COVID-19 has dramatically changed many companies’ talent plans. Furloughs are on the rise as companies get squeezed between short-term financial goals and long-term talent needs.

The shift poses new challenges for HR, challenges that are at the core of questions clients have been bringing to us: what can they do for their furloughed workers during this period? 

The conversations have spawned creative thinking about learning programs, with partnerships forming between employers, schools, and program providers. Together, we’re reimagining education models to fit the moment: 

• Programs start immediately and are purpose-built for online delivery 
• They include guidance to get people started and to the finish line
• They are at no-cost to employees
• They’re economical for the organization

Employees can use the program to finish a high school diploma or start a degree. The benefits can be seamlessly integrated into existing education offerings later on.  

“For many companies,” says our own Ryan Villwok, a member of our learning solutions team, “this is an opportunity to make a very positive statement during a very difficult time.” 

You can find more tips for launching a program, here.