Revamping workplace learning and development during COVID-19 in HR consulting industry in India: a thematic analysis

Abstract

The present study endeavours to identify emerging trends in workplace learning and development (L&D) domain. This qualitative enquiry focuses on how L&D function is transforming during COVID-19 pandemic era. The study relies on semi-structured interviews carried out with 28 senior human resource (HR) professionals working in HR consulting industry in India. Findings based on thematic analysis indicate that organisations in HR consulting industry are placing a strong emphasis on L&D initiatives including, technology-enabled learning, collaborative and informal learning, enabling learning ecosystem, and communication and collaboration in remote work setting during the COVID-19 times. This article is an original contribution to the relevant domain of L&D in the present context. It offers policy guidelines to L&D professionals to revamp their existing L&D strategy and implement newer initiatives. In addition, the article extends the literature on workplace L&D by highlighting key practices needed for rolling-out a novel L&D strategy specifically in the COVID-19 context