labor market – for example, the unemployed, workers of middle or older age, or people without a diploma.
A fixed mindset versus a growth mindset
LLO makes people aware of how important it is to continue developing in their careers. Moreover, LLO is not only about an employee learning to cope with new technology. Soft skills are also important; adaptability and learning to handle unfamiliar situations. That’s why it’s smart to look together with your employees at how they can continue to develop. Where does their passion lie, what do they want to learn, and where can they still grow? Still, intrinsic motivation also plays an important role, so that employees continue to learn and develop on their own.
De juiste attitude om te blijven leren in een loopbaan wordt mede bepaald door de juiste mindset. Men maakt onderscheid tussen een fixed mindset (a fixed pattern of thinking) en a growth mindset (a pattern of thinking oriented toward growth). Employees with a fixed mindset are convinced that certain things, think of intelligence, talent and competencies, are unchangeable. New developments often provoke resistance. By contrast, employees with a growth mindset take on the challenge and are more open to change and the possibility of continuous learning.
Invest in skills
To be easily employable on the labor market, it is important for employees to continue developing themselves. It also brings advantages for the employer when they offer a (work) environment where the staff have the opportunity to learn. It is important for all workers to continuously keep developing and challenging themselves both personally and professionally.
