Mastering Learning In The Flow Of Work
The concept of learning in the flow of work has gained significant traction since Josh Bersin popularized the term in 2018. This approach to learning appeals to both learners and L&D professionals due to its seamless and organic nature, making it both efficient and effective.
Picture this: you’re engrossed in a report and need to create a pivot table, but you can’t quite recall the steps. What do you do? Most likely, you turn to the “Help” menu, conduct a quick Google search, or watch a tutorial on YouTube. This on-the-spot learning allows you to quickly acquire the knowledge you need without disrupting your workflow.
When we asked L&D professionals about their biggest content creation challenge, many echoed the sentiment of integrating learning seamlessly into the flow of work. Learners share a similar sentiment, expressing a desire for personalized and just-in-time learning experiences. This is crucial as 25% of employees report a lack of time to complete training according to SHRM’s 2022 report.
In our survey, “learning in the flow of work” emerged as the 8th most pressing challenge for L&D departments. While there is excitement about the possibilities, the key question remains: How do we deliver precisely what each individual needs, exactly when they need it?
Three Key Strategies for Success
#1. Embrace Microlearning: Opt for bite-sized learning modules tailored to specific learning objectives. Microlearning offers employees precisely what they need, enhancing personalization and customization. Interestingly, 47% of L&D teams are planning to implement microlearning programs in 2024.
#2. Integrate Learning into Work: Make learning resources easily accessible to employees when they need them. Anticipate their learning requirements and ensure the content is readily available at the right moment.
#3. Track Usage: Monitor the content that employees engage with to determine its effectiveness. Understanding usage patterns provides valuable insights into the content that resonates with learners.
Envisioning the Future: Three Illustrative Scenarios
Consider these examples of learning in the flow of work:
- Utilizing mouse movement tracking to offer pop-up guidance within software applications when employees encounter challenges.
- Implementing a chatbot powered by AI to answer queries related to work processes, becoming an indispensable resource for employees.
- Integrating speech recognition technology in call center tools to provide real-time support during customer interactions.
Crucially, these scenarios revolve around supporting “employees” rather than simply “learners.” By focusing on enhancing employee performance in their daily tasks, learning seamlessly merges with work.
Learning in the flow of work facilitates continuous learning during work activities, promoting an organic, efficient, and effective learning experience.
Download the L&D And Learner Experience 2024 Trends Report today to explore the insights and discover innovative approaches to enhance your training initiatives and drive meaningful change.
