What is workplace learning?

With the ever-changing and competitive job market, it’s become crucial for employees to continuously develop and upgrade their skills. In order to stay relevant and advance in their careers, professionals must embrace workplace learning as a continuous process. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of it, how it benefits both employees and organizations, and some effective strategies for implementing a successful program. Whether you’re an employer looking to enhance your staff’s performance, or an employee seeking professional development, read on and find out more.
 

What is workplace learning?

It’s the process of helping employees build knowledge and skills in order to become more effective, productive and successful at their job. It involves a variety of activities such as training, mentoring, coaching and on-the-job experience. In workplace learning, employers and employees collaborate to create an environment that encourages employee growth and development.

Why is it important?

Aside from the innate desire for growth, investing resources in this area can help employees stay current with changes in the market, increase job satisfaction and motivation, enhance their ability to perform complex tasks, and ultimately lead to increased productivity for the company.

What’s driving growth in this area?

1. Technology advancements. New technology such as artificial intelligence and automation are driving learning as companies need to equip employees with the skills required to use them. 

2. Changing industry trends. Companies must stay ahead of changing industry trends in order to remain competitive. 

3. Accessibility of resources. The increasing availability of online courses, tutorials, and other resources make development more accessible than ever. 

4. Need for efficiency. Operations must be as efficient as possible, which often involves initiatives such as process improvement training. 

5. Rapidly evolving job market. With the rapidly evolving job market, workplace learning initiatives help employees stay ahead of the curve and prepare for future job opportunities.

6. Access to new markets. Learning helps companies access new markets and expand their customer base. 

7. Increased employee engagement. This is one of the best ways to engage and motivate employees, leading to improved performance and productivity. 

8. Cost effectiveness. Better performance, better savings. New skills can prove to be cost-effective, as they require fewer resources than traditional training programs. 

9. Development of soft skills. Learning at work can help employees develop important soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, which are essential for success.

Every brand should create an environment that encourages employees to take initiative and develop their own skills. This could include providing resources such as articles on relevant topics, giving employees the freedom to experiment and take risks, or even offering rewards for development accomplishments. 
 

Informal vs formal.

You can divide this area broadly into two categories: formal and informal workplace learning. Formal learning includes activities such as training courses, mentorship programs and certifications. Informal initiatives involve activities such as on-the-job experience and self-directed research.

Neither is better than the other, however they may be applicable in different scenarios or their validity as part of your learning and development strategy may depend on your brand’s resources, time, or industry. Both types have benefits for employees and employers, so it’s important for companies to invest in activities that are tailored to the needs of their organization. 
 

Building a culture of workplace learning.

So where to begin? Creating a strong culture of growth starts at the root values of any organization. At Transcom, one of our values is that we’re lifelong learners. Which means that in everything we do, we always seek out ways to improve, do better, learn more, and stay ahead of the curve.

1. Provide access to training and development opportunities.

Brands should provide employees with access to training and development opportunities such as seminars, workshops or online courses. These can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and gain new skills. 

2. Foster a culture of mentorship. 

Mentorship programs can be an effective tool as they provide employees with valuable insights from experienced staff members. Companies should encourage mentorships between senior and junior staff, and also offer rewards for development-related accomplishments. 

3. Encourage self-directed research. 

Creating an environment that encourages employees to take initiative and develop their own skills through self-directed research or independent study is crucial. Providing resources such as books and articles on relevant topics could be beneficial for workplace learning. 

4. Allow experimentation and risk-taking. 

Giving employees the freedom to experiment and take risks can be a great way to encourage workplace learning. This kind of environment should support innovation, and provide rewards for successful experiences.

5. Recognize workplace learning achievements. 

Companies should recognize and reward workplace learning achievements, such as certifications or awards for completing courses or projects. This will help motivate employees to continue learning and developing their skills.  

Implementing initiatives such as these means that companies can create a culture that empowers employees to become more productive and successful at their job. 

People are motivated to engage in learning for a variety of reasons. For instance, some employees may be interested in the opportunity to gain professional recognition and advancement. Others may enjoy the challenge of taking on new responsibilities or acquiring new skills. Still others may find it appealing because it provides them with a chance to connect with people in the workplace, network with other professionals and gain valuable insights.