As the pandemic accelerates workforce innovation, employees are prioritising the pursuit of personal passions, reskilling and retraining themselves for the future of work, according to a study by HP.
HP Inc. released the results of its HP Workforce Evolution Study (WES) that reveals how the acceleration of digitisation and remote work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for reskilling, with 6 in 10 office workers in the U.S. and Europe agreeing that lifelong learning is now more important than ever before.
In the face of decreased job security, HP’s study identifies a new trend in the rise of the “Empowered Employee” – office workers who are retraining themselves with the skills needed to succeed beyond their current roles and for the future of work. More than 40% are doing so through online programmes, like HP LIFE that has seen an impressive 282% growth in signups compared to the same period in 2019.
With 35% of employees surveyed more likely to start their own companies with the new skills they gain, HP’s survey also examines what actions employers must take to ensure they are providing employees with the support, equipment, training and flexibility required to attract and retain top talent.
“The past few months have accelerated the future of work. Everyone has been affected — from the world’s most powerful organisations to small businesses and individuals,” said Tracy Keogh, Chief Human Resources Officer at HP and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s task force for the Future of Work. “It is more important than ever to not only invest in the latest technology but also invest in the skills of our workforce. The strength and agility of our people will be what continues to propel us forward.”
Commissioned by HP, and conducted by Edelman Intelligence, the study involved a fifteen-minute online survey of 6,000 office workers across the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy. Data was collected between 24 July 2020, and 5 August 2020. Office workers are defined as primarily desk- or office-based employees who work full-time, part-time or reduced hours due to COVID-19.
These trends are not exclusive to the United States and Europe. Another report HP commissioned earlier this year — The HP Asia SMB Report 2020 — found that SMBs in Asia also realise the important of innovating the way people work and investing in digital-first skills to maintain growth post-COVID.
