Learning Landscape in India: Trends and Priorities for L&D

The corporate learning and development (L&D) scene in India is evolving rapidly due to shifting business demands and a rising need for upskilling. This guide offers a thorough analysis of India's L&D market, exploring its growth path and emerging trends. Key findings unveil a strong corporate learning sector expansion, fueled by digitalization and a surge in demand for specialized skills.

As per the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2023, 75% of Indian professionals fear technology replacing them, driving the adoption of innovative learning tech like eLearning and mobile solutions. Despite growth, challenges persist, including budget constraints and engagement hurdles. Yet, by embracing modern tech and addressing accessibility barriers, organizations can navigate these challenges and unleash their workforce's potential.

Here we also highlight personalized learning experiences and the integration of data analytics and AI into learning systems as key trends, catering to diverse employee needs and enhancing training effectiveness.

Trends in the Indian L&D Market 2024

Few emerging trends in the Indian L&D market are:

• Future proofing of skills due to large scale AI adoption: With the extensive integration of AI across industries, there's a critical requirement to future-proof skills to remain pertinent in India's fast-evolving job landscape. This necessity arises from the understanding that traditional job roles are undergoing significant changes or are being replaced by automation. Hence, individuals must enhance their skill sets proactively to not just compete but excel in this era of technological progress.
  
  
• Growing potential of GenAI tools in L&D: The rising promise of Generative AI (GenAI) tools in L&D is capturing various sectors in India, expanding their influence into the field of learning and development. Primarily, there's a notable increase in efforts to introduce employees to these groundbreaking tools.
  
  Additionally, organizations are boosting investments in advanced, tailored L&D structures, ready to utilize AI-supported solutions for improved productivity. With these tools becoming more accessible across industries, the incorporation of GenAI into L&D strategies is poised to take center stage for organizations.
  
  
• Increasing opportunities for employee upskilling: Indian workers are increasingly pursuing opportunities for skill enhancement that not only match their current roles but also resonate with their long-term career goals. Personalized learning emerges as a solution to meet these aspirations, offering customized development paths tailored to individual interests and career trajectories. Through the adoption of personalized learning, companies can empower their employees to excel, cultivating a culture of continuous growth and professional satisfaction.
  
  Furthermore, by providing employees with more control over their learning journeys, organizations can establish objectives and closely monitor progress. This shift toward hyper-personalized learning is set to drive significant internal changes as organizations prioritize tailored learning experiences aligned with their workforce's specific needs.
  
  
• Remote and hybrid work is driving talent mobility: With the prevalence of flexible and hybrid work setups on the rise in India, even passive job seekers can seize ideal opportunities as they arise. This newfound flexibility is revolutionizing mobility in the Indian job market and shows no signs of waning.
  
  Indian talent benefits from two significant advantages: Firstly, staying informed about job openings is simpler than ever, thanks to real-time notifications via mobile apps, email alerts, and messaging platforms. Secondly, the emergence of hybrid work roles enables individuals to seamlessly explore job prospects and interact with recruiters from the comfort of their homes while fulfilling their work obligations.

Top Workforce Priorities for Organizations in India

• Focus on talent development and AI: In India, organizations prioritize building skill-based workplaces where employees demonstrate high capabilities, innovation, and adaptability to market changes. Consequently, there's been a significant uptick in AI adoption by Indian organizations. Concurrently, Indian talent is resolute in future-proofing their skills, particularly in light of AI's pervasive integration across various sectors.
  
  As per the IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023, 59% of IT professionals in large Indian organizations have already deployed AI, with an additional 27% actively considering its implementation. Moreover, 46% of surveyed Indian organizations are currently engaged in reskilling their employees for proficiency in new automation and AI tools.
  
  
• Implement newer and alternative ways of working: Indian companies are giving precedence to endorsing alternative and health-conscious work practices to invest in their employees, control costs, and foster a more positive work environment. Organizations are offering flexible working arrangements such as remote and hybrid work options to employees. They are incorporating contemporary perks (such as employee assistance programs related to stress or financial problems) into their comprehensive compensation packages to resonate with millennials' preferences and attract and retain top talent.
  
  
• Promote Learning on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Well-Being: Indian organizations are placing growing emphasis on learning endeavors centered around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Acknowledging the significance of cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, organizations are proactively advocating for learning initiatives designed to enhance employees' awareness, comprehension, and appreciation of diversity. Through investments in DEI education and training, Indian companies aim not only to foster fairer and more inclusive work environments but also to leverage the full capabilities of their diverse workforce to propel innovation and achievement.
  
  As per the findings of NASSCOM’s Compensation Benchmarking Survey 2023, 61% of the Indian organizations surveyed are directing their L&D budget towards initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as well as employee well-being. This allocation aims to boost employee engagement and position these organizations as preferred employers.

Conclusion

The corporate learning scenario in India is witnessing substantial expansion, fueled by evolving trends and accompanied by various challenges within the L&D market. As organizations increasingly prioritize upskilling and reskilling their workforce, innovative methods and technologies are reshaping conventional learning models. However, amid this advancement, obstacles such as accessibility and scalability persist, calling for a comprehensive strategy merging digital innovation with strategic planning. By tackling these hurdles head-on and capitalizing on emerging prospects, organizations can cultivate a culture of continuous learning vital for sustainable success in India’s evolving L&D landscape.

Disprz's AI-driven learning solution aims to transform your approach to L&D challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Organizations like yours can effortlessly deliver knowledge, monitor learner progress accurately, and equip employees with the vital skills needed to thrive in today's digital age.

Read our purple paper to understand more about the learning landscape of India. Our expert guide provides practical strategies to transform L&D methods, enabling Indian L&D leaders to remain prepared for the future.