Learning in the time of COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 on training

The global coronavirus pandemic has significantly changed the way we work. L&D professionals are facing several different challenges and pressures, as businesses consider what capacity they have, what the priorities are and where / if training fits into this.

The impact of COVID-19 on the training industry includes courses being cancelled or deferred, companies transitioning their face-to-face offering completely online or introducing Virtual Reality Training.

Whatever strategies are in place, businesses can’t afford to bring workplace learning to a halt. Arguably, now is a critical time to encourage ‘normality’ and help staff to focus on their development with upskilling/reskilling and capability-building.

Whether your staff are back to the office, remote working or furloughed, offering training in some capacity is a great way to ensure they’ll be ready to hit the ground running when life returns to the new normal.

> UK Government guidance with regard to the rules on furloughed staff >

Employees who have taken a furlough during this time are encouraged to undertake training.

"Furloughed employees can engage in training, as long as in undertaking the training the employee does not provide services to, or generate revenue for, or on behalf of their organisation or a linked or associated organisation. Furloughed employees should be encouraged to undertake training."