Changes in the approach to employee development in organisations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the direction and extent of changes in the approach of organisations to employee development that have occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This research is of a qualitative nature. The thematic exploration uses the analysis of findings from 19 in-depth interviews with experienced HR managers and is preceded by desk research. Findings The findings advance our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected developmental processes in organisations. The results indicate, apart from the change in the form and methodology of employee trainings due to the pandemic, that employees also desire new subjects to aid their development. One also noticed decreased employee engagement and increased fatigue with the use of multiple, online development initiatives. Practical implications For learning and development (L&D) practitioners, there are implications in relation to tailoring developmental offerings to fit the needs of employees to help them to progress more in the course of their work. In this new reality, an agile approach to employee development can work much better. The activities of the L&D departments should also take into greater account the changing and unpredictable reality as well as the evolving nature of information and communication technologies (ICT). The COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to the analysis and modernisation of existing offerings for development in organisations and foster a culture of lifelong learning. Originality/value This research makes an important contribution to the literature by examining the impact of situational context on modifications in development activities undertaken in organisations. The results indicate the need to change the existing role of L&D teams in organisations, taking into account the maximum use of e-learning potential, while understanding its limitations. It can be assumed that while the pandemic develops, designing hybrid learning will become even more important and L&D professionals will focus on combining the flexibility of self-training and available online resources with highly engaging real-world experiences.

Perspectives on the Changing Face of Employee Development

“…Human capital is nowadays perceived as a valuable and desirable good, which, when properly applied, stimulates the growth of the company's market value and, in the long run, proves to be much more important than the possession and use of material resources and financial capital. (Mikołajczyk, 2021) Over the last 2 years, since 2020, the employee development paradigm has evolved to encompass wellness for employees and even their families in its purview. This is the latest shift in the evolution of employee development.…”

“…'In some cases, gamification has become increasingly common in employee training'. 'One also notices decreased employee engagement and increased fatigue with the use of multiple, online development initiatives' (Mikołajczyk, 2021) 'The coronavirus has been a catalyst for change and has only accelerated the transformation of learning'.…”

“…Human capital is nowadays perceived as a valuable and desirable good, which, when properly applied, stimulates the growth of the company’s market value and, in the long run, proves to be much more important than the possession and use of material resources and financial capital. (Mikołajczyk, 2021)…”

Employee Development: New Paradigms

“…Katarzyna Mikolajczyk (2021) has provided many useful insights on this topic. Here is the author’s own understanding of how employee development needs to be reimagined.…”

Towards a New Paradigm: Employee Development through OD

“…Is it worth organising a webinar for a hundred people for two hours and expect the attendees to develop the competence, confidence and the motivation to implement the learning? This is only the beginning of the numerous changes in the approach to employee development practices that modern technologies offer (Mikolajczyk, 2021).…”