HRM and skills development – March 2022

Virtual Reality addresses the shortcomings of distance learning
The remote work model, various online courses and on-screen lectures are the new reality, accelerated by the global pandemic. According to EU statistics, more than 50% of individuals did an online course in 2020. However, distance learning also has drawbacks that may hamper effective knowledge transfer. Research by Kaunas University and Tampere University suggests that VR may help improving learning by enabling new problem-solving methods, increasing task-related focus and improving social relations.

Working and learning in the era of no retirement
A vision paper by Susan Wilner Golden in Harvard Business Review outlines a world where people work ‘forever’. As the world’s overall population skews older, the workforce is aging as well, with more older adults working well beyond what used to be considered the typical retirement age. Older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce, but ageist attitudes about this population persist in the workplace and the job market. Contrary to common assumptions, older workers do not cost more than younger workers and are not technology averse; their longevity actually brings numerous benefits to the workplace. By recognising older workers’ value and changing models of upskilling and learning, companies can create a thriving five-generation workforce.

Supply chain survey shows personnel shortages at all levels
The labour crunch is a serious issue, not just for front-line employees in distribution centres and other supply chain sites, but also when it comes to higher-level supply chain talent. Modern Materials Handling surveyed supply chain professionals and found less than one-third feel their companies are highly prepared to handle demand with current staff, while two-thirds have increased wages to try to retain more people. View the results here.

Reskilling the workforce: CEOs don’t put the money where their talk is
A survey by Randstad under CEOs found a striking inconsistency between their words and their actions concerning the reskilling of the workforce in ties of scarce personnel. Whereas 75% say they believe that reskilling is an effective way to combat scarcity, less than a third (29%) say that they are investing in this area. You can download the report after filling in your details.

European Skills Index ESI 2022 published
The 2022 results of European Skills Index (ESI) from Cedefop show that skills development systems seem to be converging in Europe, even though there is still some way to go until full convergence is achieved. Findings also suggest that, although skills matching has been improving significantly over time, the COVID pandemic’s consequences (i.e. difficulties of younger people to reach the labour market) will possibly be reflected in the years to come.

Status of the Netherlands' learning culture mapped out
A strong learning culture is essential for society to be able to respond to the rapidly changing labour market and major personnel shortages. The recently published Learning Culture Monitor (in Dutch, Monitor Leercultuur), by Dutch research institute TNO (in Dutch) and government thinktank SER, shows that the availability of training opportunities and career discussions has increased in recent years, but that opportunities in the area of informal learning, such as variation in the work and autonomy, are still insufficiently exploited.
 

NVC members receive this information with all the relevant links in the monthly NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411