Fortune: companies offer online courses, but do employees benefit?

March 29, 2022 Mike Smith

More companies are investing in online learning platforms for their employees. It can be an efficient way to onboard and train new hires, provide ongoing skills development, and develop high-potential leaders. But do these courses actually lead to career growth and mobility?

Mike Smith, global CEO of Randstad Sourceright, doesn’t believe that self-paced online courses are currently having a meaningful impact. “There will come a time, and we’re seeing that evolve,” he says.

For the time being, Smith advocates for development programs, certification classes and advanced degree studies that combine hands-on experience and classroom time over the course of several months, or years. He states that employers should offer more formalized training that can provide their people the opportunity to get to the next level in their career.

“Your propensity to be able to increase your seniority or improve your chances of moving either within your organization or another organization externally, is directly correlated to the length and time that you’re putting into that particular training,” he explains.

You can learn more about the growth and outcomes of online training in Fortune. Then download Randstad Sourceright’s 2022 Talent Trends Report for more insights on the new world of work.

About the Author

Mike Smith

With an 18-year career at Randstad, Mike Smith brings a wealth of experience in the talent acquisition industry to his role as Randstad Sourceright global CEO. Smith joined Randstad in January 2005 as a graduate recruitment executive and has since held various operational and leadership roles for Randstad including managing Randstad’s business operations in Australia, managing director for Southeast Asia, CEO of Randstad UK and managing director of Randstad Sourceright in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. An active driver of Randstad’s “tech and touch” strategy, in his role as CEO, Smith continues to elevate Randstad Sourceright's customer value propositions, seek out ongoing areas for differentiation and embed change through investment in business transformation technology.

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