Role of online courses in reskilling employees/working professionals

As industries face significant changes due to evolving customer expectations and technological advancements, working professionals must adapt and learn new skills to remain competitive. Online learning has become a powerful tool for maintaining competitiveness in this dynamic setting. 

Due to a lack of time to upskill or reskill themselves, professionals don’t get the opportunity to experience growth in their careers. With the help of online learning, professionals may now acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes or workplaces. Let’s dive deep into the benefits of online learning and the list of companies implementing online courses for employee reskilling. 

You may also like to read how to stay recession proof by upskilling with online courses

Benefits of online learning for working professionals

Listed below are the benefits of online learning for working professionals:

1. Flexibility in learning:

Individuals may adjust their study schedules to fit with their job responsibilities by taking online courses. Since professionals can access course materials at any time, including the weekends, learning is made flexible to fit their busy schedules.

2. No relocation required:

Online learning offers access to prestigious academic institutions and business leaders for various credentials, eliminating the need for relocation and allowing students to pursue education globally or nationally.

3. Progress in one’s career:

Acquiring the information and skills you need through online learning can help you progress in your profession and take on new tasks and responsibilities. 

4. Self-paced learning:

Online learning allows you to learn at your own pace, ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter. You may also speed up pre-recorded lessons to save time.

5. Networking possibilities:

Taking online classes can also help you expand your network and find new employment prospects. You can network with global professionals working in your industry through online learning.

6. Cost-effectiveness:

For working professionals, online learning turns out to be a more affordable choice. It eliminates the need for transportation fees and housing costs. Additionally, you can choose not to quit your job and continue working while you study.

7. Enhances work-life balance:

Online learning enables you to tailor your education to your changing schedule, providing a better work-life balance than in-person learning.

8. Range of professional development courses:

Choosing online learning provides working individuals with a range of professional development courses that are intended to help them improve their knowledge and abilities in particular fields. 

9. Numerous communication modes:

There are many different methods to access learning material, including emails, video conferences, and others via a phone, laptop, or other accessible mediums.

10. Capability to acquire technical proficiencies:

Online learning offers numerous benefits, such as enhanced technological skills, the ability to use various applications effectively, and proficiency in digital learning resources and course management systems. 

11. Personalized education:

Online learning can be optimized by skipping uninteresting or familiar lessons, rescheduling assignments, or taking a break during emergencies, allowing for flexibility in scheduling and focus.

12. Enhanced productivity at work:

Online learning can bridge knowledge gaps and offer fresh perspectives on work, facilitated by experienced instructors and classroom connections, thereby enhancing daily tasks.

Also check out how online courses can help your career and get a salary hike.

Trends in corporate learning and development with online courses

Trends in corporate learning and development with online courses include:

1. Mobile learning 

Mobile learning has gained popularity in online learning as more individuals utilize smartphones and tablets. Accessing training materials at any time and place is made easier and more flexible for working professionals through this mode of learning.

2. Microlearning 

The bite-sized chunks of information—typically lasting two to ten minutes—are known as microlearning. With this approach, workers can learn easily and at their own pace, resulting in an engaged workforce.

3. Gamification

Gamification is a popular method that involves the introduction of elements and features from games into non-gaming environments. It is increasingly used in e-learning to improve engagement and involvement.

4. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Through the delivery of individualized learning experiences, AI is completely transforming the e-learning sector. 

5. Virtual Reality (VR)

With VR, working professionals may experience simulations that mimic real events, creating extremely engaging, personalized and interactive learning experiences. 

6. Customized learning 

Companies are becoming more and more aware that providing training in a one-size-fits-all manner is no longer effective. Consequently, they are using AI-driven algorithms and data analytics to create unique learning paths for every employee.

7. Just-in-time learning

Employees will have easy access to learning materials whenever they need them, so they can pick up new skills or information just in time for the responsibilities that call for it.

8. Social learning

Peers and superiors may assist in identifying areas of weakness, offering course recommendations, and assisting in the accomplishment of learning objectives, making social learning an effective trend.

Also read about the future of learning with AI

Importance and impact of online learning on employee skill enhancement

Here are the key impacts and importance of how online learning can help working professionals/employees in reskilling:

1. Develops future leaders 

One main advantage of employee skill development initiatives is creating future leaders. Organizations may create a pool of skilled people ready to take on leadership positions by supporting employees’ professional development and offering opportunities for promotion.

2. Provides networking opportunities

Global forums and networking possibilities are common features of online courses, which connect professionals worldwide. These networks may be very helpful for employment prospects, career guidance, and mentoring. 

3. Enhances professional brand

It is essential to have a strong professional brand in the competitive employment market. Online certifications add a lot of value to the CV by displaying to potential employers that the candidate is proactive about their professional growth and dedicated to improving themselves. 

4. Offers numerous benefits to the organization

Online learning can improve performance, raise staff morale, and decrease attrition rates. It also offers cost-effective alternatives to traditional training and gives workers the freedom to learn at their own speed and from any location at any time. 

Do check out and read about why candidates with masters degrees are preferred for managerial and leadership roles.

Companies implementing online courses for employee reskilling/upskilling

1. Adidas

Adidas introduced the Group Learning Campus, providing staff members with unlimited access to social and interactive learning resources. This boosted employee engagement, skill levels, and corporate performance.

2. Shell

Shell Open University launched an online e-learning platform, which provides employees with access to webcasts, e-books, video courses, and technical manuals, thereby enhancing their proficiency in technical and corporate topics.

3. Vernint

Vernint integrated gamification by designing quizzes and blended learning programs that gave employees a game-like experience, encouraging participation and collaboration.

4. PayPal

PayPal takes an innovative approach to staff training by having experts present brief lectures in private groups on social media platforms like Facebook and X. 

5. Toyota

Through its Learning Management System (LMS), which comprises videos, infographics, and more, Toyota has trained up to 18,000 employees worldwide. 

6. Booking.com

Amateurs and novices who join Booking.com can enhance their technical abilities and progress professionally through e-learning and a custom-made solution that includes online classes and tutoring.

Reskill and upskill with Online Manipal

Whether you’re interested in learning about global financial markets, negotiating techniques, leadership, or well-being, you can find suitable courses at Online Manipal. Online Manipal may be the best option for you if you’re a working professional seeking an online degree from a prestigious institution. In addition to receiving an online degree from Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Online Manipal allows you to expand your professional network, enjoy in-depth learning, pick up essential industry-focused skills, and more from the convenience of your home at affordable prices. Some of the popular domains to upskill are data science, business administration, marketing, blockchain, etc.

You might also like how working professionals are upskilling their career with Online Manipal

Conclusion

Professionals looking to upskill or reskill in the current job market may now do so effectively with the help of online learning. As mentioned above, online learning offers numerous benefits. Due to its flexibility, it is an excellent choice for professionals who want to advance in their careers and broaden their skill set. Furthermore, students will have the bandwidth to balance their personal and professional obligations, making education an attainable goal for everyone.

Key takeaways:

• Online learning has made high-quality education accessible and reasonably priced for individuals from various backgrounds and locations. 
• Participating actively in online learning can improve networking and may help expand an individual’s brand and exposure.