Workforce Upskilling Perspectives from Employers and Employees

This report presents findings from surveys conducted by D2L and Morning Consult, focusing on the perspectives of employers and employees regarding workforce upskilling. The objective of the surveys was to understand the challenges and approaches to employee skills development in the context of a tight labor market and rapid technological changes. Key insights reveal that recruitment and retention are the top concerns for 82% of organizations, with 92% of learning leaders agreeing that effective training contributes to higher employee retention. Despite the recognition of the importance of ongoing skills development, only 51% of employees have engaged in formal education outside of work in the past five years. The report outlines the barriers employees face in pursuing additional training, such as time constraints and lack of motivation, while also discussing the evolving landscape of skills requirements driven by technological advancements. The findings emphasize the need for organizations to invest in training programs that align with industry needs and support employee career growth.