Learning in The Flow of Work; Why is it so difficult to achieve?

Learning in The Flow of Work; Why is it so difficult to achieve?

Learning has always been an integral part of both our personal and professional lives. The need for continuous skill development and knowledge acquisition is more critical than ever. To meet this demand, the 2018 concept of "learning in the flow of work" has gained significant attention. Learning in the flow of work refers to seamlessly integrating learning experiences into the daily tasks and routines of employees, making ita natural and ongoing process. While this approach holds great promise, it is often challenging to achieve with current learning platforms. Let’s take a look at why learning in the flow of work is essential and the difficulties that current learning platforms pose in realising this vision.

The Importance of Learning in the Flow of Work 📚

Relevance and Timeliness

Learning in the flow of work ensures that employees acquire knowledge and skills precisely when they need them. It allows individuals to address immediate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances quickly. This approach promotes relevance and timeliness, enhancing productivity and performance.

Continuous Learning

Traditional training programs often occur as discrete events, leaving gaps in knowledge and skills development. Learning in the flow of work promotes continuous learning, fostering a culture of growth and adaptability within organisations.

Improved Retention

Learning that is embedded in daily tasks and experiences tends to be better retained. When employees apply newly acquired knowledge immediately, they are more likely to remember and apply it effectively.

Reduced Disruption

Integrating learning into work reduces the need for ime-consuming and disruptive training sessions. Employees can learn without interrupting their workflow, leading to improved efficiency.

Challenges with Current Learning Platforms 👎

Fragmented Learning Ecosystem

Many organisations use a variety of learning platforms, each designed for a specific purpose (e.g., Learning Management Systems, e-learning modules, and virtual classrooms). These systems often lack integration, making it difficult to create a seamless learning experience within the flow of work.

Lack of Personalisation

Current learning platforms struggle to deliver personalised content and experiences. Employees have diverse learning needs and preferences,and a one-size-fits-all approach does not cater to individual requirements effectively.

Limited Accessibility

Traditional learning platforms may not be easily accessible on mobile devices or within the software applications employees use daily. This limits the ability to learn in the context of work tasks.

Data Silos

Valuable data on employee performance and learning habits are often stored in separate systems, making it challenging to gain insights into how to improve learning in the flow of work.

Resistance to Change

Employees and organisations may resist the shift to learning n the flow of work due to the familiarity of traditional learning methods.Overcoming this resistance requires a concerted effort and change management strategies.

The Way Forward 🚀

Achieving effective learning in the flow of work necessitates a shift in mindset and the adoption of modern learning technologies. Here are our 5 tips for addressing the challenges posed by current learning platforms and things to consider when looking at alternative systems:

1.    Integrated Ecosystem: Choose a platform that allows seamless integration of various learning tools and knowledge base to create a unified learning ecosystem.

2.    Personalized Learning Paths: Leverage AI-driven recommendations and adaptive learning technologies to provide tailored content and experiences for each employee.

3.    Mobile and In-App Learning: Ensure that learning content is accessible on mobile devices and can easily be shared and distributed within the software applications employees already usedaily.

4.    Good Analytics and Insights: Utilise data analytics to gain insights into employee learning behaviours and make data-driven decisions to enhance learning in the flow of work.

5.    Employee Buy-In: Implement a strategy to encourage the adoption of new learning practices and technologies, emphasising the benefits of learning in the flow of work and how this will enable them to.

Learning in the flow of work is a powerful concept that can transform how organisations approach employee development. While it offers numerous benefits, achieving this vision is not without its challenges. Current learning platforms often fall short in providing the seamless, personalised, and accessible learning experiences required for this approach. However, with the right strategies and a commitment to change, organisations can overcome these obstacles and unlock the full potential of learning in the flow of work, leading to increased productivity,innovation, and employee satisfaction.

To explore how Reelzye can help make your LIFOW dreams become a reality, book your demo!

‍