How to use informal learning in a organizational setting
Informal learning is the most prevalent and impactful learning that happens at the workplace but is often ignored in favor of more structured classroom learning. Learn about how you can use the power of informal learning to your advantage.
Krishna Gathwal
9/12/20232 min read
Learning is inherently a communicative act, enabled through discourse. Informal learning, often the most effective and enduring, primarily occurs through peer interactions. In workplaces, social and collaborative learning not only foster strong company cultures and social bonds among colleagues but also help employees find answers when needed.
However, the shift to remote and hybrid work has reduced social interactions among employees, impacting informal learning. In this new landscape, employees can no longer simply walk to a colleague's desk for quick questions; instead, they must arrange virtual meetings or use chat messages.
To enhance informal learning and collaboration among dispersed teams, learning and development (L&D) must harness technology to facilitate knowledge-sharing in innovative ways. This necessitates a reimagining of social and collaborative learning in this evolving work environment.
Social learning is pivotal to workplace learning and employee engagement. Effective learning relies on interaction and strong team cohesion, which proved challenging during the initial shift to remote work. The 70-20-10 model highlights that hands-on experience and learning from peers constitute 90% of our learning process. The absence of these elements in remote work exposed learning gaps.
While tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams complement in-person learning and collaboration, they may fall short in hybrid or remote workplaces. Essential components of human communication, such as body language and tone, don't always translate well in virtual settings. Employees must adapt to communicate effectively through these tools. Furthermore, these tools lack ongoing opportunities for information exchange.
In recent years, learning management systems (LMSs) and other platforms have integrated interactive features to bridge geographic gaps and foster connection. Central learning repositories allow employees to access materials, provide comments, and share user-generated content. Creating dedicated channels for various topics, including non-work-related interests, encourages impromptu communication.
To thrive in remote and hybrid work environments, L&D must guide teams in using collaborative tools effectively, enabling organized and impactful information sharing.
The future of social and collaborative learning remains critical for employee performance. By addressing learner needs holistically and leveraging technology, L&D equips employees for success in an ever-evolving workplace. Regardless of location, L&D plays a vital role in preparing learners to work effectively together and cultivate a culture of learning.
