Learning in the Flow of Work

LIFOW puts learning at the crossroads of working and learning, it’s an ideal strategy to support corporate learning in the new hybrid workplace.

The concept of "learning in the flow of work" was introduced by Josh Bersin in 2018. It's all about making learning readily accessible for team members whilst performing their regular tasks, without disrupting their productivity.

Traditional workplace learning can often pose a time barrier, forcing a choice between work and learning. Bersin's approach emphasises "flow," where learning seamlessly integrates with daily tasks.

By incorporating it into a Learning and Development (L&D) strategy, learning in the flow ensures that training is delivered without causing disruptions to daily work routines.

In practical terms, learning in the flow of work means providing team members with the information and content they need to perform their tasks when they need it. The goal is for learning to become an organic part of a workday, almost unnoticed because it aligns with a natural workflow.

One of the biggest challenges to workplace learning, as recognised by Bersin, is time. This issue has become more pronounced with the rise of remote work. Learning in the flow of work addresses this challenge by seamlessly providing the necessary resources, and removing perceived time investments that deter individuals from engaging in traditional training methods.

To support this shift, organisations could consider:

1. Communication software for team collaboration.
2. Digital adoption solutions (DAS) for in-app training.
3. A dedicated Learning Management System (LMS) for organised training.
4. Clear expectations and visibility to encourage a culture of self-learning.

Learning in the flow of work is an effective training strategy that complements traditional training methods. It focuses on knowledge retention, addressing the issue where learners forget a significant portion of what they're taught shortly after training events. By reinforcing learning within the workflow, learners are reminded and encouraged to apply what they've learned.

To implement learning in the flow of work effectively, consider these key factors:

1. Make content available on-demand for self-serve.
2. Create bite-sized, focused micro-learning content.
3. Bring learning content to life with engaging formats like videos and gamification.
4. Consider using Digital Adoption Solutions (DAS) to guide users within software applications.

Practical examples of learning in the flow of work include providing resources for upskilling, improving soft skills, ensuring accessibility, adopting new software, and new workplace practice guides.

However, it's important to note that learning in the flow of work is not a replacement for face-to-face or in-person training, which offers valuable opportunities for idea sharing and knowledge transfer.

In summary, learning in the flow of work is a significant shift in workplace learning and development, offering opportunities for more accessible and effective training that aligns with natural workflows. Its role should be considered within a broader L&D strategy.