HR Learning: 16 Aug, 2024

1.

Vidyaavriksh: Cultivating a future-ready workforce at HDFC ERGO

The insurance industry, grappling with a talent shortage and the rapid pace of technological change, has found a solution in Vidyaavriksh, HDFC ERGO’s comprehensive learning and development academy. The insurance industry, long burdened by a dearth of skilled professionals and an aging workforce, is confronting its talent crisis head-on. For years, the sector struggled to attract young talent, leaving it vulnerable to the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Yet, amidst this challenge, HDFC ERGO saw an opportunity. The idea for Vidyaavriksh, the company’s ambitious learning and development academy, was born from a deep understanding of the problem at hand. HDFC ERGO, in collaboration with research partners, delved into the data, conducting an extensive study that revealed glaring skill gaps—digital illiteracy, poor English language proficiency, and a jarring disconnect between academic training and corporate expectations. These insights laid the groundwork for Vidyaavriksh, a programme designed not just to fill these gaps, but to transform them into opportunities.

 

2.

Soft Skills: Need for communication skills in an increasingly digital work environment

The partnership will offer work-linked degree programmes and certifications. TeamLease EdTech and Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) are coming together to improve the employability of the youth in Kerala. This partnership of the learning and employability solution services company with the Kerala government will help address the skill gaps and fulfil the skill requirements to overcome the employability challenges in the state. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to this effect. This collaboration will result in the designing and implementation of impactful skill development via work-linked degree programmes and credit-linked diploma and certifications, specifically designed to fulfil the needs of the state’s economy. Through this partnership, the workforce of Kerala will be equipped with skills required by the industry and gain from relevant internships and apprenticeships.

 

3.

Telangana, Corning to collaborate on skilling initiatives

As work environments become more complex thanks to digitalisation, it’s imperative for the workforce to develop soft skills that drive individual and organisational success. Of these, communication has emerged as one of the most important and necessary soft skills. Many organisations emerged from 2020 with an increased readiness for digital transformation. However, through this time, soft skills too emerged as must-haves for everyone —from employees and managers to business leaders and customers. In fact, working in the digital environment has made the need for soft skills, especially those like communication, even more important. As learning and development (L&D) teams renewed their approach towards learning to suit the digital work culture, there has been an accelerated focus on the importance of effective communication during this time of forced isolation.