Developing a diverse workforce
There are many definitions of learning and development; in essence, learning and development within organisations is an activity that develops skills, knowledge or attitude. Activities may range from formal training courses run internally or externally to informal on-the-job training or coaching.
Organisations need to ensure that their overall policy of equality and diversity is integrated into their learning and development policy and practices. This will provide accessibility to all employees regardless of their differences, by ensuring that learning and development opportunities are responsive to the specific requirements and differing capabilities of a diverse workforce.
In order for people to develop at all levels it is vital that management at the highest levels supports this i.e. top-level commitment is essential. It is also important that the organisations communicate their learning and development policy to all their employees.
Recent CIPD research has demonstrated that, in our rapidly changing and increasingly knowledge-based economy, competitive advantage is built where individuals actively seek to acquire the knowledge and skills that promote the organisation’s objectives. Organisations are learning environments, and employment in them is (or should be) a continuous learning experience. Of course learning takes place all the time, through experience, though not all such learning is positive. The point about organisational learning and development is that it should be structured, to enhance benefits for individuals and their employers.
For learning and development to be effective within organisations, consideration needs to be given to the following;
- A positive and clear statement of the organisation’s commitment to learning and development of all its people
- A clear and comprehensive equal opportunities statement
- Learning and development should cover all its employees, for example, part-time workers, casual and temporary employees, those on career breaks. It should consider the way people learn and address needs of those within their organisation that might need additional support e.g. languages, learning styles etc.
- Include people at all levels within the organisation
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