The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a faster and more widespread shift to digital learning, driven by the rise in homeworking and the need for new forms of training and support. In summer 2020, CIPD research found that 54% of employers surveyed had used digital and online learning during lockdown, and 80% planned to increase this over the next 12 months.

This literature review examines how the potential of digital learning can be harnessed to support reskilling in the post-COVID-19 economy. It sets out the drivers and barriers to digital learning and explores global employer and government-led approaches to determine the success factors that underpin effective strategies.

In light of current policy, our literature review findings, and a roundtable discussion with senior stakeholders, we make recommendations to government that support improved provision, uptake, and effectiveness of digital learning. We also provide advice to employers who wish to enhance their learning provision.

Digital learning in a post-COVID-19 economy

Download the report
PDF document 816.9 KB

CIPD Trust

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Find out more

Bullying
and harassment

Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.

View our resources

More on this topic

Factsheet
Learning theories that impact on design

Learn about the influence of theories on how people learn and the shift away from simplistic learning styles theory

For Members
Thought leadership
Analysis | Quantifying the impact of generative AI on HR

We examine and outline recent research investigating the impact of generative AI tools on the HR profession

Factsheet
Methods of delivering learning interventions

Outlines different learning methods and what to consider when choosing between them

For Members
Factsheet
Learning evaluation, impact and transfer

Review approaches for evaluating learning and gain insights for consideration

For Members

More reports

Report
CIPD Good Work Index: Northern Ireland

A Northern Ireland summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2024 survey report

Report
CIPD Good Work Index: Wales

A Wales summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2024 survey report

Report
CIPD Good Work Index: North of England

A North of England summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2024 survey report

Report
CIPD Good Work Index

The CIPD Good Work Index provides an annual snapshot of job quality in the UK, giving insight to drive improvement to working lives

See all reports