CREATING AN L&D STRATEGY

Learning and development strategies will differ based on the unique needs of an organization but do share some similarities. A L&D strategy should be aligned to the organization’s business strategy and goals with the aim of developing the workforce’s capability and driving business results. The solutions a L&D team provides are driven by the goals of the business to bridge gaps, enhance performance, and adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

There are several steps, or key objectives, to building an L&D strategy:

Mission
Establish a mission statement to guide decision making. This statement defines what your team does and why your L&D function exists.

Vision
This is an aspirational declaration of where you want to go. As with your mission statement, ensure your team is aligned to your organization’s vision.

Assess the Business Landscape
Conduct a strategic needs analysis in the organization to identify key focus areas, skills gaps, needs from senior leaders, mid-level managers, and employees themselves. Its important to ascertain how these needs are aligned to meeting key business imperatives.

Assess the Learning Team’s Capabilities
Discover what skills you have on your team and those required to accomplish your goals.

Identify Processes to Add or Modify
Find out what you need to add or modify to existing processes (such as design standards, content strategy, development guidelines, etc.) to align with your business strategy.

Inventory Your Tools and  Systems
Ensure your employees have the proper technology and tools they need to deliver your learning solutions. There are many different tools to assess, including those for project management, collaboration, creation and design work, administration, quality assurance, and more.

Examine Your Employee Engagement Program
Consider the role your L&D team plays in overall employee engagement by examining recruiting and onboarding programs, career pathing, and employee feedback and satisfaction channels.

Employee Wellbeing
Establish health and wellness programs your company offers and/or supports.

Promote Lifelong Learning
Facilitate continuous learning for your employees. Identify opportunities for programs to develop personal skills and lifelong learning that promotes retention and professional growth.

At UnBoundLearn we can assist you in developing your learning and development vision and determine how to create a short term and long-term strategy based on your business needs and also establish a process to constantly re-evaluate the strategy and stay relevant and ahead.