Bridging the Gap
Corporate Learning Strategies for closing multigenerational and cross cognitive divides
The workforce is in flux. Previous generations of workers are aging. Some are beginning their exodus into retirement while others continue their march forward. At the same time, newer generations are growing and their numbers are overtaking those that came before. Add to this growing divide, the way in which workers learn and understand information. How are companies adapting their strategies to not only bridge the gap, but close it entirely and move in to the future?
When it comes to learning, there are lots of different forms of technology out there, but what it really comes down to is finding the right tool for the right goal.
It was one of the many topics discussed as part of the HR Exchange LIVE: Corporate Learning roundtable. It was moderated by HR Exchange Network editor Mason Stevenson. Panelists included James Mason, the director of learning solution for ADT and Sheila Jagannathan, the head of the Open Learning Campus for the World Bank Group.
For his part, James Mason says it’s important to have a healthy mix of different technology offerings on hand.
“Sometimes—yes, even in 2018—a simple printed job aid is still the best solution, even though there is definitely a place for interactive learning,” Mason said. “I’ve delivered programs that run the gamut and often take advantage of multiple modalities to deliver against each of their specific strengths. The trackability of content delivered through a learning management system can be attractive, but one must consider whether the learning experience itself is truly best delivered online.”
Jagannathan took it a step further.
“Along with all the disruptions that are happening, which includes digital technology being everywhere, artificial intelligence and robots,” Jagannathan said, “this demographic upheaval in terms of millennials making up half the workforce and baby boomers working well into their 70s and 80s, there needs to be a new social contract whether it’s for learning or co-existence in the workplace.”
Host:
Mason Stevenson
Editor
HR Exchange Network
Mason Stevenson is the Editor at HR Exchange Network, overseeing content and engagement across all digital platforms, as well as coordinating research for monthly and quarterly research projects.
Mason left the news industry after working 11 years as a journalist. He joined the HR Exchange Network in September of 2017. During his tenure as a journalist, Mason worked at radio and television stations in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida most notably WBKO in Bowling Green, Kentucky, NewsChannel 5 in Nashville, and News 13 in Orlando. He has worked with elected officials at all levels of government, produced political debates, traveled to Cuba, and produced half hour specials and town hall meetings on a variety of topics.
Mason graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2006 where he earned a Bachelors Degree, double majoring in Political Science and Broadcasting.
