Why You Should Make Time for Digital Learning in the Workplace (And How to Do It)
Have you ever tried to incorporate continuous learning opportunities into your workday? If so, you know it can be difficult to find time to go to a conference downtown — or even worse — fly across the country to attend classroom training. And at the end of it all, you might learn one or two things that you scribbled down on a sheet of notebook paper that you can no longer find.
This is why more and more professionals are looking for digital learning in the workplace to supplement — or completely replace — traditional learning methods.
Prioritizing learning new skills can be difficult, especially when you’re juggling meetings and a growing to-do list. But digital learning initiatives are much easier to weave into your workday because you can choose what, when, where, and how you learn information.
Why digital workplace learning is important for your career
Digital learning in the workplace is a relatively new concept, but it’s becoming the best way to learn new skills and improve how people and organizations do business. In fact, by 2022, it’s estimated that the global e-learning market will be worth nearly $243 billion. By 2020, 98% of small businesses will implement video as part of their digital learning initiatives.
Why is digital learning in the workplace becoming so integral to our workdays? For one, e-learning takes up to 60% less time than traditional classroom learning. Plus, digital learning retention rates can be up to 50% more effective than traditional training. It’s easy to see why busy professionals are turning to digital learning initiatives to advance their careers.
While learning new skills happens on the job, professionals are expected to find alternative ways to adapt, grow, and expand their knowledge base to keep up with the speed of innovation.
Why you should make time for digital learning in the workplace
Improving skill sets keeps professionals relevant. Technology is changing quickly and brand new jobs are added to the economy every day. That’s why staying on the cutting edge allows employees to remain at the forefront of an evolving professional landscape.
More than 60 percent of CEOs say their organization doesn’t have the skills to adapt to rapid changes in the digital age. If your organization doesn’t already offer a platform for digital learning in the workplace, you should consider seeking one out yourself so you can stay fresh and indispensable to the company you work for.
By investing in digital learning initiatives, you can:
- Learn anywhere, any time, and on any device.
- Troubleshoot problems on the job.
- Learn from experts at a cost that won’t break the bank.
- Gain skills you wouldn’t otherwise have access to learning.
- Free up more time in your workday by learning the most efficient, updated way to perform tasks.
- Increase your engagement and morale at work.
How you can integrate digital learning courses into your workday
Even though learning on the job is now more accessible and affordable than ever, that doesn’t mean integrating digital learning initiatives into your workday is easy.
Here are a few things to consider before diving into digital workplace learning.
Determine your career goals
Do you want to become proficient in the latest software updates, learn how to 3D print like a pro, or earn a promotion? Perhaps, it’s all of the above. Start by mapping out your career goals and determining what you want to learn. Check out this infographic to get a jump start on creating a professional development plan.
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Choose a platform that’ll support digital learning in the workplace
Do your research. Find a digital learning platform that’ll meet both your short-term and long-term career goals. There are several digital learning platforms out there that offer flexible annual or monthly membership options.
Look for platforms with an extensive library of expert-led digital learning courses and other helpful resources like certification prep, hands-on exercises, webinars, and e-guides.
Tip: Check with your boss or HR team to see if they’ll fund your platform membership. Most organizations would be happy to pay a small fee if it means you’re able to do better work, troubleshoot on the job, and develop your skill set. At the very least, get permission from your boss to allocate work hours to your learning.
Figure out how you learn best
Digital learning initiatives come in many forms, so you’ll want to try out a few methods to figure out how you like to learn. You might even discover that you’re more engaged with what you’re learning when you have a variety of ways to get information. Try digital learning courses, short video tutorials, and webinars to get started.
Related Article: 4 Tips for Retaining What You Learn
Have your learning platform in an open browser
Every day when you get into the office, open up your learning platform in a tab. This way, when you run into a challenge, you’ll be able to quickly find a bite-sized video tutorial or resource to help you troubleshoot the problem.
Schedule time for learning
Start learning
Once you’ve completed everything above, this one’s easy. Just start learning!
Keep track of what you’re learning
If you’re investing in your career with digital learning initiatives, you’re going to inevitably get better at your job by learning new skills. Make sure you document everything you’re learning and improving upon so you can share it with your boss during your performance review.
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