Importance of learning highlighted as remote work grows

Remote working, or work flexibility, used to be a distinctive perk. Today, it is increasingly an expectation in a multigenerational workforce, suggested Feon Ang, Vice-President, LinkedIn APAC Talent and Learning Solutions.

Speaking to HRM Asia, she cited, “A global survey showed that 45% of senior leaders say they are considering a more permanent shift to virtual events or conferences, and 44% say they are evaluating more permanent remote work policies.”

And as this trend continues to grow, continuous learning will top the agenda for many organisations and their employees.

Searches for “remote working” on LinkedIn Learning for example, have tripled since January this year in Singapore, an indication that employees and managers alike are seeking advice on how to navigate the challenges of a remote workplace.

Overall, LinkedIn reported a 144% increase in time spent learning in the months of March and April, compared to January and February. Singapore introduced its ‘circuit breaker’ measures on April 7, which saw the majority of the country’s workforce began working remotely.

Some of the most popular courses on LinkedIn Learning from March to April include, Embracing Unexpected Change and The Six Morning Habits of High Performers.

Ang added, “We’ve always believed that continuous learning is important. Regardless of where you are at in your career, it is worth picking up new skills, or honing your current ones, during this time and beyond.

“For professionals, skills related to remote working, time management and keeping productive would be essential to hone as they transition to the new normal. It is also important that they maintain a healthy and effective balance between work and personal life.”

LinkedIn has also put together a resource hub to help businesses and professionals stay connected, productive and informed, while 275 free LinkedIn Learning courses in seven languages have been made available for free.

These include tips and skills for job seekers, professionals learning to cope with the new normal, or small-to-medium business owners.

For job seekers, honing interviewing skills and learning to grow and tap on networks may be useful, while for leaders, the focus is clearly on understanding how to manage teams virtually, keeping team members engaged, as well as the organisational culture alive, Ang suggested.

She concluded, “Organisations should look to keep their culture alive as employees need to be engaged, support their family and collaborate more whilst working from home.”