Revolutionizing Learning & Development in a Top 10 Accounting Firm
The Learning & Development (L&D) team at a Top 10 US accounting firm sought to modernize their employee training programs.
Over the years, the firm had developed a variety of courses, but lacked a unified strategy, leading to fragmented learning experiences. Surveys also revealed declining satisfaction with the curriculum, highlighting the need for a more structured and engaging approach to L&D.
Diagnosing the Challenge
Platypus Labs conducted a firm-wide survey to benchmark the current state of L&D practices, followed by stakeholder interviews across various operating units.
The analysis revealed three key challenges:
Employees lacked a clear roadmap for skill development.
Leaders were independently creating training programs to fill skill gaps.
Employees had to search across multiple platforms to access content.
Most employees only took courses required for certification, with little proactive development.
Designing the Solution
To address these challenges, Platypus Labs developed a multi-phase transformation strategy aimed at organizing content, aligning training with business needs, and leveraging technology for a seamless learning experience. The solution included:
Mapping existing courses and defining required skills by functional roles and departments.
Researching and recommending a third-party Talent Marketplace and integrated learning platforms to provide relevant training at the moment of need.
Establishing a clear framework for proactive learning and development, ensuring employees had structured learning journeys tailored to their career progression.
Driving Impact
Over an 18-month period, the firm transformed how L&D programs were designed and administered, leading to significant improvements:
Reduced time spent searching for relevant training.
More employees actively participated in skill-building beyond certification requirements.
A firm-wide strategy that ensured consistent, high-quality training across all operating units.
Enabled employees to access training resources efficiently and at the moment of need.