Social media to 'play bigger role in L&D strategies'

The number of HR and learning and development (L&D) experts who see social media as crucial to the future of their company's L&D activities has soared over the past two years.

According to a new survey carried out by the organisers of the World of Learning Conference and Exhibition, which is set to take place in Birmingham later this year, 41 per cent of HR and L&D professionals believe websites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn will become increasingly significant to their L&D strategy by 2015, reports Onrec. This is compared to the 29 per cent of individuals who said the same in 2011.

Andrew Gee, senior project manager at Venture Marketing Group, one of the firms in charge of the forthcoming event, said the use of social media as a tool to train staff is incredibly powerful.

He added: "It gathers leading thinkers in an area together allowing them to share ideas, best practice advice and useful training courses."

The World of Learning 2013 conference is in association with the British Institute for Learning & Development, UK Trade and Investment and the Institute of Leadership Management, while it is backed by publications such as HR Magazine, Training Journal, eLN and Changeboard.

At this year's event, experts are set to discuss in-depth the role of social media in staff training, with guest speakers to include head of virtual learning at QA Ron Edwards and Giles Smith, the company's head of strategic client solutions. Together, they will outline how social networks can enhance online learning communities in the workplace.

Indeed, Twitter is one platform that is known to create stronger connections between employers and staff members, with author and founder of voluntary sector organisation Concrete Solutions Liam Barrington-Bush recently stating that Twitter can be used to break through corporate hierarchies and communicate with bosses in a more engaging and personal way.

The World of Learning Conference and Exhibition will be held at the NEC in Birmingham on October 1st and 2nd.