Better Integration

5 Ideas for Embedding Learning into the Workflow

Saarbruecken (GER), July 2013 - This year, the annual and independent Towards Maturity Benchmark highlighted that nine out of ten learning-and-development professionals recognize the need to better integrate learning and work. In their report IMC and Towards Maturity show - with the help of survey results - innovative methods, theories, and practical case studies how to support employees in their daily working processes.

Jane Hart, Con Gottfredson, Bob Mosher, and Charles Jennings are all advocates of the principle of connecting learning and work. They have different theories on how to implement this principle, but their concerns are the same: In today’s fast-developing workplace, there is a need to find ways of embedding learning into workflow processes and facilitating the continuous learning necessary for developing talent and performance. Based on the concepts of the experts named above and on the annually emerging Towards Maturity Benchmark, IMC and Towards Maturity have published a handbook of practical tips, hints, and insights into the combination of formal, informal, and social learning activities.

The initial conclusion of the study is the revealing of missed opportunities in the current learning-and-development surrounding, which are:

  • 94% seek to speed up learning back into the workplace; only 23% achieve this
  • 95% seek to improve the sharing of good practice; however, only 25% achieve this
  • 92% seek to increase their ability to adapt and react to business change; only 25% achieve this
  • 90% want learning technologies to help them implement new products and processes; only 45% achieve this.

With the aim of minimising these gaps, the "5 Practical Ideas for Embedding Learning into the Workflow" report gives practical advice on

  • using job aids more successfully
  • capturing experiences from the front line
  • helping staff build networks and solve problems
  • providing effective social business process guidance
  • engaging managers in the 70:20:10 learning process.