Creating successful workforces: the power of continuous learning

Did you know that as many as 94% of employees would stay with a company if they invested in career development? Learning and development is increasing among the younger generations, as they have an intense need to learn and grow, especially with the rapid growth of technology and workplace solutions. Will we ever be fully knowledgeable about a programme or a process, or will a new feature, component or update be unveiled in the near future?

Understanding the correlation between upskilling and employee retention is helpful when implementing a learning culture and devising strategies on how to invest in your employees so that they invest in you. One of those strategies is to provide the opportunity for continuous learning.

Continuous learning refers to a method of developing your workforce through ongoing on-the-job learning opportunities and guidance. Implementing this learning culture can prevent stagnation in your workforce and allow your employees to reach their full potential, and ultimately improve productivity within your business. With work platforms and systems constantly evolving, your employees’ skillset and knowledge must be on par with the changes, creating the best environment and mindset for a productive, engaged and informed workforce.

The process of continuous education holds numerous advantages ranging from internal to external factors that may affect your business significantly. Let's look at these advantages and the effects they can have on employers and employees.

Benefits for the employer:

Achieve organisational goals

In today's competitive environment and rapidly changing industries, staying up to date with company objectives can be challenging. However, you can avoid this by increasing employees' training opportunities, enhancing their ability to contribute to organisational goals effectively.

Increase efficiency and productivity

Empowered and upskilled employees have shown improved job competency, thereby improving productivity and efficiency. Ultimately, this will lead to an increase in profitability.

Create a motivated and engaging workforce

For a company to succeed, it must have motivated and engaged employees. Providing staff members with opportunities to learn new skills, polish existing skills and knowledge, and rewarding them for their accomplishments can help you attain the workforce you want.

Attract new talent

Investing in your employees through lifelong training will attract many potential employees, allowing you to select the best candidates. Additionally, it will help you discover your current employees’ hidden talents.

Increase employee retention

Showing your workforce your commitment to their development and growth through various training and development initiatives can assist in increasing employee motivation and engagement that can lead to a decrease in turnover.

Benefits for the employee:

Personal growth and healthy cognitive function

Not only does learning new skills gives us a fresh perspective and boosts our self-esteem, but it is also essential in maintaining our mental strength and functionality. Continuous learning is an excellent way to combat stagnation and remain relevant.

Multi-functional

As you learn a variety of skills, you become competent in different fields. This creates valuable, cross-functional team members that can take on multiple tasks.

Career development

For younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z, career progression is one of the most important factors when choosing a new job. Having the opportunity to upskill themselves and learn within a company continuously gives the young workforce a chance to contribute to their development.

Boost interest and engagement

Working long, exhausting hours without any stimulation can make the day seem long and impossible, but by learning a new skill, employees can gain a sense of purpose that will drive their inner motivation to perform better.

While providing continuous learning seems like an easy feat, it is essential to do your research to ensure that it is implemented for maximum success. A good place to start is recognising that not everyone has the same schedule and interests, so providing flexible learning opportunities can encourage more employees to participate. Additionally, learning opportunities must be engaging, easy to access, instant and available on demand without unnecessary limitations for those who want to stay informed and further develop their skills.

The easiest way to accomplish this is by integrating an online learning platform that allows employees to learn individually and remotely at any given time at their own pace. Not only does the implementation of these systems help HR plan and schedule formal training and development plans, but it also enables them to monitor progress, recognise and celebrate employee achievements.

With the help of the latest technologies and companies like Lesson Desk, businesses have the opportunity to train their employees online or conduct engaging, in-house group training.

To start integrating a continuous learning culture in your company, get in touch with our Learning and Development Specialists by sending us an email at learn@lesssondesk.com or visit our website for more info.