Investing in People: How LinkedIn Learning is Helping Us Develop the Future of Healthcare

At Dis-Chem, we believe that creating a healthier South Africa starts with empowering our own team. For us, developing a well-prepared workforce means investing in continuous learning and development, a commitment brought to life through LinkedIn Learning. This initiative isn’t just a tool; it’s a mindset shift driving how we evolve as a business and an employer.?

We started our journey with LinkedIn Learning with a clear goal: to cultivate a culture of continuous learning that resonates throughout our organisation. With 5,000 licenses available across diverse teams – from security to retail to dispensary – we’re working towards optimal usage to maximise its impact. Our focus is on making professional growth accessible and meaningful for everyone, supporting both personal development and organisational success. “It’s about more than just adding skills; it’s about preparing our people for the future in a rapidly changing world,” says Lindi Dlamini, our Learning & Development Manager.?

Why LinkedIn Learning??

With many learning platforms to choose from, we selected LinkedIn Learning to support our strategic commitment to “Our people are our biggest asset.” This choice reflects our dedication to investing in employee growth in a connected world. LinkedIn Learning goes beyond traditional tools by combining educational content with industry insights, helping our people develop skills while staying engaged with current trends. This approach keeps learning relevant and proactive – especially important in healthcare, where adaptability and staying informed are essential.?

LinkedIn Learning gives our employees access to a vast library of courses, from AI for business and digital skills to leadership development and soft skills like communicating with emotional intelligence.? Additionally, it provides us with valuable talent insights, showing how our employees engage with content and the skills they’re prioritising. This dual approach allows us to support our people’s professional journeys while also giving us a clear view of the skills needed to stay ahead in our industry.?

Integrating Learning Across Dis-Chem?

Embedding LinkedIn Learning into our daily operations has been key. Through our in-house LMS (Learning Management System), SuccessFactors, we’re integrating learning opportunities into the tools our employees already use, making it easy for everyone to access the courses most relevant to their roles. As Lindi explains, “We’re being very intentional with how we want to curate and embed LinkedIn Learning into our programmes, focusing on content that enhances the unique skill sets needed across Dis-Chem.”?

Accessibility has been another priority. We’ve enabled access for LinkedIn Learning through on-site Wi-Fi, so our employees can download courses during work hours and continue learning at their convenience. This flexibility is imperative in a fast-paced environment where finding time for development can be a challenge. By removing the need for data costs and offering convenient learning options, we’re enabling our people to fit development into their routines without added stress.?

The Skills That Matter Most?

The skills our employees are prioritising reflect the demands of a modern workforce. We’re seeing high engagement with courses on emotional intelligence, organisational leadership, and even emerging fields like AI. These skills enhance not just individual roles but strengthen our team as a whole. Employees are proudly displaying their LinkedIn Learning certificates online, sharing their achievements and commitment to growth. This visibility encourages a sense of shared accomplishment and motivates others to take advantage of the resources available to them.?

“Our team’s interest in skills like Customer Relationship Management (CRM), business analysis, and digital tools speaks volumes,” says Lindi. “It shows a strong desire to improve not only in their current roles but to be ready for what’s next.”?

Preparing for a Future-Ready Workforce?

One of our upcoming initiatives in the pipeline, though not yet finalised, focuses on leadership engagement with LinkedIn Learning, encouraging managers to model continuous learning. By having our managers showcase the skills they’re developing, we’re setting a powerful example across the organisation. This approach demonstrates that growth is a collective journey – one that starts with our leaders and inspires team members at all levels to embrace lifelong learning.?

To ensure LinkedIn Learning’s impact reaches every corner of Dis-Chem, we’re constantly gathering feedback, adapting to emerging needs, and refining how we support our teams. The positive engagement so far is proof that our investment is paying off, both in how our people engage with learning and how they bring new skills back into the workplace.?

Building a Culture of Growth?

At Dis-Chem, we’re not only committed to our team’s growth but to building a culture that values and celebrates it. Through LinkedIn Learning, we’re giving our people the tools they need to thrive, stay relevant, and make a meaningful impact on South Africa’s healthcare sector. After all, our commitment to a healthier nation begins with the growth and development of our own people.?