ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the workforce and learning for the workplace has changed since the mid-1990s. It reviews the various sources from which those in and outside of our profession get their information about learning for the workplace. The chapter also identifies the skills and competencies that designers need to possess in order to strengthen their employability in a rapidly changing environment. Finally, it discusses some key take-aways for keeping the design function relevant in the modern workplace. Employees place value on L&D opportunities and that perceived value contributes to their stay-or-go decisions. Bridging the gap between commitment to employee L&D, and implementation remains challenging for many organizations, complicating the role of the designer and his/her ability to demonstrate the value of the L&D function. In addition to the professional organizations, there are a variety of other entities that address issues and practices in L&D. Some general business publications occasionally conduct surveys and analyses on L&D.
