Learning to Work, Working to Learn
At the most fundamental level, we all have an innate instinct to learn throughout our lives. At work, we are also constantly looking for ways to learn and do things better.
According to a recent research, learning and development opportunities are the second most important factor for employees (after the nature of the work itself).
It is impossible to know exactly what skills will be demanded in the future. Therefore, keeping a growth mindset and promoting a ‘never stop learning’ culture is crucial if you want to keep current with the latest changes. Investing in learning will enable your employees to have the skills your business need and will also stimulate innovative thinking.
Learning in the Digital World
In uncertain and changing markets, the ability to experiment, adapt, and innovate is imperative – and all require continuous learning and curiosity. For learning to take place, it must fit around and be incorporated in the daily workflow. In this way, learning can be facilitated and become almost inevitable and invisible in our daily jobs.
The use of AI-powered platforms allows employees to learn in the flow of work and immediately apply learning to work-related tasks. Google and YouTube are some examples of “learning in the flow” platforms, which offer incredible opportunities for personalisation, flexibility and customised experiences. Thanks to e-learning, you can learn when and where you want and at your own pace, making it part of the flow of work.
LEARNING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
| Was |
Is |
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Formal
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Informal
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Highly curated
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Machine personalised
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Individual
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Team-based
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Taught
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Coached
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Produced
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Co-created
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Proctored
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Peer reviewed
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Moment in time
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Continuous
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Centralised
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Distributed
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Pushed
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Pulled
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Away from work
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In the flow of work
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Globally consistent
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Locally relevant
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Typically, employees have to pick up these new skills on the fly so this kind of digital learning becomes second nature for them. It’s important to always be open to whatever is next and align any informal learning or experience to the “flow of work”.
Action Point
What are the top five areas of focus of your organisation this year? Do they include learning? Describe how your company promotes and benefits from continuous learning.