Learning in the Flow of Work: Making Growth Seamless
-3 Minute Read
How embedding learning into daily tasks drives growth and professional development.
Introduction
Learning doesn’t have to be a scheduled event or a distraction from daily work. By embedding learning into everyday tasks, organisations create opportunities for growth that feel natural, efficient, and impactful. This approach, known as learning in the flow of work, ensures that employees build skills and competencies without disrupting productivity.
For organisations, integrating learning into workflows fosters a culture of curiosity, continuous improvement, and innovation. This post explores how to integrate learning into daily tasks, the tools that make it possible, and strategies for creating a culture of growth.
Why Learning in the Flow of Work Matters
- Seamless Integration Boosts Adoption: When learning is part of the workflow, employees are more likely to engage because it feels relevant and actionable.
- Microlearning Enhances Retention: Short, focused learning modules align with the pace of work, making it easier to absorb and apply new information.
- Accessible Learning Builds Competence Over Time: Continuous, on-the-job learning ensures employees stay updated on best practices, new technologies, and evolving industry demands.
- Supports a Growth Mindset: A culture of embedded learning encourages curiosity, adaptability, and resilience, helping employees thrive in dynamic environments.
How to Integrate Learning into Workflows
Leverage Microlearning Techniques:
- Offer bite-sized training sessions or modules that employees can complete in minutes.
- Examples include quick tutorials, how-to videos, or brief articles relevant to daily tasks.
Use Real-Time Feedback as a Learning Tool:
- Encourage managers to provide actionable feedback during tasks, turning every interaction into a development opportunity.
- Peer feedback can also be a powerful learning tool when integrated into workflows.
Embed Learning into Existing Platforms:
- Embedding tools like Slack, Loom, or project management platforms can also be used to deliver learning content directly within work applications. For example, create a chatbot that delivers daily tips, reminders, or prompts for reflection.
Align Learning with Current Tasks
Tie learning opportunities directly to the work employees are doing. For instance:
- Provide a quick guide before implementing a new tool.
- Share a case study when solving a similar problem.
Tools That Enable Continuous Learning
- Learning Experience Platforms (LXP): Tools like Degreed or EdCast curate personalised learning content that integrates with employees’ daily tasks.
- Microlearning Apps: Platforms like Axonify or TalentCards deliver small, targeted lessons designed for quick consumption.
- Performance Support Tools: Workflow-integrated solutions like WalkMe or Whatfix offer on-screen guidance for software, helping employees learn while performing tasks.
- Collaboration Platforms: Leverage tools like Google Workspace or Zoom to embed shared resources, training links, and discussion forums directly into team workflows.
Creating a Culture of Growth and Curiosity
- Model Continuous Learning at All Levels: Leaders and managers should demonstrate their commitment to learning by participating in development opportunities and sharing their takeaways.
- Encourage Exploration and Reflection: Create opportunities for employees to explore new skills or areas of interest and reflect on their learning experiences.
- Celebrate Learning Achievements: Recognise employees who embrace learning as part of their work, reinforcing its value and impact.
- Prioritise Psychological Safety: Ensure employees feel safe to experiment, ask questions, and make mistakes as part of the learning process.
Actions to Consider
To embed learning into daily tasks effectively, consider these steps:
- Assess Workflow Integration Opportunities:
- What existing tools or platforms can be used to deliver learning content?
- How can you align learning opportunities with current tasks and responsibilities?
- Focus on Personalised Learning:
- How can you tailor learning experiences to individual roles, strengths, and motivators?
- Are you using feedback and data to identify skill gaps and opportunities?
- Promote a Learning Mindset:
- What initiatives can encourage curiosity and growth at all levels of the organisation?
- How can you recognise and reward employees who embrace learning in their work?
Consider This: What changes can you make to integrate learning into daily tasks? How can you leverage tools and culture to make growth seamless for your team?
Final Thoughts
Learning in the flow of work creates a win-win scenario; employees gain new skills and confidence while staying productive, and organisations build a culture of continuous growth and innovation. By leveraging technology, aligning learning with tasks, and fostering a mindset of curiosity, organisations can ensure their teams are future-ready.
For employees, this means development feels natural and relevant. For organisations, it’s a pathway to sustained success and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
What steps will your organisation take to embed learning into daily workflows and foster a culture of growth?
Some of our other posts that explore the Learning & Development stage include:
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- Reskilling at Scale: Preparing for Organisational Transformation
- The ROI of Continuous Learning
Trevor O'Sullivan
General Manager. Since the early 2000s, Trevor has worked with thousands of Talent Management professionals to develop and apply assessment-based talent management solutions for selecting, developing and managing people. Trevor is an active member of the TTI Success Insights (TTISI) Global Advisory Council, contributes to TTISI product development and is a regular presenter at TTISI-R3. He is honoured to have received multiple Blue Diamond Awards and, more recently, the Bill Brooks Impact Award recognising his contributions to the TTISI global network.
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