Education Technology Services
Implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Organisations
In today's competitive business landscape, securing top talent is essential for success. However, a recent study by Leadership IQ revealed a concerning trend: nearly 46% of new hires fail to last more than 18 months on the job.
Contrary to popular belief, technical skills are not the primary factor in employee success. In fact, a staggering 89% of hiring failures can be attributed to poor interpersonal skills, including difficulty handling negative feedback, speaking up, or managing complex workplace dynamics like conflicts, challenging clients, or unexpected changes.
Ninety-two percent of talent professionals and hiring managers agree that soft skills or power skills, as they are also called, are critical for success in today's fast-paced environment. As automation continues to transform the job market, the need for these transferable skills is growing rapidly.
To tackle this growing challenge and meet market demands, organisations must invest in comprehensive training programs focused on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). This approach equips employees with the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace.
The power of SEL
Many organisations invest in learning and development programs because it is widely acknowledged that such programmes significantly boost employee productivity and engagement.
However, many organisations prioritise technical skills training. But are these programs delivering the desired results? If not, it is essential to identify and address evolving skill requirements. One crucial area to explore is SEL. Key benefits of implementing SEL in your training programs include:
- Improved teamwork and collaboration: Enhance employees' ability to work effectively with others.
- Enhanced leadership skills: Equip employees with the skills to inspire and motivate others.
- Reduced conflict and improved workplace culture: Create a more positive and harmonious work environment.
- Increased innovation and creativity: Foster a culture of open-mindedness, empathy, and collaboration.
Integrating SEL into training programs can empower organisations to cultivate a more engaged, productive, and well-rounded workforce while also preparing future leaders for the organisation.
Incorporating SEL into training programs
Ready to take your employee development to the next level? The benefits of investing in employee development and SEL are undeniable. Here's how you can integrate SEL into your training programs effectively:
- Define your goals: Clearly outline your organisation's core values, vision, and desired outcomes. This will help you identify the specific SEL skills that are most relevant to your employees' success.
- Assess employee needs: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify your employees' current social-emotional skills. This will help you tailor your training programs to address specific areas of need.
- Design the training: Develop training programs that cover the four essential components of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.
- Measure and evaluate: Leverage your enterprise learning management platform to deliver training content, track progress and assess the effectiveness of the program. Use this data to refine your approach and ensure ongoing improvement.
SEL activities to consider
To effectively implement SEL in your organisation, consider these training activities:
1. Step into the spotlight
- Simulate real-world challenges for employees to practise their communication and problem-solving skills.
- Incorporate role-playing exercises to simulate customer interactions, conflict resolution scenarios, or team collaborations, helping employees gain customer insights and enhance their communication skills.
2. Learn from others
- Showcase real-life examples of how emotions and motivations influence behaviour in the workplace.
- Use these demos to help employees understand how to navigate challenging situations and build strong relationships.
3. Collaborate and grow
- Foster a collaborative learning environment where employees can share their experiences and perspectives.
- Create small groups for discussions on key issues, allowing employees to learn from each other and develop their problem-solving skills.
4. Turn the game ON
- Incorporate game-based elements into your training to make it more engaging and interactive.
- Design games that simulate real-world scenarios and require employees to apply their social-emotional skills.
5. Coach one-on-one
- Provide one-on-one coaching sessions to help employees develop their social-emotional skills and address specific challenges.
- Coaches can offer guidance, feedback, and support to help employees navigate difficult situations.
6. Introspect and discern
- Encourage employees to reflect on their thoughts and feelings in response to hypothetical scenarios.
- This can help them identify emotional patterns and develop strategies for managing them effectively.
Unlocking potential and scaling new heights
On average, people spend over 35 hours a week at work, and it's unrealistic to expect every moment to go smoothly. Workplace conflicts, challenging clients, and unexpected workloads are inevitable. That’s why the ability to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and think clearly is crucial. They help employees analyse complex situations, make sound decisions, resolve conflicts, and build strong relationships. They also aid in bouncing back from setbacks and pushing through challenges.
As the renowned businessman and author Robert Kiyosaki wisely noted, “The strength of character and emotional intelligence to face your failures and learn from them are at the core of success.”
This is why integrating SEL into training and development programs has become increasingly essential from both an employee and organisational perspective. Employees are equipped with the tools to navigate workplace challenges and thrive in an ever-evolving environment, while organisations benefit from a future-ready workforce that drives growth and success.
How can Infosys BPM help?
Infosys BPM's Learner Segmentation & Recommendation Services leverages AI/ML to empower organisations with data-driven insights. Our platform helps you understand your learner base, identify specific segments, and tailor engaging courses accordingly.