Cathrine Fisk

A Forum for Benchmarking HRD

In today’s dynamic work environment, 90 percent of organizations express concern over employee retention, with providing learning opportunities being the top retention strategy (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024). But what are the most effective strategies for retention, particularly around learning?As Dr. LaShonda Bracey aptly points out, “The rapid pace of change in technology and job requirements poses a challenge for government organizations to keep their training programs relevant and up to date” (The Current State of Training and Development in the Federal Government Workspace). Technology is a critical component in ensuring that learning is flexible and accessible. With the right tools, government agencies can offer diverse courses that accommodate various pedagogies and fit seamlessly into the lives of their employees and contractors. It’s crucial not to overlook accessibility; while compliance is the minimum standard, providing options that cater to different learning styles significantly strengthens retention.What Hasn’t WorkedBefore we explore how to enhance learning opportunities and meet employee expectations, let’s examine common pitfalls. Reskilling has been a buzzword, yet few organizations have effectively implemented it. According to the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024, fewer than 5 percent of companies that invested in reskilling have reached a stage where they can measure success. Why the shortfall? A one-size-fits-all approach and a checkbox mentality have led to missed opportunities. Instead of nurturing career tracks, many efforts have been superficial.What Employees WantDid you know that “4 in 5 people want to learn more about how to use AI in their profession” (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024)? This growing demand reflects a broader trend where employees seek to stay ahead of the technological curve. Whether it’s mastering machine learning algorithms, understanding the ethical implications of AI, or simply becoming proficient in AI-driven tools, the appetite for AI skills is vast. For instance, in government settings, understanding AI can help employees improve data analysis, enhance decision-making processes, and streamline administrative tasks. By offering targeted training in these areas, agencies not only fulfill the desires of their workforce but also improve their operational efficiency.The desire for career development also extends beyond AI. Employees are increasingly interested in skills that can lead to meaningful career progression. This includes not just technical skills but also soft skills like leadership, communication, and critical thinking. Organizations that offer comprehensive development programs, including mentorship and real-world project opportunities, are better positioned to retain their talent. The LinkedIn report underscores that employees are motivated by visible pathways to career advancement, making it imperative for L&D teams to incorporate these elements into their training strategies.How Learning and Development Teams Are RespondingAs government agencies prioritize retention in the coming fiscal year, their L&D teams must stay ahead of industry trends. For instance, 47 percent of L&D teams plan to implement microlearning programs in 2024 (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024). Digital solutions, such as learning management systems (LMS), facilitate the adoption and deployment of microlearning, catering to the need for diverse learning methods. As Dr. Bracey notes, “While challenges persist, the ongoing efforts to enhance training programs, leverage technology-enabled learning solutions, and promote a culture of continuous learning bode well for the future of training and development in the federal government workspace.”ConclusionChange is challenging, especially within government education and training programs. However, “by embracing innovation, diversity, and investing in the growth of its employees, the federal government is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern world and deliver value to the citizens it serves” (Dr. LaShonda Bracey, The Current State of Training and Development in the Federal Government Workspace). To learn more about how Blackboard by Anthology empowers government agencies and the US military to modernize their education and training programs, visit our website.

The Future of Government Training Programs: Embracing Technology and Tailored Learning

As learning and development experts, your role in understanding the digital security measures implemented by your learning management system (LMS) provider is not just crucial but integral for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining regulatory compliance. You are tasked with not only identifying an LMS that meets the diverse learning needs of your organization but also ensuring that it provides robust digital security measures to safeguard against potential breaches and protect valuable organizational assets.When evaluating potential LMS providers, it’s not enough to be knowledgeable—you need to be proactive. Arm yourself with the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions that align with your organization’s strategic objectives and security requirements. Don’t wait for the information to come to you; go out and get it. Let’s explore the top five inquiries that HR professionals should pose to potential LMS providers. These are not just any inquiries; they are the key aspects of digital security that you need to understand. We’ll look at encryption protocols, authentication mechanisms, data privacy measures, continuous monitoring practices, and incident response capabilities. These are the areas where you need to be most vigilant. Here are five essential questions to ask your LMS provider to safeguard your organization’s data:1. What Security Protocols Are in Place?It seems the most obvious question to ask, but it is often overlooked when shopping for a new LMS. Ask what foundational security protocols your LMS provider has implemented. Ensure you get detailed information on the provider’s encryption standards to protect data both in transit and at rest. Robust access controls should be in place to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. Additionally, inquire about data backup procedures to ensure the resilience of your organization’s data against loss or corruption.2. Is the LMS FedRAMP Authorized?FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) authorization is essential for government agencies and organizations handling sensitive data. FedRAMP authorization signifies that the LMS provider has undergone rigorous security assessments and adheres to stringent security controls mandated for federal agencies. There are three levels of security to consider:Low Impact: Designed for cloud services processing non-sensitive, publicly available information. This level emphasizes basic security controls to mitigate low-level risks effectively.Moderate Impact: Tailored for cloud solutions handling sensitive but unclassified information (SBU). Moderate-level controls focus on safeguarding data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, catering to a broader range of government applications.High Impact: Reserved for cloud environments handling classified, sensitive information that could pose severe consequences if compromised. High-level controls entail stringent security measures to protect against advanced threats and ensure the utmost data protection.Only a few LMS providers have achieved the level of security requirements for FedRAMP authorization. TotaraGov is FedRAMP authorized, and its tailored architecture allows agencies to deliver training programs securely while adhering to stringent regulatory requirements.3. How Is User Authentication Managed?User authentication serves as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to the LMS platform. Inquire about the authentication methods employed, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) or single sign-on (SSO). Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification, while single sign-on enhances user convenience while maintaining security standards.4. What Measures Are in Place for Data Privacy?Data privacy is fundamental to digital security, particularly concerning personally identifiable information (PII) and sensitive organizational data. Seek clarity on how the LMS provider ensures data privacy, including data anonymization techniques, role-based access controls, and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.5. How Are Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response Handled?Adequate security measures require continuous monitoring and proactive incident response mechanisms. Inquire about the LMS provider’s approach to continuous monitoring, which identifies security threats and vulnerabilities in real time. Additionally, seek insights into the incident response protocols in place to address security incidents promptly and minimize potential damages. By posing these critical questions to your LMS provider, you can protect your organization’s digital assets against evolving security threats. Prioritizing digital security safeguards sensitive data, upholds organizational integrity, and fosters trust among employees and stakeholders. Remember, proactive assessment and collaboration with your LMS provider, such as Totara, are key to maintaining a secure learning environment and mitigating potential risks effectively. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and prioritize digital security in your organization’s learning initiatives.