Three Ways to Introduce Lifelong Learning in the Workplace

Two focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and Workplace Discussions. The reality of the working world is that your education is ongoing even after you have secured a position. As the persons running the organization, you may have to creatively introduce that concept to your staff. The following guest post is entitled, Three Ways to Introduce Lifelong Learning in the Workplace.

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Albert Einstein once said that “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Although this old saying may seem extreme, it does have some truth to it because anyone who is made to one thing repeatedly over the course of their life can drive them insane.

When it comes to choosing a career, most people tend to flock to a field that interests them. If the working conditions are acceptable and the compensation is sufficient, these people can be encouraged to work for their company until the time they reach the retirement age.

However, not everyone is fortunate to be able to climb the corporate ladder after putting in the work. Some are forced to remain in a dead-end job for countless years; stuck to the same desks and doing the same tasks. Their days may feel insignificant because nothing new happens and every day is the same.

Employee growth in the workplace is necessary to keep their minds sharp and ready to face challenges, but the lack of opportunities to grow can make work monotonous. In addition to that, remaining in long-term stagnancy can make work feel unsatisfying, which can lead to unhappy employees.

To make your business a place where your employees can thrive and grow as individuals, introduce them to the path of lifelong learning. This is a form of self-initiated education that aims to not only focus on personal development but also acknowledge that there is something new to be learned every day.

Formal Training and Seminars

Many employees are always eager to learn how they can perform their jobs better. But between working full-time and only having two days to recuperate for the coming week, they may no longer have the time to chase after learning opportunities.

However, as an employer who is interested in having better employees, you can take it upon yourself to make learning opportunities within the workplace. For instance, you can schedule a seminar with a topic that is directly related to your line of work.

If you want to have more credible and adept managers, you can also start leadership coaching to allow them to work on their personal skills. Leaders aren’t born, they are made. Turning your best employees into good leaders through formal training can bring success to your business.

Online Courses

There are multitudes of basic learning materials on the internet that are accessible to everyone who wants to work on their skills. But unfortunately, not all the materials are free of charge. The courses with in-depth and valuable information usually come at a price that is outside most people’s budget.

Money shouldn’t be a hindrance to anyone that wants to pursue lifelong learning, especially not if you can do something about it. As the employer, it may be advantageous for you to invest in your employees’ growth by shouldering the costs of the online courses.

Your employees might be more inclined to devote time to learning when you offer the course for free, or at least, with subsidized fees. The courses don’t have to be the most expensive ones offered online, but they have to provide relevant information that your employees can benefit from.

Brown Bag Lunches

Not all lifelong learning opportunities are done formally. One of the most effective ways to introduce new information or brainstorm ideas for business is to hold brown bag lunches. These are casual learning environments that can cover anything from new trends in the industry to personal finance.

Brown bag lunches are perfect if you want to build a stronger work environment as well. You and your employees can exchange ideas, collaborate on potential projects, or learn new skills over food. It can be held in a restaurant where you buy your employees lunch or a simple get-together in your office pantry.

A great leader is someone who communicates with their team. You can’t be a good employer if you don’t create bonds with your employees because the relationship remains superficial. If you truly want to build a conducive working and learning environment, then you should bridge the gap between you and your employees.

Work shouldn’t just be about money; it should also serve a purpose that gives your employees’ lives meaning. If an employee’s sole motivation to work is to get their salary at the end of the month, then they would have no drive to perform well. But if they see work as an avenue to grow and excel as a people, it might do your business wonders or potentially lead you to success.

Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

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