Adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies mean that even by cautious estimates, 50% of all professionals will need to be reskilled by 2025!
And it doesn’t stop there, technology just keeps evolving and advancing. You either need to embrace a continuous cycle of upskilling, learning and development, or you need to hire a completely new workforce every few years. One definitely seems more cost and time-effective than the other!
But where technology is part of the problem, it’s also a major part of the solution too.
What is a culture of continuous learning and why are enterprises investing in them?
A culture of continuous learning has been a way for leading names in a range of industries to keep innovating, improving and optimizing by fostering curiosity and expertise. A founding principle of Kaizen, Toyota has made a culture of continuous learning a key ingredient of operational excellence! But what is it?
A culture of continuous learning is a way of supporting employees and their careers by allowing them the space and power to regularly develop their soft and technical skills in both in-house and external training models. You could hold your own corporate training for upskilling or leadership development, for example, or your employees could participate in certifications or qualifications from external providers.
A recent survey found that 56% of professionals rate career growth and continual development as more important than compensation. And 47% were dissatisfied with their current company’s training programs.
Deloitte’s research has also found that enterprises who embrace continuous learning are:
- 46% more likely to be first to market
- 92% more likely to innovate
- 58% more prepared to meet future demand
- And have 37% higher productivity
Clearly there are both operational benefits to a culture of continuous learning as well as a desire for one among the workforce. A culture of continuous learning ensures that employees are not only equipped with the skills required for their current roles but are also prepared for the challenges of the future. It empowers them to adapt, innovate, and embrace change, ultimately benefiting your organization’s bottom line.
But how do you implement one? Where should you start?
Technology: The foundation of your continuous learning programs
For ambitious companies, technology means new opportunities, product development, new markets to tap into and new ways to improve operations, it can also play a pivotal role in enabling and nurturing a culture of continuous learning.
Here are some ways in which technology can be used to support continuous learning and development:
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
VR and AR can be used within your corporate training and learning programs to create really impactful, immersive learning experiences, inject some excitement into your training content and support knowledge retention. You can make VR learning environments and content to support regular upskilling, leadership training and provide networking and mentoring opportunities.
Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms are a great way to create centralised resources and provide employees with access a wide range of courses, tutorials, etc. These platforms offer flexible learning opportunities that employees can access at their convenience, facilitating self-paced learning.
Microlearning
Related to the two points above, you can use a variety of technology platforms to deliver bite-sized, focused pieces of content, making learning more digestible and accessible. Microlearning modules allow employees to acquire knowledge and skills in small, manageable chunks, minimizing disruption to their workday.
AI and Machine Learning
You can use Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to personalize learning experiences! By analyzing an employee’s learning style, preferences, and skill gaps, technology can recommend relevant courses and materials, ensuring that each learning experience is tailored to the individual.
Analytics and Data-Driven Insights
You can gather useful data on employee learning habits and progress, analyze it and gain insights on the efficacy of your training programs. You can then use it to make data-backed improvements to your learning programs to improve learning outcomes.
Remote and Hybrid Work Environments
The rise of remote and hybrid work models has made technology-driven learning even more essential. Video conferencing technology has seen rapid uptake to bring remote teams together when they’re not physically able to interact. However, another development from this trend is to broaden the reach of learning resources using platforms like VR to bring people together from anywhere in the world to learn.
Challenges when implementing a culture of continuous learning – and their solutions!
While technology offers numerous benefits in fostering a culture of continuous learning, organizations must address certain challenges to ensure its successful implementation. Below we have outlined the challenges you can encounter when using technology to foster a culture of continuous learning… and their solution!
Digital literacy
Challenge: Not all employees will be equally comfortable or proficient with technology. Some may lack the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate online learning platforms, use new software, or engage with digital resources effectively.
Solution: Provide digital literacy training or onboarding sessions to ensure that all employees have a basic understanding of the technology tools and platforms they will be using. Encourage peer-to-peer learning and create a supportive environment where employees can seek help or advice from their colleagues.
Resistance to change
Challenge: Resistance to change is a common hurdle when introducing new technology and learning methods. Employees may be attached to traditional training methods or feel apprehensive about embracing digital tools.
Solution: Implement a change management strategy that includes clear communication about the benefits of technology-enabled learning. Involve employees in the decision-making process and address their concerns. Highlight success stories of colleagues who have embraced the technology to inspire others.
Cybersecurity concerns
Challenge: Handling sensitive training data and personal information in digital learning environments can pose cybersecurity risks from data breaches or unauthorized access.
- Encryption
- Access controls
- Regular security audits
- Employee training on cybersecurity best practices
- Collaborate with IT and security teams to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and to stay ahead of evolving threats
Content quality and relevance
Challenge: With the large amount of online content available and the different technology options you have to deliver it, it can be challenging to curate high-quality, relevant learning materials. It’s important to overcome this particular challenge because unengaging, irrelevant – or even outdated – content can impact the learning experience.
Solution: Continuously review and update learning content to ensure its quality and relevance. Encourage user-generated content or contributions from subject matter experts within the organization. Implement content rating systems or feedback mechanisms to gather input from learners, enabling you to refine and improve the materials over time.
Engagement and motivation
Challenge: Engaging and motivating employees to embrace and participate in digital learning can be a challenge. Without active participation and motivation, the effectiveness of continuous learning efforts can be compromised.
Solution: Gamify the experience, include peer collaboration and interactive elements within the digital learning platforms to keep learners engaged (VR is a great option for this!). Set achievable milestones, offer incentives, and recognize and reward employee progress and achievements. Regularly solicit feedback from learners to identify areas for improvement in the learning experience.
Access and inclusivity
Challenge: Not all employees may have equal access to technology or a supportive learning environment, potentially leading to inequalities in learning opportunities.
Solution: Ensure that technology and learning resources are accessible to all employees, regardless of their location or devices. Provide options for offline learning, accommodate different learning styles, and consider the needs of employees with disabilities.
By addressing these challenges proactively, organisations can better prepare themselves for the successful implementation of technology-driven continuous learning and create a more inclusive and adaptable learning culture within their workforce.
Need a hand getting started with your culture of continuous learning?
Embracing technology as a way to foster continuous learning is not just an option; it’s a necessity for organisations looking to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. So, let technology be the catalyst that propels your organisation into a future of limitless learning and growth!
Why not try VR as a way to bring your teams together, upskill, collaborate and learn together in fully immersive and engaging environments? Step into a different world – a virtual one – for truly memorable learning experiences that see great learning retention, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
