"Getting employees to make time for learning" was the top talent management challenge cited in LinkedIn's 2018 Workplace Learning Report. Even L&D professionals reported spending 23% less time learning in 2021 than the year prior, according to the 2022 Workplace Learning Report.
Is there an antidote to this problem? Let's take a closer look at the data.
Employees' learning preferences—and how learning happens organically on the job and, in fact, in most contexts—point to the value of integrating learning into the flow of work.
What is learning in the flow of work?
Learning in the flow of work generally means one of two approaches:
Applying formal learning to the workflow, such as using a checklist on the job after taking a class.
Learning while performing core tasks, such as watching a short video or being prompted with sales tips during a work task.
Is there value?
Not only is workflow in demand by learners, but it also provides key learning and performance benefits:
Immediacy
Solving for an immediate problem with targeted and relevant information in the moment of need
Collaboration
Reinforcement
Scheduling
Demand
Autonomy
Critical Thinking
Continuous Learning
22 Workflow Learning Strategies
In the graph below, I've identified 22 strategies for integrating learning into the flow of work. When considering how best to implement workflow learning, consider a few best practices:
Workflow learning should be bite-sized and accessible just-in-time in the moment of need.
Identify key moments of need based on when the information will be applied or used in new contexts.
Consider your technology ecosystem (e.g., app integrations, social and mobile platforms, digital adoption technology), but remember that workflow learning assets should be driven by learners' needs—and sometimes all they need is a concise job aid.
I'm sold! So formal training is a thing of the past, right?
Not so fast. Learning in the flow of work is best for reinforcing and expanding learning, providing instruction for simple or infrequent tasks, or supplying reference information that does not need to be memorized.
Learning that happens outside of the flow of work, whether in a synchronous or asynchronous format, still outpaces workflow learning for gaining mastery of a topic or skill, or performing frequent or high-stakes tasks like conducting a discovery sales call with a prospective client.
Formal learning experiences are far from extinct. In fact, almost 80% of learners prefer some degree of synchronous learning and find synchronous learning experiences 67% more effective. By blending formal learning experiences with workflow learning, you can maximize the benefits of both for your learners.
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