Embracing Digital Work: How COVID-19 is Transforming the Learning & Development Landscape

In the midst of a global pandemic, the world of work has been transformed, and businesses everywhere have found themselves facing an unprecedented challenge: adapting to the digital workplace. This profound change has brought with it new opportunities for learning and development, but it has also revealed new challenges in ensuring that employees are supported and equipped to succeed in this new landscape.

As companies continue to navigate the shifting currents of the COVID-19 crisis, a review of the latest research highlights several key issues that must be addressed in order to make the most of the digital work environment.

A Brave New World of Remote Work

The #1 place for Learning Leaders to learn from each other.

Get the data & knowledge you need to succeed in the era of AI.


We're an invite-only community for L&D leaders to learn from each other through expert-led roundtables, our active forum, and data-driven resources.

Apply to join LHQ

The pandemic has led to an explosion in the number of employees working remotely, with many Fortune 500 companies adopting long-term or permanent remote work arrangements. This shift has compelled learning and development professionals to reevaluate traditional methods of training and consider how best to support remote workers. As one L&D professional noted, “The transition to digital work has forced us to rethink our approach and develop new strategies to keep our employees engaged and productive.”

Maintaining Engagement and Collaboration

One of the major challenges of digital work is maintaining employee engagement and fostering collaboration among remote teams. Research has shown that employees who feel connected to their colleagues and engaged with their work are more likely to be productive and less likely to experience burnout. This makes it essential for L&D teams to identify ways to create opportunities for employees to connect and collaborate, even when they are physically separated.

Building Resilience and Adaptability

The rapid pace of change in the digital workplace has made it imperative for employees to develop the skills necessary to adapt to new ways of working. This includes building resilience, learning to navigate new technologies, and cultivating a growth mindset. As one L&D professional aptly put it, “Helping our employees develop the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty has become a top priority in our training programs.”

Ensuring Access to High-Quality Learning Opportunities

With the shift to digital work, it’s more important than ever for companies to provide their employees with access to high-quality learning opportunities. This includes offering flexible, on-demand training solutions that cater to the unique needs and schedules of remote workers. As one L&D professional observed, “We’ve had to become much more proactive in our approach to providing access to learning opportunities, with a focus on ensuring that our employees have the resources they need to succeed.”

Meet the Challenge with Learnexus

Learnexus is a powerful ally for businesses facing the challenges of digital work brought on by COVID-19. As a freelancer marketplace for learning and development, Learnexus helps managers at companies quickly and easily find and hire freelancers with highly specific skills and experience. Offering a 47% cost saving and eliminating procurement issues with a single master services agreement, Learnexus saves managers time and ensures that your team is supported and equipped to thrive in the digital workplace.