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Lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword for personal growth — it’s a crucial strategy for companies looking to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
As technology continually reshapes our work environments, the ability to adapt quickly is more important than ever. Employees need to consistently update their skills to keep pace with the latest advancements. This is where a culture of lifelong learning becomes essential for both individuals and organizations.
But what exactly is lifelong learning, and how can eLearning platforms support this continuous development? Read on to find out.
What is a culture of lifelong learning?
At its core, lifelong learning at work describes the process of gaining knowledge, skills, and expertise continuously—in and outside the workplace. Organizations can offer ongoing learning opportunities to their teams through:
Internal and external training programs
Online training on eLearning platforms
Ready-made online courses
Mentoring, coaching, or internships
Skills development workshops
While focusing on job-specific skills is key, many companies also support their employees in pursuing personal development opportunities, with leadership, management, or public speaking courses.
Speaking of the benefits of lifelong learning, the advantages extend to both employees and the organization. Employees who embrace lifelong learning tend to be more efficient and perform better at work. Meanwhile, organizations have a skilled workforce that remains competitive and continuously grows.
That’s why more and more companies are prioritizing lifelong learning initiatives. For instance, in 2021, the average number of hours employees spent on ongoing training nearly doubled to 64 hours per employee, up from just 35 hours the previous year. (1) This significant increase highlights how valued continuous learning has become in the workplace.
Leveraging eLearning for a lifelong learning work culture
Many organizations now turn to a digital solution known as a Learning Management System (LMS) to offer continuous training to their teams. But what is LMS software, and how does it fit into the equation? Essentially, an LMS is a robust web-based platform that allows organizations to design and create training courses and distribute and manage them efficiently. This powerful tool supports ongoing employee development by providing training materials at their fingertips.
These tools can be used to create a wide range of courses tailored for various purposes, such as:
Onboarding training: Smoothly integrate new employees into the company culture and workflows.
Remote workforce training: Equip remote teams with the tools and techniques needed for effective distance collaboration.
Compliance training: Update staff on critical regulations, such as data privacy, cybersecurity, occupational safety, and first aid.
Skill-based training: Develop targeted skills in areas such as sales, marketing, customer service, and more.
Overall, LMSs simplify course creation and knowledge sharing, turning the learning process into a smooth and engaging experience for all participants.
The benefits of using eLearning platforms
eLearning is an invaluable resource for employers who want to stay ahead of the latest industry trends and support their employees’ growth. More specifically, LMS platforms offer numerous significant advantages:
Scalability
As your team and business grow, your LMS platform can also grow with you. These online training platforms can be scaled up to accommodate more users, additional content, and functionalities without compromising system performance. This means you can easily adjust without facing downtimes and other usage issues.
Personalization
Advanced eLearning platforms use machine learning to personalize lifelong learning. These tools identify learners’ strengths and weaknesses by analyzing data and providing customized content and recommendations that match their needs and career goals.
Cost-effectiveness
Employers tend to spend a large part of their learning and development budgets on traditional training methods. In the UK, for instance, a 2020 government report showed that employers spent £42 billion on training costs in just one year, with most of that money going towards trainers’ wages. (2)
Online learning platforms can be particularly cost-effective — especially for companies with distributed workforces — as they eliminate the need for expenses like accommodation, travel, and meals associated with in-person training.
Flexibility
Traditional setups follow strict times and pacing, which aren’t required for continuous learning arrangements. Attending external training and conferences will require employees to take time away from work. With an LMS, they can easily integrate online courses into their routine and learn at their own pace. They can even access the materials on the go or during lull periods.
Accessibility
Online platforms are accessible any time of the day and anywhere using an Internet-connected device. This means your team can pursue their learning and development goals regardless of their location. Providing continuous learning opportunities for your employees increases their job satisfaction and boosts their performance.
Measuring learning outcomes
Training platforms allow companies to monitor their team members’ progress, ensuring they can address skills gaps while fulfilling their team’s career development goals. These tools also provide valuable insights into assessing the effectiveness of every training resource. This way, you can determine the improvements needed — from course content and structure to delivery and usability.
In fact, a recent survey by Gartner revealed that when employees feel supported in their career development, they’re likely to:
Become more engaged (61%)
Perform their jobs well (39%)
Stay in the company for longer (19%) (3)
These advantages not only bring tangible and intangible benefits to any organization but also foster a work environment where job satisfaction and employee engagement soar. This, in turn, increases retention and shapes a resilient organization ready to navigate future challenges.
eLearning in the Workplace: Tips for Higher Participation
Employers play a key role in promoting eLearning adoption. Here are some practical tips to encourage its use:
Fostering a growth mindset
Organizations must create a supportive environment for lifelong learning. This involves providing necessary resources and fostering a culture that values curiosity, innovation, and teamwork. Such a setting encourages employees to actively engage with eLearning opportunities, enabling them to tackle challenges confidently and pursue personal and professional growth.
Communicating the benefits
Employers should actively shape their own career growth by staying committed to eLearning. This helps boost their skills within their current organization and makes them more competitive in the broader job market.
Creating interactive and engaging content
Enhance your training materials by incorporating diverse multimedia elements for more engaging content. Consider adding gamification techniques and offering incentives to foster a spirit of friendly competition. Also, actively seek feedback (e.g., through online forums) where users can exchange knowledge, tips, and suggestions to further boost participation.
Final thoughts
Online learning is the cornerstone of lifelong learning. It’s the gateway to continuous personal and professional development, ensuring that employees remain agile and forward-thinking. By investing in eLearning tools, businesses demonstrate a commitment to employee growth. This strategic move is essential in enhancing productivity and boosting morale, making the company a magnet for top talent.
