Jump to navigation

AI in L&D: where does your organisation stand?

Submitted by networkadmin on

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful force reshaping industries and revolutionising various aspects of our lives. One of the areas where AI is making a significant impact is Learning and Development (L&D).

As organisations strive to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world, many are turning to AI-powered solutions to enhance their training and education programs. 

In this blog, we will explore the nature of AI in Learning and Development initiatives, the key concepts surrounding it, and the challenges L&D leaders are raising when it comes to implementation. 

human and machine shaking hands

AI in the Workplace

AI is fundamentally reshaping how individuals and organisations approach learning, training, and skill development. Its integration into the world of L&D has been a reoccurring topic at iVentiv events across the board with 50% of participants stating that this is a priority for them heading into 2024. 

From personalisation to enhanced content creation, to data-driven insights, and proactive planning for future needs, Heads of L&D want to know: what are the key concepts to consider? And what are the risks that come with it?

Personalised learning and planning for future needs in L&D

Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all approaches to development, AI-driven systems have the capacity to adapt learning experiences to the unique needs, preferences, and capabilities of individual learners, adhering to DEIB efforts organisation-wide. So it’s no wonder L&D leaders are eager to learn more.

L&D teams want to invest in AI because of its ability to make informed decisions about what content to present, how to present it, and when to present it through in-depth user analysis – as well as AI in L&D being a top priority, iVentiv surveys show 40% of you are focusing on people data as well.

Organisations are increasingly moving towards proactively designing training programs that equip employees with the necessary skills to excel in their roles and contribute to the company's strategic goals. When asked what their key priorities are for the months ahead, Heads of Learning repeatedly refer to ‘learning designed by data’ as a reoccurring theme.

AI's Hand in Enhanced Content Creation and Curation

Content creation and curation are fundamental aspects of any L&D initiative, and organisations see an opportunity with AI usher in a new era of efficiency and quality. Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms, for instance, are being used to help L&D teams to automate content creation, streamline content curation, and ensure that learning materials remain up to date.

Research by Deloitte suggests that 94% of companies using AI in L&D benefit from data-driven insights, which help in optimising training programs, identifying skill gaps, and improving employee performance.

In other words, learning teams hope that it can help learners to get the content they need, when they need it, in a way that best suits them, saving time and improving the overall quality of learning materials

Adapting to modern learning needs

For L&D Leaders, AI encourages a shift toward continuous learning and microlearning, in tune with the needs of today's fast-paced work environments. AI-driven platforms can recommend microlearning content based on an individual's performance, development goals, and role within the organisation.

AI-driven recommendations can guide employees toward relevant experiences and social interactions that contribute to their skill development. According to Jamie Culican, ‘lifelong learning is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for adaptability in the rapidly changing world’ of AI. It’s no small wonder that L&D leaders want to invest in a targeted approach that will promote a culture of continuous learning.

The challenges of Working with AI in L&D

CLOs see benefits from AI for L&D teams and the future of work and learning as we know it, but there are also significant challenges. For instance, the lack of AI talent and reskilling struggles organisations are facing; the responsibility of leaders to manage change and mitigate risks that come along with it; and human biases that have made their way into the AI conscious.

So what do the experts say?

Lack of AI Expertise in L&D

One of the most significant challenges is the shortage of AI talent. KPMG research on generative AI suggests that 2.5% of tasks will be replaced by AI, effecting 40% of jobs but in most cases not replacing them. Skilled professionals who understand AI concepts, algorithms, and their practical applications are in high demand and L&D teams are under significant pressure to reskill their current workforce to adapt to the rate of change.

Change Management

In our new world of generative AI, business leaders face the difficult task of discerning how to implement the technology alongside their workforce and whether it will replace certain positions altogether.

Our data shows a Head of Talent from one of Europe’s biggest pharmaceuticals mention ‘uncertainty around how employees and leaders will adopt AI programs’ when talking about future challenges. Employees may resist AI implementation due to this fear of job displacement or the learning curve associated with new technologies.

To curb this, according to Forbes, ‘companies must develop a deeper understanding of their offerings and customer expectations’ in order to pinpoint where generative AI can ‘provide value and where human interactions are indispensable.’

