For teams to remain sharp, a hefty paycheck won’t suffice. The modern workplace focuses on creating an environment that prioritizes employees’ well-being and professional growth, to say nothing of integrating tools that empower people to keep advancing their careers.
Blended Learning for Upskilling
Education has always been a critical tool for keeping employees engaged, but now, more than ever, companies are turning to blended learning for upskilling to provide training that fits both the needs of the business and employee preferences. Blended learning combines traditional in-person education with digital learning resources and allows employees to access training materials when and where it’s convenient.
One business that’s seen firsthand the impact of this learning model is JLL, a global commercial real estate services company. They’ve employed a blended learning model in training their project managers, combining in-person seminars with online training resources. According to Sarah Morrison, JLL’s Global Head of Learning and Development, “Blended learning allows us to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world application. Our project managers can learn while actively managing construction-related projects, which results in more effective, engaged, and better-prepared leaders.”
Reliable Employee Onboarding Apps
Next on, a smooth onboarding process is crucial to setting new hires up for success. Technology has made this process more efficient and personalized than ever. Companies that use reliable employee onboarding apps have eliminated the need for tedious paperwork.
At Malaysian airline AirAsia, the onboarding process has become seamless through their app, AirAsia Academy. The platform allows new hires to quickly learn everything they need to know, from company policies to specific training programs.
“We know that first impressions count, especially for new hires,” says AirAsia’s Head of HR Development James Stewart. “Our reliable employee onboarding apps ensure that employees hit the ground running, without feeling overwhelmed or lost. The goal is to provide clarity from day one, making them feel comfortable and capable in their new role.”
These apps often include video tutorials, interactive quizzes, and training modules that help employees integrate themselves into the company culture quickly and efficiently. E.g., apps can provide an overview of key projects and expectations for managing construction-related projects, making it easier for new hires to learn about the company’s specific goals and how they can contribute to them.
The time saved by using onboarding apps allows HR teams to focus more on long-term development strategies rather than manual processes.
Improving Well-being Through Healthier Food Options
Productivity doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it’s affected by the overall employee well-being. Offering healthier meal options in the workplace is a new trend that is spreading fast.
In Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle through the company’s initiative that offers budget-friendly rice meals designed to fuel their workday. Priya Sharma, TCS’s Health and Wellness Coordinator, explains, “We understand that employees can’t focus if they’re distracted by hunger. We’ve made sure that our meals are not only budget-friendly but also well-balanced, so our team can stay focused and energized throughout the day.”
Offering nutritious and affordable meals helps employees maintain the energy needed for long hours of work. Healthy employees are less likely to suffer from the mental fog that often comes from poor eating habits. Furthermore, with the rise of hybrid work models, providing easy access to healthy food can be a way for companies to encourage wellness, regardless of where employees are working.
Managing Construction Projects
For industries such as construction, where deadlines are tight and the margin for error is small, technology has become a game changer. Project management tools help ensure that things run smoothly.
Bechtel has used construction project management software to streamline its operations. Their proprietary platform, BechtelOne, integrates a range of tools that help project teams track progress, manage tasks, and collaborate more effectively.
According to Mike King, Bechtel’s Vice President of Digital Transformation, “We’re managing some of the world’s most complex and high-stakes construction projects. The ability to access real-time information on a central platform makes all the difference. Our teams are equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that we meet deadlines without compromising quality.”
Having access to real-time data is essential. It allows employees to quickly identify potential issues, making it easier to find solutions before small problems escalate. For construction-related projects, this is critical.
The Power of Ongoing Training
Finally, ongoing training plays a massive role in employee development. It goes without saying that, to stay competitive in rapidly evolving industries, the skills and knowledge of the workforce must follow suit.
Investing in ongoing training ensures that employees remain competitive, adaptable, and prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. In addition, this kind of ongoing commitment to learning fosters a growth mindset that motivates employees to take ownership of their roles.
E.g., Zara, the global fashion retailer, prioritizes ongoing training through its Zara Academy, which offers a variety of learning opportunities to employees. Says Ana González, Zara’s Head of Learning and Development, “Our training programs are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the retail industry. By offering our team members a chance to grow and learn continuously, we ensure they stay agile and ready to meet customer needs.”
A Future-Ready Workforce
Everything considered, incorporating technology into training, well-being initiatives, and project management offers companies a way to stay ahead. Understanding that technology is not just a tool to boost productivity but also a means to foster a culture of growth and well-being is the right approach.
Businesses that embrace such an integrated approach are certain to see an increase in employee satisfaction, improved performance, and higher retention rates.
Probably the most important element of the equation is remembering that new tech is there to assist human employees, not to replace them. Underestimating employees’ fears is one of the biggest mistakes businesses can make.
That’s why learning plays a critical role in the overall process of future-proofing the workforce and businesses should not neglect its importance. Small adjustments here and there are certain to amass over time, after all.