Skillsoft, a platform for transformative learning experiences, has released its annual Lean Into Learning Report, which examines the state of digital learning and the most in-demand skills and competencies for the future of work. The report highlights a 37 per cent year-over-year (YoY) increase in total time spent upskilling by tens of millions of Skillsoft learners, with nearly 16 million badges issued (25 per cent YoY increase) in recognition of their learning achievements.

According to Skillsoft CEO Jeffrey R. Tarr, there has been a "skilling revolution" as both employees and organisations seek a sustainable, future-fit workforce. As a result, Skillsoft's report shows that trending leadership skills reflect learners' desire and need to adapt to the evolving, hybrid workplace, with a 32 per cent YoY increase in time spent by learners upskilling their leadership, business, and power skills. Additionally, technical skill sets have become increasingly important, with a 39% YoY increase in time spent by Skillsoft learners expanding their technical skill sets.

IT decision makers surveyed in Skillsoft’s 2022 IT Skills and Salary Report stated that their top four skill areas of investment were cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and infrastructure and systems. This aligns with Skillsoft’s Lean Into Learning Report, which shows that 70 per cent of the top 10 technology and developer skill areas of interest revolve around infrastructure, cloud and security.

Compliance training has also become increasingly important, with a 27 per cent YoY increase in time spent by learners on compliance training. Skillsoft's report highlights that organisations increasingly view compliance as a mindset rather than a mandate, with 60 per cent of the top 10 trending compliance courses revolving around physical workplace and personal safety. An eye-opening and sobering finding shows the top overall trending compliance course as active shooter training, as these situations become more common in public places and work premises.

Organisations are also facing CSR and ESG pressures from every direction, with government regulations evolving rapidly, making a focused approach to ESG a corporate necessity. Skillsoft’s recent CSR at Work Report shows that 60 per cent of working professionals surveyed cited an uptick in CSR interest and investment from both employers and employees alike.

Mary Jo Anderson, Director and Head of Ferrero University at the Ferrero Group, which uses Skillsoft to support its learning initiatives, added that learning and development is the true agent of growth for their employees and business, and they own it together.

COnclusively, Skillsoft's Lean Into Learning Report shows that as the nature of work changes, organisations must prioritise learning and development to drive workforce transformation. The report highlights the most in-demand skills and competencies, which include leadership, technical, and compliance skills. It is essential for organisations to invest in these areas to stay competitive in the fast-moving digital age.