The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook
Over half of employees are dissatisfied with onboarding
Over half (54%) of office-based employees said they were dissatisfied with their onboarding experience, a report by employee experience platform Cognexo revealed.
Employees cited reasons such as a lack of structure (31%); discrepancies between the role they applied for and the job they were hired to do (21%); and confusion about daily tasks (20%).
Gen Z were the most likely generation to notice a discrepancy between the job description and their role, as well as feel confused by daily tasks. Meanwhile, 14% of employees felt isolated during onboarding.
82% of American young leaders are already leveraging AI tools in their work
Google Workspace shared new research that showcases the widespread adoption and value of generative AI across rising leaders at work. 93% of young leaders who identify as Gen Z and 79% who identify as millennials use 2 or more tools on a weekly basis. And they’re excited to talk about how they’re using them: Over 50% of the AI users surveyed regularly share their experiences and insights with colleagues, with 75% of them having suggested gen AI tools to their peers.
- Overcome task paralysis: 88% say they would use AI to start a task that feels overwhelming.
- Improve writing: 88% also agree that AI can help them strike the right tone in their writing.
Survey reveals critical gaps in leadership development
Ongoing disruptions and rocky markets are turning up the heat on organisational leaders. With only 4 in 10 executives saying their company has high-quality leaders, the leadership crisis may be unfolding before us.
The new TalentLMS research exposed a gap in leadership training and preparedness. It revealed that 45% of managers in U.S. companies say their company isn’t doing enough to develop future leaders. Moreover, leadership training emerged as the most neglected initiative for building leadership capabilities.
Companies that reduce the flexibility for their employees are seeing an exodus of their people, say recruiters
Recruiters have reported a talent exodus from companies now offering their employees less flexibility in where they work. Research among more than 500 in-house and agency recruiters revealed a surge in applications from employees at companies requiring their teams to be in a city centre office five days a week.
Two thirds (67%) had seen an increase in candidates looking for new positions following mandates from current employers that require them to spend more time at a central office.
Eightfold AI 2024 talent survey reports 82% of HR leaders are misaligned with their organisation’s business strategy
Eightfold AI, the leader in AI-powered talent intelligence, announced the findings from its 2024 Talent Survey. The report, created by 3Sixty Insights in collaboration with Eightfold AI, explores the priority gap between HR leaders, business strategies and the short-term and long-term issues that may occur as a result.
- Strategic Misalignment: HR was perceived as lacking executive support for major strategic initiatives or focusing on operational tasks, rather than aligning its efforts with broader business objectives.
- Friction in Strategic Buy-in: Executives may not fully recognise HR’s value in shaping the company’s long-term vision, which can result in expectations and investment gaps.
- Competing Priorities: Executives may prioritise profits, cost management, and operational targets, while HR may focus on employee well-being, development, and compliance.
Gen-Z’s work ethic is alive and well, according to new research
More than a third of office employees (37%) feel their work ethic has improved over the past 12 months, according to a new study. This is particularly apparent among younger people, as the figure rises to more than half of those aged 18-24 (55%) and 25-34 (57%).
One in five (22%) suggest they ‘always go above and beyond’, with the same number saying that they will ‘do whatever needs to be done to deliver’.
AI could radically change career guidance – are you ready?
Early investment needed to capitalise on use of AI and close “delivery gap” in provision of careers advice. According to Morrisby, AI could significantly improve how careers guidance is delivered in the UK, helping to patch the holes in current provision and create more equity.
A report, co-authored by Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE and Dr Chris Percy, career development specialists and AI innovators, explores how AI-powered platforms could extend reach and offer more personalised and up-to-date advice to create a more inclusive and effective all-age careers support system.
Participants at The Learning Network’s annual conference discuss how L&D can set an agenda for positive change
Connect 2024 took place in London and the theme was ‘be the disruption’.
Learning and development practitioners often feel disruption is something that happens to them. And it can hurt if you’re not the one doing the disrupting.