Knowledge is a weapon. How many times have you heard this before? As a matter of fact, one can hardly deny the relevance of this statement in a world of technological progress and digital transformation.

Generally described as the change associated with the application of digital technology in all aspects of human society, digital transformation has become a hot topic among executives in all industries. Companies in almost any sector are grappling with the strategic implications this transformation brings to their business and people. To keep up, they need to look for new business models or re-invent their existing ones.

Regardless of their benefits and challenges, we cannot deny that knowledge and learning are actually the fuel for digital transformation. Embracing this reality in a workplace environment is only wise.

The competitive workplace of the 21st century centers around a web of adaptive skills that demand uninterrupted learning and development. Fail in your attempt to keep pace and you lose. And be aware: what is true for employees is also true for you, as a company. We use much ink to emphasize the importance of encouraging employee competencies development. But do not let yourself misled. Companies that lack interest in becoming learning organizations themselves do not stand a chance in the era of digital transformation. That is why, to master perpetual change, both employers and employees should consider learning and development as crucial components to the never-ending cycle of improvement.

Good plan, but where to start from? Here are some small steps you can take to assess your readiness for the next phase of business agility.

Ask yourself: am I future-ready?

Technology is one of the top drivers of change. It impacts organizations as a whole, as well as their various departments. HR, Finance, Customer Relations, and Learning & Development have all had to adapt to how technology has changed the way business now works.

Learning is one of the strongest ways technology can and will make a positive impact. Invest in flexible learning environments. They will keep challenging you to use technology, time and space in different ways to maximize your learning potential.

Skill up, early and often

By 2018, digital business will need 50% less business process workers and 500% more key digital business jobs, according to Gartner research. Against this backdrop, skills are a key enabler for digital transformation within any company. To explore new business opportunities, you need to invest in a diverse set of skills, identify and address the digital skills gaps in your company.

Draft a good learning plan

To help your company adopt or strengthen a culture of learning, start with these steps:

• Make sure that leaders in the organization support learning. Add resources for learning, and model continuous learning.

• Start by thinking of all your learning and training options and how you can combine them. You could consider on-site trainings, peer learning, or an LMS like Teamfluent.

• Embrace change and agility as aspects of the work environment.

• Make sure to use learning technology when necessary.

• Create innovative courses for onboarding and compliance. Also, make sure you have courses on a variety of subjects.

• Consider implementing microlearning to help employees learn on the go and whenever they have time.

• Talk to managers about making it easier for employees to access information whenever they need it.

• Help set up a system where employees can learn every day.

• Create informal learning opportunities. These encourage interaction with coworkers or collaboration through social networks.

Start your learning journey now

Innovation and digital transformation are not always about the technology. They are also about your own approach to developing workforce competencies through learning. And this is unique to your vision, company culture, and resources.

Creating an active learning culture increases productivity through innovation, agility, and engagement. So don`t waste precious time. We all expect learning experiences to be quick, engaging and immediately useful. Focus on empowering your employees to develop themselves by providing them with the tools, framework and autonomy to do so. Integrate your approach to professional development and the digital transformation of your business. All these are essential steps if you hope to stay competitive in the future.