One of the biggest challenges in today’s world is keeping up with the rapid rate of changes that we are constantly up against – a pace which is far different to any previous one. Furthermore, the work environment is becoming even more complex: Digital systems, cultural and generation diversity as well as new working methods. The question is how we can support this huge change which is taking place in our lives, and at the same time equip our people in the working environment, whether multinational or not.

For the past years there has been talk about “Lifelong Learning”, which involves being constantly up to date and aware of any changes. This, however, was no more than a harbinger for an even greater challenge which we are already confronted with – “Lifelong Employability.” Which skills and resources are needed that will guarantee employment for the following years?
The question that we all need to ask ourselves is, “What have we learnt in the past few years that will keep us competitive in the years to come?”

If we take a good look around us, the circumstances, and the conditions that we were accustomed to have all radically changed. A versatile working environment is now the exception to the rule. The majority of the population can now work from home. Everything can be done on-line. The way we work, the way we socialize, the way we communicate, has all progressed. New vocabulary, new terminology, such as Bots, Nano technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence have entered our lives, and the so-called “smart devices” have become a part of our professional and personal lives too. Similarly, education methods have changed, and nowadays, in person training is a thing of the past. Educational Learning is now carried out online, tailored to each person’s needs; the time period, the duration and the topic is up to each individual!

Pepsico has launched the Online Platform PEPU, to meet the needs of the new demands that today’s world has now in play, with the aim of enhancing a personalized learning experience, based on a combination of different educational resources (blended learning): Articles, podcasts, blogs, online lessons, book summaries and other development tools for our people.

The new platform is based on artificial intelligence technology, and just as the latest trends, it offers a unique development experience with a variety of learning tools from internal as well as external sources.

Each of us can choose the skills that we wish to develop and gain knowledge by means of a large variety of educational tools and sources, according to each person’s learning style. Learning is an easy and pleasant experience since it can take place anywhere, anyplace, anytime, especially considering the easy access there is to mobile phones, laptops and desktops.

Through PEPU not only are we changing and evolving the way we train and educate, but we are also changing our culture. In this way, we are encouraging each employee, to invest their time, when it is suitable for them, to choose the topic they desire and more importantly, the means by which they wish to be trained.

In addition, taking into consideration the rapid pace of the progression of technology today, it is vital that this training becomes part of our daily professional agenda, and not only to be fitted in when there is free time or less pressure at work.
The phrase, “I do not have the time to be trained” is no longer valid in our careers today. It will make us less competitive and the excuse of, “There are not enough hours in the day” will apply to those who have made the decision to not progress with the times.

We are giving our people the opportunity to move forward. It is up to them to seize the moment and keep moving!