Employee Education Drives Workforce and Business Growth

The landscape of employee education and workforce development is undergoing rapid disruption. Employers are stepping in to bridge the skills gap, offering education as a benefit to attract and retain talent while addressing critical workforce needs. With U.S. student loan debt reaching $1.77 trillion as of late 2024, corporations are innovating to provide employees with opportunities to advance without financial burden. This shift raises critical questions about how companies can effectively balance ROI with meaningful support for their workforce.

How are corporations reshaping employee education for frontline and non-traditional workers while ensuring business outcomes?

On this Part 1 of a 2 part episode of DisruptEd, host Ron Stefanski dives into the rapidly evolving intersection of education, workforce development, and technology with Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich, president of SkillsWave. Together, they explore how innovative learning models and partnerships are transforming the role of corporations in upskilling their employees.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

• The Evolution of Education as a Benefit: Companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s pioneered this movement by offering tuition assistance and programs for frontline workers, shifting corporate culture from exclusive executive MBAs to widespread educational access.
• Aligning Learning with Business Goals: Organizations are now prioritizing education programs that directly impact business outcomes, such as increasing employee retention, improving productivity, and reducing external hiring costs.
• Navigating a Disrupted Learning Landscape: With the erosion of state support for higher education and changing workforce needs, both learners and employers are asking new questions about the ROI of traditional degrees versus skills-based education.

Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich, Ph.D., is an accomplished leader in higher education and innovative learning models, with expertise in eLearning systems and workforce upskilling. As President of SkillsWave and former Senior Vice President at D2L, she has driven corporate partnerships and scalable learning solutions, enhancing talent development for major organizations and universities. Sasha’s career includes key roles at Louisiana State University and Pearson, where she spearheaded online education initiatives, team building, and operational growth, solidifying her reputation as a transformative force in education and technology.