Bias and Fairness in AI adoption

Eliminating bias from AI systems is an ongoing challenge, and organisations are working tirelessly to monitor and adjust AI models to ensure fairness and avoid discrimination. Without extensive testing and diverse teams, it is easy for unconscious biases to enter machine learning models.

How are L&D leaders tackling the issue?

  • Go1 argue in an article on their website that L&D plays a crucial role in raising awareness around unconscious technological biases, and has a responsibility to ‘respond when these biases arise in eLearning technologies to foster a more inclusive and sustainable environment.’
  • Olga Russakovsky, co-founder of the AI4ALL foundation, suggests that L&D teams can reduce unconscious technological biases by promoting diverse teams, ‘as diversity grows, the AI systems themselves will become less biased.’

How are organisations moving forward with AI?

Many organisations feel that AI-powered solutions are becoming essential tools for enhancing the skills and knowledge of their workforce. In that view, the adoption of AI in L&D is not just a trend but a strategic imperative for organisations looking to thrive in the knowledge-driven economy of the 21st Century. 

By embracing AI-driven L&D initiatives, organisations believe that they can empower their employees with the skills they need to excel, adapt, and lead in the digital age. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to revolutionise learning and development will only grow, potentially ensuring that organisations are better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
 

Thumbnail: 
Feature on Homepage: 
News category: 
Learning & Development
Artificial Intelligence

More Insights

The Power of Data and AI in Learning and Development with Roche, STMicroelectronics, HEC Paris and the L&D Challenges Podcast

Data-driven decision-making, personalisation, and measuring impact to enhance learner engagement were hot topics at iVentiv’s Learning Futures Basel event in October of this year.

Adam Lacey, Co-Founder of Assemble You and Host of the L&D Challenges Podcast took the time to join us for those discussions, and got into the thick it with key thought-leaders in his most recent podcast episode: How Roche and STMicroelectronics are Harnessing the Power of Data and AI in L&D.

Sam Zalcman, Global Head of Learning & Development at STMicroelectronics, Priyakumar Nair, Global Head of Learning Services at Roche, and Professor Peter Fisher, Associate Professor of Marketing & Academic Director of Creative Destruction Labs’ AI stream at HEC Paris made up this episode’s panel of distinguished leaders, and the discussions illuminated cutting-edge strategies in L&D and their implications for organisational transformation.

Join us as we listen in on a podcast that provides a wealth of insights for C-suite executives in multinational organisations, focusing on how L&D leaders are leveraging data, AI, and cultural shifts to address modern challenges.

The Future of Learning, Leadership, and AI: with HEC Paris, Akkodis, Reckitt and The Learning Hack Podcast

In a dynamic and transformative era, the Learning & Development sector is grappling with profound questions about innovation, technology, and leadership. The Learning Hack Podcast, hosted by John Helmer, offers rich insights into these themes through candid conversations with global leaders. 

In a recent episode inspired by conversations at iVentiv’s Learning Futures Basel Executive Knowledge Exchange, three thought leaders — Anne-Valérie Corboz (Dean, HEC Paris), Jane Underwood (Global Head of Learning, Reckitt), and Sarah Otley (SVP, Global Head of Akkodis Academy) — came together to share their perspectives on navigating the future of L&D, with discussions covering the evolving nature of leadership, the role of generative AI in L&D, and the enduring challenges of aligning learning strategies with business goals. 

Read more

AI, Performance, and the Problem of L&D Complacency with The Learning Hack Podcast and Charles Jennings

The advent of generative AI has sparked widespread discussions across industries, but for Learning and Development, its potential remains a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, for many leaders, AI promises to revolutionise the way learning is designed and delivered. On the other, it risks reinforcing old habits and hindering meaningful change.

In a recent episode of The Learning Hack Podcast, hosted by John Helmer, guest Charles Jennings— iVentiv Advisory Board member, regular iVentiv Event Chair, pioneer in L&D transformation, and Co-Founder of the 70:20:10 framework—offered deep insights into these challenges.

This blog unpacks the key themes from their conversation and asks how can L&D leaders avoid complacency? How can they leverage AI responsibly? How can they refocus on performance improvement over outdated methodologies?

Read more

Building a Skills-Based Organisation: Insights from Zurich Insurance

In an age of constant change, Zurich Insurance has embraced a skills-based approach as a core strategy to future-proof its workforce and drive business success. 

