British Business Group panel discusses lifelong learning as solution to workplace divide

British Business Group panel discusses lifelong learning as solution to workplace divide

Dubai, UAE: A panel of experts convened by the British Business Group Dubai and Northern Emirates (BBG) has discussed how to bridge the divide between employers and employees through lifelong learning, in the wake of recent workplace phenomena like quiet quitting and the great resignation. The debate referred to findings in the recent Hays GCC Salary Guide 2023, which showed that while 35% of employers strongly agree that their organisation has the talent needed for the year ahead, 82% of employees firmly believe that they have the necessary skills to fulfil their role in 2023.

Joining the panel discussion were Hiba Abbassi, Manager, Careers & Alumni Relations - Middle East Centre, The University of Manchester; Kamran Kardan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Knowledge E and Zendy; and Aisha Amarsi, Senior Manager - Human Resources at Hays. Moderated by Roland Hancock, Education Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer, PwC Middle East, the panel first highlighted the changing nature of in-demand skills, which has brought about the disconnect between employers and employees and prompted the debate around lifelong learning responsibilities.

Speaking about the changing nature of skill requirements, Hiba said, “Employers were previously looking for technical competencies among new hires, and while these are