By now, most of us are aware of the benefits of lifelong learning in regards to health and quality of life but it doesn't stop there. Continuous learning is highly advantageous in the workplace - not only for the individual but also for the place of employment. Sometimes referred to as "talent development" or "learning & development", what we are discussing here is the variety of ways employees sharpen their skills, grow their knowledge and develop professionally while at work. This article explores the specific benefits and the best approaches from both the employee's perspective and the employer's perspective.
The Employer Perspective
Benefits
Research shows that learning at the workplace brings a number of benefits to a business with ties to greater profit growth (Bersin by Deloitte). Employees who are learning at the workplace are learning how to perform their jobs in a more efficient manner, boosting productivity and allowing for their organization to remain competitive. Keeping employees on top of the latest knowledge in relation to their jobs can translate to your organization staying ahead in it's industry.
Fostering a work environment that encourages continuous learning, whether as structured classes or in an informal sense, shows employees that their organization cares about their future. This lends to more positive relationships with employees, higher retention rates and a better reputation as an employer. Developing the talent that already exists in the organization means less time spent trying to attract new talent. It can also mean filling in any skills gaps experienced within the current workforce.
Tips for Implementing
Before learning & development programs can show the results you wish to see in your organization, certain steps must be taken. First, goals for the company's future and it's employees should be acknowledged in relation to the learning strategy. A realistic path should be drawn from the learning strategy, to improvement of individual performance, to the overall advancement of the organization. Employees should be able to apply what they learn to their day-to-day operations and see how this contributes to the vision of the organization.
Communication must be open on both ends - employees should be informed on the expected results from the learning programs and how this aligns with business goals. At the same time, managers should be open to employee feedback on any training needs.
In addition to defined strategies and clear communication, employers should create an environment in which employees feel encouraged to explore learning opportunities in the workplace. Employers should allow for time to learn and must make learning resources as accessible as possible to employees.
The Employee Perspective
Benefits
Being open to new learning opportunities in the workplace will lead you down a promising career path. For one thing, keeping your skill set sharp and your knowledge up to date makes you a valuable employee to your organization and gives you a competitive edge among your peers. Continuous learning will help you to grow along with, and easily adapt to, the changes in your organization which can translate to a longer sustained career with that organization (guardian.com). Being active on the learning and development front shows that you are motivated and the depth of your own talent can lead to career advancement.
On a personal level, developing yourself by way of learning means you will avoid feeling stagnant at your job. It will lead to feeling more fulfilled and successful when you are able to solve a reoccurring problem at work or find a more efficient solution.
Tips for Implementing
It's easy to feel too busy to spend a part of the workday devoted to learning something new. However, small steps can be taken to start embracing a culture of continuous learning that won't take up your time. During normal day-to-day tasks, treat any problems you come across as a way to learn something new. Try out a new method of performing a task and see if it was a success or failure. Identify coworkers with more experience and who are successful in their role and attempt to learn from them. Ask questions, be curious, open and receptive to feedback and advice.
You can then take more action by expressing interest to your employer in developing your skills and seeking new learning opportunities. This shows employers that you are motivated not only to invest in yourself but also in the success of the organization. Other ways to pursue your own talent development include researching learning resources and articles on your own or networking with people who work in similar roles for different organizations.
