The digital learning landscape of 2024 is in a state of flux, evolving rapidly in response to the changing world. The imperative for innovation and agility has never been more pressing.
That’s where Learning and Development (L&D) comes in.
In this era of constant change, how are L&D teams adapting their strategies? What role does technology play, and how can it be balanced with a focus on human-centric learning experiences? Furthermore, how are collaboration and practical steps shaping the future of L&D?
The State of Digital Learning Report published by Elucidat sets out to explore what’s next.
The report brings together the views of 130 L&D leaders, experts who shape learning experiences, and the employees who engage with learning. The report surveyed L&D managers & leaders in organizations with over 1000 employees in North America & Europe and conducted 12 in-depth interviews with learning experts from some of the world’s biggest organizations.
Current challenges facing L&D
From the rapid adoption of new technologies to increasing economic uncertainty, business needs are still changing at an accelerated pace. But while everything else is in flux, one thing’s for sure. L&D is critical if everyone is going to keep up.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. Delivering effective learning at speed and scale isn’t straightforward. So, what might stop you from having the impact you need in 2024?
Let’s find out what challenges L&D professionals and experts are currently coming up against.
What are the top priorities for L&D teams in 2024?
With budgets appearing stable, the key question now is: where will Learning and Development (L&D) concentrate their efforts for maximum effectiveness?
- 63% need to improve quality and engagement
- 20% want to increase capacity to scale up and respond quicker
- 12% aim to improve collaboration with experts across their business
What challenges do L&D face?
Despite good levels of investment, over half of L&D leaders say budget constraints are a key challenge to implementing their digital learning strategies in 2024.
90% feel overwhelmed and under-equipped to achieve their priorities – a significant increase from last year.
While organizations clearly value and invest in their people’s development, L&D teams don’t feel this is enough for them to have the required impact.
Here are just some of the top challenges facing L&D in 2024.
- Budget constraints
- Lack of capacity
- L&D skill gaps
- Technical limitations
- Resistance to change
Struggling with their capacity and capabilities, L&D teams don’t feel they’re a match for the big organizational changes they need to drive forward. This shows up in a number of ways.
What do the experts think?
Armed with these insights from the frontline of L&D, we reached out to some leading L&D experts to get their perspectives. Here are their thoughts on the key challenges for 2024.
Technology
There’s been no escape from Artificial Intelligence (AI) this year. 2023 saw both businesses and L&D experimenting with this new technology. 2024 is when things get real. Finding effective and ethical ways to use these tools is critical for success in 2024.
People
The new normal of remote and hybrid working has had time to settle. Whether you call it Zoom fatigue or digital burnout, it’s clear that there are some issues. Providing more online learning won’t necessarily lead to greater engagement or impact. In fact, it can lead to the opposite effect.
L&D capabilities and process
From AI and data analysis to change management and employee engagement, L&D is getting involved in more strategic conversations than ever. This means developing new capabilities and collaborative ways of working.
The pressure is on. Tasked with driving forward big organizational change, many teams feel they lack the capacity and capabilities to deliver. We’ve discovered that this is showing up in three key areas of challenge: technology, people, and processes.
How is this filtering down to the end user? Let’s turn our attention to the learners.
You can read the key findings of the report from here.