All about workplace learning

Workplace learning is a structured work experience program that provides an opportunity for students to get some first-hand, on the job experience or training. Workplace learning helps professionals build the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs. That could be picking up something in the flow of work, or developing to advance their careers. Short or long-term, learning motivates people – and provides organizations with the workforce needed to perform better and adapt to future challenges.

With the rise of technology such as artificial intelligence and automation, many organizations sense an urgent need to up or re-skill their workforces. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic came along. Now, workplace learning has become even more pressing as businesses adapt their models and strategies to survive. But learning doesn’t just build skills, it motivates professionals too. The opportunity to learn and develop is the most important driver in employee happiness after the nature of their job.?

Workplace Learning

• helps young professionals make informed decisions when planning their transition through school and from school, to a fulfilling working life.
• gives students an understanding of what attitudes and skills employers are looking for and what forms of training and further educational qualifications are required.
• widens students' practical experience of workplaces and builds their workplace industry skills as part of their studies.
• allows employers to help young professionals understand the workplace as well as careers and job opportunities and directions in their industry.
• gives students an experience of a workplace and helps them learn quickly and powerfully about the changing nature of work and workplaces.
• allows students the opportunity to participate in the workplace and to practice and extend what they have learned in their training at school.

Types of workplace learning

Traditionally, workplace learning falls broadly into two camps.

Formal or structured learning such as classroom teaching, e-learning, or MOOCs which guide the learner

Informal or unstructured learning enables professionals to learn what they want when they want to. Like online resources such as articles, videos, and podcasts.

But the two types of learning often overlap. A formal course, for example, may include a video that learners can watch on their own time. Or employees can dip into an e-learning module when it suits them. Today, many organizations favor a blend of formal and informal, synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (any time) learning.

And it works. Studies show employees with access to a blend of activities are more motivated to learn than those with access to one approach. What’s more, blended approaches prove more effective at putting learning into practice.

How to create a learning culture in your organization

So, how can you see success from your workplace learning activities? Our research reveals that top organizations*:??

• Make resources easy to find – and inspiring. 91% have banks of online learning content for ‘self-determined’ learners to access (compared to the 28% average).
• Nudge learners. During the pandemic, employees are twice as likely to access work-related resources when alerted with emails and other updates.
• Empower managers. Managers are most likely to inspire the team to learn – almost twice as many colleagues who rank second.

As these trends reveal, top-performing organizations set the stage for learning to happen, then step back. They give learners autonomy, encourage them to learn at a time that suits, and trust employees to follow their own development journey.

That journey can take formal or informal routes or a mix that works best for people. Get the balance right and employees will bring the skills needed for organizations to stay relevant – now and in the future.?

Discover more ways to create a learning culture in your organization.

Visit www.learnow.in