HR Learning: 20 Oct, 2023

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Addressing the skill gap by investing in human capital

In the face of rapid digital transformation, investing in human capital by leveraging tech solutions and big data analytics and prioritising continuous learning is one of the critical ways to encounter the challenges ahead. A 2019 UNICEF report on the widening skill gap in South Asia sent shockwaves worldwide, revealing that over half the students in the subcontinent lack the skills to get 21st-century jobs. The problem has been brewing ever since emerging technologies like AI, automation, and other disruptive forces like the gig economy created a dent in the employment market by changing the nature of jobs. On top of that, the pandemic only worsened the gap by exposing structural weaknesses and policy gaps across economies.Now, about half of all employees worldwide need to reskill themselves to face the double disruption caused by pandemic and digital transformation — and that doesn't even include recent graduates about to enter the workforce. The problem is much more complex for a young country like India, where 15 million people enter the job market every year, of which 75% aren't job-ready. The most worrying part is that the skill gap will only worsen with the greater adoption of digital technologies and the creation of new jobs demanding unique digital skills. The glaring imbalance points towards the urgent requirement to make an inclusive economy that supports continuous learning and reskilling to catch up with the digital disruption. There's a need for a paradigm shift to develop solutions needed to survive the rapidly transforming world.

 

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Learning technology is essential for L&D team, says Birlasoft’s Arun Rao

To thrive and remain competitive, companies must continually invest in learning and development initiatives and technology for their workforce, up to and including generative AI. In an exclusive interview with Arun Rao, Chief People Officer, Birlasoft, People Matters explores measures that hold the potential to drive substantial results, aligning L&D efforts seamlessly with the overarching objectives of organisational growth. Arun believes that the culture and values of an organisation depend on strong employee connection and transparency. According to the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs" report, 23% of jobs will change in the next five years, emphasising the need to adopt Learning and Development (L&D) strategies. These ongoing and anticipated transformations in work, technology advancements, and increased learning options, have led to L&D becoming a continuous process underlying learning in the flow of work. Increased learning options include modern technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI which have personalised and made learning accessible. As we strive to implement Generative AI solutions for our clients, it has become equally important for us to embrace it to bring a more hyper-personalised learning experience for our employees. Learning technology has become an essential skill for the L&D team. Remote and hybrid work arrangements, accelerated by the pandemic, require seamless access to training. There is a constant and continuing need for learning opportunities and L&D leadership has to evolve to meet all these requirements.

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Flipkart's strategies for enabling a thriving gig-workforce during festive season

By ensuring that our frontline associates feel valued and supported, we have succeeded in maintaining an unwaveringly reliable and efficient supply chain, even during peak demand periods, says Prajakta Kanaglekar, the Vice President of Supply Chain and CX HR at Flipkart. With the onset of the festive season, the demand for seasonal workers is poised to surge, thereby amplifying the responsibilities of HR professionals in their management. In an exclusive conversation with People Matters, Prajakta Kanaglekar, the Vice President of Supply Chain and CX HR Leader at Flipkart, shared valuable insights on the training of gig workers and seasonal employees, the implementation of well-being, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as strategies to enhance the employee experience, all aimed at ensuring the organization's success, particularly during the festive season. Over the past few years, the e-commerce industry has undergone remarkable growth, driven by a combination of factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, rising customer spending, and a surge in online shopping demand across even Tier-3 cities and beyond. India is known for its vibrant festive season, which makes it a busy period for e-commerce. To make the festive season successful, a flexible and efficient workforce is required by all e-commerce organisations. Flipkart can tap into the gig workforce through programmes and initiatives such as Launchpad, SCOA, GuruKul, Kool-gurus, Pathshala and NAPS. At Flipkart, we recognize the importance of efficiently managing and harnessing the potential of frontline associates to meet the surge in demand during busy seasons.