Key Insights from the Business Coffee Event “Learning and Development in the Era of Industry 5.0”
On September 12, the “HR Brand Award” project, supported by Smart Solutions, Fillin, and OLX, hosted a productive business breakfast on the topic of “Learning and Development of Employees in the Era of Industry 5.0”.
The event brought together HR directors from leading Ukrainian companies who discussed a comprehensive approach to talent management, the importance of a skills-based approach for businesses and employees, and the role of lifelong learning. Speakers shared their experiences in employee training during periods of transformation and discussed the key skills needed in the context of Industry 5.0.
The presentations by Irina Blinova, Director of PwC Academy, and Daryna Andriychuk, Senior Manager at the Academy, were particularly noteworthy. They spoke about the synergy between human potential and innovative technologies, as well as the new opportunities that Industry 5.0 brings to the labor market. The speakers emphasized the necessity of integrating skill development programs into the culture and strategy of companies to ensure their long-term competitiveness. They also discussed the importance of continuous learning, reskilling employees to enhance their interaction with technology, and personalized approaches to developing new competencies.
Polina Toropova, Head of Learning and Development Consulting at Smart Solutions, highlighted the importance of balancing skill acquisition with education. She stressed that education is the foundation for mastering new professions, while skills are crucial for performing professional tasks, and therefore both need to be harmoniously combined. Polina also noted that skills are critical for increasing a company’s productivity and for fostering a mindset of continuous learning.
Natalia Doronina, Director of Business Support at Lifecell, spoke about the challenges of employee training in times of uncertainty. She shared her experience in creating a communication platform that supports employees during transformations and in defining strategic priorities for 2024. Natalia emphasized the importance of supporting teams during changes and developing strategies to help them adapt to new challenges.
Irina Sokolova, Head of Learning and Development at EPAM Ukraine, presented the advantages of the skills-based approach, using examples from the professional development of specialists. She explained how this approach is implemented at various stages of a career and how it helps to individually nurture talents.
Participants praised the topics and presentations of the speakers, leaving with positive impressions. “Events like this help us better understand the challenges of Industry 5.0, which sets new requirements for us. Development and learning are what enable us to adapt more quickly to changes and continue moving forward,” summarized Polina Toropova.
Special attention was given to the non-profit project “Meanings Unite”, presented by Marina Kramaryeva, Head of Outsourcing Services at Smart Solutions. The project aims to support societal unity, veterans, and military personnel by fostering interaction based on the principle of “Human to Human” in the context of war.
