The Evolution of Corporate Learning
Changes in corporate learning and professional continuing education are essential in today’s marketplace. In a world of ever-changing technology and best practices, keeping employees up-to-date, involved, and capable is essential. Traditionally, corporate learning is provided in short, periodic bursts, like a professional conference. This model remains commonplace, and offers some distinct benefits; however, it may not address all corporate learning needs.
Evolving corporate learning strategies rely upon the latest technological innovations to create a multi-faceted plan for continuing employee, staff and management training that facilitates learning, commitment and growth.
Leadership
Effective corporate learning should be guided by and supported by management, and should include and integrate management into the corporate learning process. When companies empower management and encourage excitement and involvement in the learning and continuing education process, employees have the ability to grow and expand their skills. Management goals and priorities should include time for employee support and mentorship to make the most effective use of corporate learning programs.
Flexibility
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is essential that corporate learning strategies be flexible. Many enterprises involve multiple locations, and may incorporate virtual teams or remote workers. Corporate learning programs should facilitate learning and collaboration between all of these workers, including those working virtually and remotely.
While traditional models of in-person teaching require workers to be available at the same time and place, opting for newer models that integrate online learning options can facilitate employee learning on their own schedule. In addition, mobile accessibility means that staff can fit corporate learning into available windows of time, including during business travel.
Development
Technology is, today, changing so fast that it can be difficult for corporations, management and employees to keep up. Planning corporate learning events once a year or every other year is simply not adequate to meet the needs of today’s business world.
An evolving model of corporate learning is continuous, rather than merely occasional. Continuing employee training could be a set period each month, or even weekly. Working with modern corporate learning options, like video learning, can enable employees to learn at their own pace, gradually and over time. Repetition and review facilitate retention of new information and new skills.
Ferrazi, Keith. “7 Ways to Improve Employee Development Programs,” 2015. https://hbr.org/2015/07/7-ways-to-improve-employee-development-programs Accessed September 9, 2017.
