Digitalization – the simple word doesn’t quite capture the multitude of topics it covers. From hard technical topics such as AI, machine learning, Big Data, analytics and Internet of Things (IoT), FinTech, Blockchain, robotics, enterprise and IT architecture to methodologies like design thinking and agile and even collaboration and entrepreneurship mindset, diverse topics fall under the digitalization umbrella.
Understandably, you need a multi-pronged approach to engage each and every employee in the process. “To encourage self-learning, we rolled out LinkedIn Learning across the group in January last year. As many as 44 percent of the courses on the platform cover digital upskilling,” Somersan-Coqui adds.
Allianzers embraced the opportunity – more than 40,000 employees signed up and a whopping 1.7 million learning videos were watched in 2018. More importantly, 60 percent of the programs completed on LinkedIn Learning were related to the company’s future skill requirements.
On a more localized level, Allianz has several in-house functional academies incorporating digital trends into their training programs.
Allianz Operations & IT Academy offers 32 development programs on strategic initiatives such as digitalization and transformation as well as functional trainings on topics including business analysis and transformation, information security and robotic process automation. Several soft skills trainings cover the art of collaboration and communication.
Last year, 122 bronze and 12 silver certifications were awarded by the academy.
The programs attracted as many as 13,500 virtual learners in 2018. The academy is targeting 25 percent more participants this year, with 25 percent more courses and 10 new development programs.
Allianz P&C and Health academies integrate the various aspects of technological trends into their courses on underwriting, claims and risks, among others. The P&C Academy recently launched a data and analytics training for employees of some entities. In addition to teaching the basics of modern analytical techniques, the 14 eLearning courses also detail how Allianz uses these tools to improve customer service and make better business decisions.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Four digital sessions annually, a number of workshops, ‘Learning Days’, and offline and online trainings are under way across the group to help employees take the next step on the skills ladder.