Learning and development (L&D) has been changing rapidly in recent years. The method of learning has evolved as people find virtual learning more flexible. However, the main changes occurred during COVID-19, and they have been growing ever since. The rise of online learning during the lockdown has contributed significantly to the major evolution of learning practices. Hence, it is important in this fast-evolving world to stay updated about emerging trends in learning. In this blog, we will learn how L&D has changed over the years and what to expect in 2025.
Emerging Trends in Learning and Development (L&D)
1. AR/VR Training: The Rise of Immersive Learning
AR (Augmented Reality) overlays images or animation into the real world using a smartphone or tablet camera, whereas VR (Virtual Reality) creates a fictional world such as a virtual classroom and virtual characters using a VR headset. AR and VR are changing corporate learning as they provide practical experience to employees and improve their retention.
Industries like healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail use AR/VR effectively. These technologies can help employees perform difficult tasks in visionary environments that seem real, hence making it risk-free. Using AR and VR can boost the involvement of employees in learning. If these tools get easier to access, more companies might use them for training in 2025.
2. Gamification: Making Learning Fun and Effective
A lot of employees feel unmotivated and stressed at work, right? Well, here comes gamification as a solution for decreasing stress and making corporate training interesting. Gamification is a method that adds fun and interactive features to learning to make learners enjoy the training process.
Elements like badges, leaderboards, points, rewards, and streaks make the employees engaged in activities. It boosts their motivation, engagement, and learning involvement and aids in better retention. Many companies in different contexts have already included features of gamification in their learning and development strategies (L&D). Some companies like Microsoft, Unacademy, and Duolingo are using this method effectively.
3. Social Learning: The Power of Collaboration
Social learning is all about watching what others do and trying it out yourself. More people are learning from their peers instead of sticking to traditional methods of learning. Platforms like social media and online forums are helpful for social learning.
People share their stories and experiences on these platforms, which helps everyone learn from each other. Social learning also includes sharing information and knowledge with coworkers and making strong connections with them. This trend will keep getting bigger in 2025 as people really like hearing about other people’s experiences and figuring out how to relate to them or learn something new.
The Growing Importance of Upskilling and Reskilling
In a world where market trends and technologies are always changing, it’s essential to stay updated and keep learning to succeed in your career. To do well in the constantly changing job market, workers must stay informed about technologies like automation and AI. Learning new skills and polishing existing skills is what exactly describes the concept of upskilling and reskilling.
Companies should adopt learning and development (L&D) strategies to keep employees engaged in learning. Strategies like microlearning, which includes learning bite-sized concepts in online mode, are quite helpful for individuals who lack time for physical traditional learning methods. Also, organizations and individuals should make use of modern technologies like AI and automation to keep learning and updating their skills.
The Impact of Remote Work on L&D Strategies
As per a Forbes recent study in 2024, reports show that about 28.2% of employees work in hybrid settings, while 12.7% of employees work in remote settings. Due to this, companies had to embrace virtual learning tools and digital-first training methods. They also utilize systems like Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) to make learning convenient for employees from anywhere in the world.
These learning and development (L&D) strategies provide flexibility to employees, resulting in a boost in productivity. It also helps in increasing the engagement of employees, as it is a huge challenge in remote work. Hence, remote work had a great impact on rapidly changing L&D strategies.
Predictions: How Technology Will Shape Corporate Learning by 2025
By the year 2025, it is anticipated that technology will significantly influence and transform corporate learning. Following are the technologies that can play a huge role in shaping corporate training.
- AI tools will make a great impact on the learning and training of employees as they will provide them with personalized learning experiences.
- Utilizing immersive learning like AR and VR makes realistic learning possible in a risk-free environment.
- Using data analytics to check the outcomes of training programs and also to track the performance of workers.
- Implementing microlearning can help employees access the latest knowledge and concepts in short modules in their busy schedules.
- Implementing gamification into learning can enhance learners’ engagement and interest.
Conclusion
Learning and development (L&D) strategies have been changing and growing, especially since COVID-19. Keeping up with these technologies is significant for an evolving industry. The main emerging trends in these strategies include AR/VR training, gamification, social learning, and microlearning. Companies should give priority to upskilling and reskilling their employees, as it is important to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. Technologies like AI and automation will significantly improve and change corporate learning by 2025. Hence, it is crucial to keep informed about new trends and technologies for jobs that will be in demand in the future.