In an interview with iVentiv, Adrian Stäubli, Group Head of Skills Development Solutions at Zurich Insurance, highlighted Zurich’s commitment to identifying, developing, and deploying skills across its global workforce. 

This model isn’t just a tool— to Adrian it’s a "secret ingredient" that touches every aspect of employee development, from career progression to job design, setting Zurich apart as a truly agile and resilient organisation.

Watch our interview now to see how Adrian has embraced skills, and how it’s transforming Zurich’s employee experience.

 

The power of partnership: how iVentiv and HEC Paris drive Executive Development together

In the ever-evolving world of executive education and corporate learning, partnerships are key to success. iVentiv has nurtured a long-standing relationship with HEC Paris, a prestigious European business school that was founded in 1888, since 2010 and has become a leading institution in Executive Development. Through this collaboration, HEC Paris has not only elevated its presence within the corporate learning community but has also provided valuable insights and support to iVentiv’s events worldwide.

Join us as we dive into the partnership between iVentiv and HEC Paris, how it's bloomed over the years, and where it will go next.

Change Ecosystems, Rapid Reskilling, and Leaders of the Future with Majid Al Futtaim

In this insightful interview, Jay Moore, former Chief Learning Officer at GE, and Jo O'Driscoll-Kearney, Global Head of Learning & Leadership Development at Majid Al Futtaim, delve into the strategies that organisations can adopt to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.

In a conversation with iVentiv's Hannah Hoey ahead of Learning Futures Dubai Jo and Jay discuss how to create ecosystems that continuously re-qualify employees, the role of marketing in Learning & Development, and the importance of fostering a growth-oriented culture. 

 

Watch and read more here.

 

Mindfulness as a Core Executive Leadership Skill, with Matthias Birk

In today's fast-paced business environment, the importance of mindfulness in leadership cannot be overstated. As leaders navigate the complexities of decision-making and relationship-building, mindfulness serves as a crucial tool for maintaining focus, fostering empathy, and enhancing executive presence. In this blog, we explore the insights of Matthias Birk, Global Director of Partner Development at White & Case, on how mindfulness can transform leadership. With decades of experience in leadership development, Matthias shares practical strategies for integrating mindfulness into daily routines, its impact on organisational culture, and the vital role of community in sustaining these practices.

Join us as we delve into the power of mindfulness to elevate leadership effectiveness and create more compassionate, connected workplaces.

Tech, Talent and Transformation with Expedia and Microsoft

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, companies like Expedia and Microsoft are harnessing the power of new technologies to drive learning, talent, and business objectives. Leveraging AI, including generative AI and tools like Microsoft's Copilot, these companies personalise learning experiences, enhance performance management, and streamline operations. Led by iVentiv's Hannah Hoey, we interviewed Liz Moran (VP of Global Talent Management, Expedia), Manasi Joshi (Senior Director, Learning & Development, Expedia), and Brian Murphy (Senior Director, Employee Skilling, Microsoft), to talk about new and emerging tech, transformation, and the power of learning and talent partnerships.

Watch now to learn how new tech is transforming corporate learning, improving operational efficiency, and supporting Talent Management to meet business objectives.

What are the Top Priorities for Chief Learning and Talent Officers in the First Half of 2024?

iVentiv has spent the first six months of 2024 asking Global Heads of Learning, Talent, and Leadership to share the top priorities and challenges for their function right now. At the end of 2023, the most popular area highlighted by respondents was Leadership and Executive Development. So far in 2024, more than 300 C-suite executives, all leading L&D and Talent functions for Global organisations, have responded. We can now reveal the results of the 2024 surveys so far.

In this blog, we explore the top priorities, with some preliminary exploration of what the figures tell us about the work of L&D teams across the world right now.

AI and the Future of L&D with Trish Uhl, Senior AI Specialist, Keynote, Advisor, and author of Learning AI

In our recent interview with Trish Uhl, Senior AI Specialist, we explored the transformative potential of AI within the Learning & Development (L&D) functions of organisations.

Trish, an expert in AI and technology, shared her insights on how AI is reshaping professional development and learning processes. Trish's insights underscore the urgent need for L&D to catch up with technological advancements and leverage AI tools to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The future of AI in L&D promises exciting possibilities, provided human creativity and critical thinking remain at the forefront of this transformation.

Pages