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Learning & Development7 MIN Read

Is Tech Making Talent Development Better or Worse?


Written by

Tigerhall Team

Posted on

Last modified on

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Introduction

It's no secret that technology has had a profound impact on the world of work. With new tools and platforms at our disposal, the process of finding and developing talent has never been easier. Even companies like IBM have saved approximately $200 million after switching to e-learning solutions. However, there is also the potential for technology to make the process worse by causing a skills gap among employees due to lack of engagement. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of how technology is impacting talent development.

What is talent development?

Talent development is the process of nurturing and developing the skills and abilities of employees. This can include screening and recruiting new employees, training and coaching staff, and providing opportunities for growth and development. Technology has had a profound impact on the way that employers conduct these activities.

Screening and recruiting candidates

One on one Interview

One of the primary ways that technology has impacted talent development is by automating the process of screening and recruiting candidates. By using tools like ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and HR software, employers are able to find the best talent available much more quickly and easily. These tools allow employers to search through massive databases of candidates, filter based on specific criteria and even compare candidates side-by-side.

While this automation has certainly made the process easier, there is also the potential for it to make things worse. With so many candidates available at our fingertips, employers may be more likely to choose someone who is merely adequate, rather than someone who is truly exceptional. Additionally, automated systems can sometimes miss key qualifications or experience that would make a candidate ideal for a position.

Training and coaching staff

Supportive colleagues

370 billion is spent annually in the U.S. on workplace L&D. Technology is making training and coaching more efficient. Online training platforms allow employees to learn at their own pace, while video conferencing allows trainers to provide feedback and coaching in real time. Additionally, social media platforms can be used to share best practices among employees or to crowdsource ideas from workers around the globe.

While online training platforms have certainly made training more efficient, there is also the potential for them to make things worse. With employees able to learn at their own pace, there is a danger of creating a skills gap among workers. Additionally, online training can be expensive and time-consuming to set up, which may limit its accessibility for some organizations.

Providing personalized opportunities for growth and development

Finally, technology has also made it easier for employers to provide opportunities for growth and development to their employees. By using tools like eLearning platforms or social media networks, employers can provide employees with access to a variety of learning resources both inside and outside of the organization. Additionally, technology can be used to create customized learning plans that are tailored specifically to an employee's needs and goals.

While eLearning platforms have certainly made learning easier, there is also the potential for them to make things worse. With employees able to learn at their own pace, there is a danger of lack of engagement accountability or insight actionability.

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How has technology affected talent development

The use of technology has had a significant impact on the way talent development is conducted. Automated systems have made it faster for employers to screen and recruit candidates, while online training platforms have made it easier for employees to learn. Additionally, social media platforms can be used to share best practices among employees or to crowdsource ideas from workers around the globe. Technology has also made it easier for employers to provide opportunities for growth and development to their employees. Overall, technology has made the process of talent development more efficient.

However, there is also the potential for technology to make the process worse by causing a skills gap among employees. With so much automation happening, employees are becoming increasingly specialized in their roles. As a result, they are less likely to be able to adapt to new situations or switch jobs easily. This could lead to a situation where employers have difficulty finding employees with the right skills for the job.

Overall, technology has made the process of talent development easier and more efficient.

The pros and cons of technology in talent development

As technology has developed, so too has its role in the process of talent development. On the one hand, technology has made it easier for employers to find and screen candidates, increasing both the speed and efficiency of the process. On the other hand, there is a risk that technology may cause a skills gap among employees, as workers become more reliant on machines and lose their ability to perform certain tasks.

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Pros:

Technology provides a variety of tools that can be used for talent development purposes Technology has made it easier for employees to connect with each other and share information or learnings Technology can help talent developers connect with potential employees in new and innovative ways Technology can help talent developers track employee progress and performance Technology can help talent developers create custom learning programs for employees Technology can help talent developers assess employee skills and identify areas for improvement

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Cons:

It can be hard to stay organized and manage time effectively when using technology tools Technology can be cumbersome and distracting, leading to lower productivity It can be expensive and time-consuming to maintain and update any talent development software or platform Many people don’t prioritize development in their day and technology may cause another gap in accountability

Common Misconceptions About Talent Development Technology

There are a few common misconceptions about talent development technology that need to be addressed.

The first is that technology will somehow replace the need for human involvement in the process. This is simply not true. While technology can automate certain tasks, such as screening and recruiting candidates, it cannot replace the need for human interaction and judgment. In fact, technology can actually help to improve the process of talent development by making it more efficient and effective.

Another common misconception is that technology can only be used to find qualified candidates for jobs. This is also not true. Technology can also be used to develop and train employees once they have been hired. By using online tools and resources, employees can learn new skills and improve their performance on the job.

The bottom line is that technology can be a valuable tool in the process of talent development. It can help to improve efficiency and effectiveness, while also providing employees with access to training and development resources.

Online learning

How to ensure that technology enhances, rather than detracts from, the process of talent development

Ensuring that technology enhances the process of talent development is critical in today's world. With so much at stake, it is important to make sure that the tools we use help us achieve our goals, rather than hinder them. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that technology works for you and not against you:

1. Make sure you have the right tools for the job

Technology is a vast category, and not all tools are created equal. Make sure you select the right tools for the task at hand and don't be afraid to ask for help if you're not sure what to choose.

2. Use technology wisely

Don't let yourself get distracted by email or social media when you should be working. Set time limits for yourself and stick to them.

3. Be prepared to adapt

Technology is constantly changing, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Be prepared to change your approach as needed, and don't be afraid to ask others for help in doing so.

4. Persevere

It can be hard to break old habits and adapt to new technologies, but it's worth it in the end. Persevere through the initial challenges and you'll be reaping the benefits before you know it

Conclusion

Technology has had a profound impact on the process of talent development. While there are some common misconceptions about its ability to help, in general, technology can be a valuable tool in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of talent development. By using the right tools and adapting as needed, organizations can make sure that technology works for them and helps improve their overall recruitment and training efforts.

If you are looking to scale knowledge and accelerate employee engagement in your talent development programmes, Tigerhall’s Social Learning Platform solves the common symptoms of low employee engagement and L&D with a dedicated Learning Strategist, to customize your workforce’s learning needs. Book a demo today and see how seamless the platform is for admins and users.

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