The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook
Talent shortage concerns drive shift to skills-based strategies
Workday, the AI platform for managing people and money, today released “The Global State of Skills”, revealing a pressing challenge for businesses worldwide: More than half (51%) of business leaders are worried about future talent shortages, and only 32% are confident their organisation has the skills needed for long-term success.
As AI transforms industries, the skills required to thrive in the workforce are evolving fast. However, many organisations lack visibility into the existing capabilities of their people – only 54% of leaders say they have a clear view of the skills within their workforce today.
2024 Fosway 9-Grid™ Learning Systems: acceleration in AI, economic impact, vendor consolidation
Fosway Group, Europe’s #1 HR industry analyst, has released its new 2024 9-Grid™ for Learning Systems. The research shows that, while the market is negatively affected by a challenging economic climate, artificial intelligence (AI) and skills are still accelerating drivers for corporates and vendors alike.
Revealing the market and solution trends in the learning systems market, the 9-Grid™ report shows that whilst skills and learning experience are still key topics, AI and its potential to disrupt the learning systems market, has become the dominating topic of conversation. But across the learning industry, AI is seen as both an opportunity and a threat. Recent Fosway research shows that whilst corporate organisations see a lot of potential, in general, they are not ready to fully adopt AI in key areas. But Learning System providers are already integrating AI into their solutions.
Men overestimate workplace equality as women face harassment and pay gaps
HiBob has released its fourth annual Women in the Workplace report, revealing men’s perceptions of workplace equality are out-of-touch with reality. The latest ONS figures report full-time working women earn 7% less than men on average, yet three-quarters (76%) of working men still believe their company pays people equally for the same role, and 69% of men believe women are promoted equally based on performance.
This comes as research shows over a quarter (26%) of working women were not promoted in pay, benefits or position in 2024, compared to just a fifth (20%) of men. 70% of men received a pay rise in 2024, 26% received a benefits increase, and 25% received a promotion – 6% higher than women across the board.
People Matters launches Humanscope podcast on talent and workplace innovation
People Matters, APAC’s leading media and community platform on People & Work, is proud to announce the launch of its new podcast series, Humanscope. Hosted by founding member and CEO Pushkar Bidwai, Humanscope is a deep dive into the evolving landscape of human talent and its potential to drive organisational success, innovation, and leadership through in-depth conversations with industry pioneers and innovators.
British women struggle for better pay and fear they may never achieve financial security
Women play a crucial role in the British workforce, with over 16 million women working restlessly across the country and women-owned businesses contributing hundreds of billions to the UK economy. However, despite advancements, gender disparities in work and finances still remain.
In time for the Women’s History Month of March, Gamblizard surveyed 2,000 Britons aged 20-40 and found that 65% of women work unpaid overtime, with 31% doing so regularly — compared to 24% of men. These hard-working women struggle to secure better pay as 77% don’t feel comfortable negotiating their salaries — though the same proportion (78%) think salaries should be openly discussed.
Global consumers demand greater AI transparency and explainability from businesses
A sharp rise in AI-generated content is prompting global consumers to call for greater transparency from businesses, according to RWS’s global research. Over 80% of consumers believe that AI-created material – including text, images and video – should be clearly labelled, while 62% say that such transparency would increase their trust in a brand, according to research involving 5,000 consumers.
RWS’s Unlocked 2025: Riding the AI Shockwave report, based on research across 14 global markets in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, explores consumers’ sentiment towards AI and the ways in which businesses are using AI in their global communications.
Reimagining education and workforce development in Dar es Salaam on May 7-9, 2025
The 18th edition of eLearning Africa, the continent’s leading conference and exhibition on digital education, training, and skills development, is set to take place from May 7-9, 2025 in Dar es Salaam. Co-hosted by Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, this year’s conference is expected to be one of the largest in its 18-year history.
Under the theme “Re-imagining Education and Human Capital Development for Africa’s Future Prosperity,” eLearning Africa 2025 will explore how the continent can leverage its vast human and natural resources to drive sustainable development through education, skills training, and technological innovation.
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