Facing an absence of work resources, your employees are learning new skills from social media

As company training programs gather dust in the face of rapidly changing needs, employees are increasingly turning to unconventional sources to acquire the skills they need to stay competitive. A recent survey by KPMG revealed that nearly two-thirds of desk-based workers are leveraging social media and online platforms to develop digital skills, sector-specific knowledge, and soft skills such as leadership and communication. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 56% of employees aged 18-24 and 36% of those aged 25-34 exploring generative AI as a means of learning.

The shift towards self-directed learning through social media and online resources highlights a growing disconnect between the training provided by employers and the actual needs of their workforce. Less than half (44%) of workers strongly agreed that they had the right skills to perform their roles effectively, and a similar percentage expressed a desire to develop their digital skills and industry-specific knowledge. This suggests that traditional corporate learning and development programs may be failing to keep pace with the rapidly changing skill requirements of the modern workplace.

While the use of social media and AI for learning offers accessibility and efficiency, experts caution against an overreliance on these platforms. The lack of quality assurance and the complexity of certain skills, particularly soft skills, may limit the effectiveness of a purely "DIY" approach. To address this, employers should consider integrating self-directed learning into their performance management frameworks, providing access to credible online learning providers, and offering a variety of learning methods to engage employees. By embracing a more flexible and diverse approach to skill development, organizations can better equip their workforce to adapt to the challenges of the future.