There are many aspects that affect the outcome of a business. Some of these factors are internal factors like product / service sold, employees’ trainings etc. which can be controlled. Some of these factors are categorized as external like economic, demographic, environment factors and are uncontrollable. These factors always make volatile environment for a business. To cope with these uncertainties businesses need to continuously develop their employees i.e. Professional Development of employees is one of the solutions to this particular problem.
Regardless of their sizes, businesses need to envisage their environment and then plan aptly for it in terms of budgeting, strategic review, forecasting and so on. These often tie up noteworthy management hours and efforts. The foremost strategy that businesses employ in hostile environments is to cut costs by reducing training budgets, layoffs and so on. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is very important, whether it is on-the-job learning, formal courses, flexible eLearning options or any other approach.
However, in festering or unclear business settings, Continuous Professional Development is often one of the first areas to have its budget frozen or cut. eLearning provides an excellent cost-effective solution to maintain Continuous Professional Development during difficult times so that ongoing personnel development is not compromised.
1. Office IT Skills
It may look bizarre to propose developing these as a worthy cost-effective reaction to uncertainty. It might be the maintenance of standards of commonly used business programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Increasing the understanding of routinely used programs and learning tips and shortcuts help employees to become more effectual and dynamic. eLearning enables employees to learn at their own pace and mastering a technique before moving onto the next one. Employees become more robust, motivated and able to manage change and handle day-to-day tasks.
2. Business Forecasting and Risk Management
Courses like Risk Management, Project Management, and Advanced Finance Management etc. help develop a broader understanding among employees. eLearning enables employees to better plan for and manage business uncertainties. In uncertain circumstances, classroom trainings of these courses might not be affordable.
3. Soft Skills
Some soft skills, such as sales and marketing knowledge can have straight influence in modifying the effects of difficult market conditions. eLearning courses can offer a great platform to present new ideas, techniques, and best practices as well as encourage employees to actually take the time to think and plan.
4. Languages
Learning a new language may not seem an obvious response to business adversity or uncertainty, but for companies dealing with Europe, perhaps Brexit provides a timely stimulus. It is unlikely that an employee is going to become a language expert through eLearning. However, a basic level of introductory conversation demonstrates a willingness and commitment which could be appealing to potential customers and provide them with some reassurance and the company with a point of difference.
5. Human Resources
Often less thought about, business uncertainty can also have a direct bearing on employee satisfaction, engagement and commitment. When people are unsettled, this can affect their concentration and output. There is a more well-known selection of HR eLearning focused on managing employees, grievances, and so on. However, there is also eLearning focused on change management and coping with business uncertainty which is available for companies to use in managing unexpected business situations and change.
In summary, business uncertainty can lead to reservations and caution with companies putting employee training on hold as a protective step. Given the strategic importance of employees and their performance within an organization, this can be damaging. eLearning provides a great platform to maintain Continuous Professional Development during difficult periods and to explore and implement new programs to help improve performance and even benefit from uncertainty.
