Dive Brief:
- Udemy just released a new report, Workplace Confidential: The Real Story Behind Stress, Skills, and Success in America, that reveals the increased use of company training programs as an outlet for relieving stress, according to Learning and Development Professional.
- The Udemy study found that 52% of full time employees in the U.S. are more stressed now than a year ago. On top of that, 58% of employees are turning to corporate training to combat stress. Stress factors include the current state of politics and fear of losing jobs due to advancements in technology, such as AI.
- Training that focuses on helping employees maintain marketable skills, keep up with the relentless changes in technology and teach employees how to cope are recommended by Darren Shimkus, VP and general manager for Udemy for Business.
Dive Insight:
Udemy has been providing access to open courses for several years now and it's become a popular way for employees to brush up on their skills, and even earn certificates for improving their careers.
Interestingly, learning as stress relief reveals the growing presence of learning programs within wellness initiatives. Financial wellness often has a study counterpart, and learning may indeed be part of it. More generally, employers have been hunting for ways to keep employee stress low; an engaging learning program could kill two birds with one stone.
Learning new things can be highly rewarding, especially with an on-demand platform that allows people to choose what they want to learn and where they want to engage in this activity. Other surveys show that on-demand learning enhances soft skills in the workplace. More employers can create an environment where learning activities are a part of stress management programs.
