New Emphasis on Continuous Learning Could Increase Engagement

As the modern world of work continues to shift towards an emphasis on employee engagement and collaborative workspaces, there has been an increasing interest in learning and development programs and sharpening skillsets of employees. And for good reason; there are a plethora of benefits that accompany an effective learning and development program. These benefits can include a more skilled workforce, increased employee engagement, and an improved employer-employee relationship as workers feel supported and appreciated by their companies. To lean into this new trend, many companies have started embracing a new employee education approach, referred to as continuous learning.

What is continuous learning?

Continuous learning is, as it sounds, a process of consistent learning and improvement as opposed to traditional one-time new hire trainings. On the job, this means continually advancing and expanding the skillsets of your employees to adapt to the constantly changing modern business environment.

Enabled by apps that can be updated with new trainings and courses as necessary, continuous learning today often focuses on soft skills alongside the hard skills necessary to do the job.

What does that look like? Training that is focused on optimizing co-working across teams by understanding people’s personalities, classes focused on helping managers give and receive coaching, mentorship, and feedback are quickly becoming the norm.

Why are companies shifting towards a continuous learning mindset?

The reason is twofold. First, younger generations tend to expect more professional development from their jobs. If you want to be appealing to the upcoming workforce, finding ways to nurture the talent of Millennials and Gen Zers is essential.

Second, new developments in technology are making this type of learning accessible and easy. Through different L&D programs and platforms, companies can offer online courses, reimbursements for night classes, workshops, books, membership fees, and more. And modern employee-focused platforms on HR software can warehouse all these benefits and track employee L&D spending.

What are the benefits of continuous learning for both employees and employers?

One of the most notable benefits continuous learning can offer to both employers and employees is a boost in employee engagement.

One major reason for employee turnover is lack of growth or lack of engagement within roles. With a continuous learning approach, employees are constantly learning new skills and progressing not only within your company, but within their current role.

As any savvy small business owner knows, reducing your company’s rate of attrition leads to a stronger business filled with seasoned employees and financial savings to boot.