We have scoured top thought leadership sources to find what the top workplace trends for 2021 will be. From tools to help employees monitor their mental health to the digitization of the workplace, the predictions for what lies next year are across the board.  

But there are two trends that stood out and are closely linked: rethinking the role of learning and development and the dire need for digital skilling and upskilling. Deloitte notes as the human workforce becomes more intertwined with technology and machines, “we will likely need to change the way we conceive of work and develop the training our workforce needs to take on these new roles and assignments”. This year has not only accelerated the need for digital skills, but also changed how employees are able to gain them. Before the pandemic, around 63% of training events were delivered in person, through live instructor-led training. To follow guidelines and prevent the spread of coronavirus, organizations have leveraged live virtual instructor-led training. This type of learning has skyrocketed in the ten months since the pandemic began, growing explosively from 10 percent to 53 percent.  

What are the benefits of virtual learning?

There are many silver linings to virtual instructor-led training—like an average cost savings between 30 and 70 percent to name one. But even with this cost reduction, leaders may be wondering whether virtual training can replicate or replace the power of the in-person experience. So too may they question virtual teaching’s effectiveness.

Research has shown virtual training is just as meaningful and useful as live lessons, if not more so. According to eLearning Industry, people learn and perform better when lessons are delivered online. This may be due in part to the structure of a virtual format, as lessons are generally more spaced out. This allows students to better absorb information and apply what they’ve learned in near real time. There is also an added factor of convenience in virtual instruction—employees can schedule sessions around their schedule, for their specific need. Live chat features can also allow employees to get answers the need almost instantly, giving them back valuable minutes to their day.

What virtual instruction tool is best for my company?

Finding a complete learning tool for a reasonable price is difficult. At Vitalyst, our passion is humanizing technology through our services, giving everyone the tools they need to build the skills for modern work. One of our offerings, the Adaptive Learning Platform, gives users unlimited access to award winning content and services for a low per-user subscription. Through our Learn Now Teams App, users can utilize Vitalyst’s library of live, instructor-led webinars and custom sessions, tailored for your business. Our Learn Now App also includes a live chat feature, so users have 24x7, instant access to live, “how-to” training support. In addition to these features, the Adaptive Learning Platform includes Vitalyst Active 365® Continuous Learning & Video Library​ and our Help Me kNow Hub, two tools that allow employees to learn at their own pace.

Where can I learn more about learning and development and Vitalyst?

Whatever lies ahead in 2021 and beyond, virtual instructor-led training will have a permanent place in learning and development strategies. Studies suggest once in person learning resumes, it will be relegated to about a third of training experiences, in a blend of virtual and self-paced learning. While waiting to return safely to in person training, organizations should bolster their virtual training strategy now.  

To learn more about how Vitalyst can help your organization through virtual training, visit our Adaptive Learning site or contact us today.