Maintaining Your Edge

CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORY

Staying Future-Focused in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

With 50 years’ experience in technology, Datacom has grown to be one of Asia Pacific’s leading locally-owned IT-based service providers. However, in this industry, there is no resting on your laurels. Datacom knew they needed to be future-focused to stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

To future proof their business, Datacom needed to dramatically overhaul their learning and development strategy. Historically the learning culture was more formal, academic and siloed. Employees were feeling disempowered to take learning into their own hands. Datacom aspires to create a more dynamic and always-on learning environment to help employees stay ahead and not just keep pace.

“Our goal is to create an environment when learning happens in the flow of work.”

Karen Ross

Learning & OD Manager, Datacom.

Datacom conducted a learning needs analysis to chart their path forward. It was helpful for to identify skill gaps and establish learning priorities. There were two emerging issues Datacom was able to address immediately:

  • Learning is moving from formal to fluid. Training was largely point-in-time events at key sites in which employees struggled to take advantage. They were hungry for more flexible courses that could fit into their busy lifestyles, time zones and locations. In response, Datacom implemented courses employees could take anywhere, anytime – even on their commute. Certificate programs provide structure and accountability, but employees are now empowered to sharpen skills in a way that works for them.
  • Changing the narrative. Learning was happening in a vacuum at Datacom, but a strong learning culture extends far beyond training and certificates. Datacom is improving their communications around L&D to encourage micro-learning moments taking place at work every day and elevating the role of their technical experts. Plus, they’re recognizing employees upskilling their peers. They are seeing this organic learning happening in pockets and socializing it throughout the organization to inspire others.

While Datacom has made significant strides in their learning culture, they’re just getting started. Establishing Datacom as a learning organization will help them continue to build credibility in the marketplace, attract top talent, and make employees feel like they work for an organization that values their development.