Inclusion is key to address the issue
There are ongoing disparities in learning and development that prevent employers from successfully delivering upskilling initiatives to employees, according to a report from Randstad.
The report revealed that "one complex hurdle" is the gender gap extending beyond pay differences.
"While women and men often start off their L&D journeys equally, the gap is seen to widen as proficiency increases," the report read.
According to the report, which cited the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, there is a 29% difference between parity in attaining beginner level (76%) and advanced level (47%).
"This shows that even when there is parity at lower proficiency levels, the balance shifts as individuals advance in their skills lead to larger disparities between genders," the report read.
"This suggests that there may be systemic or societal factors that contribute to these widening gaps as people become more skilled in certain areas."
Another hurdle is decreasing labour force participation rate of younger employees due to their neglected needs, according to the report.
"Neglecting the growth needs of our youths today could present significant challenges in the future as companies face the struggle to find the skilled talent required to maintain optimal business outcomes and create new growth opportunities," the report read.
Inclusion is key
To allow the workforce to thrive, the report said inclusion "needs to happen at every touchpoint with the employee."
"This means being able to recognise that capabilities and competencies vary across different genders, breaking down barriers that might hinder individuals, and knowing how to support everyone to achieve their full potential, regardless of who they are," the report read.
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