Work culture has become incredibly important to today’s employers and employees alike. There are many different ways to establish a strong work culture, but one that is often overlooked is a culture of learning.
Most workers enjoy learning new things, and developing a culture of learning can help keep them engaged. And the more they know, the more they can help you boost your bottom line. It’s a great way to help ensure the success of a new hire, and it’s a win-win for everyone, but how can you get started? Here are some tips.
Start at the Top
Workplace culture is ultimately driven by those in charge. So before you introduce your new learning initiative to your employees, get management buy-in. Turn it into a core company value and make a commitment to provide all the resources and support that your workers need.
Model Learning Behavior
An important part of learning is making mistakes. But many workers worry that they will be judged or even fired if they run into difficulties. Model learning behavior by renewing your own dedication to learning, coaching, and honestly sharing your experiences.
Make It Personal
Your workers are individuals with their own career goals and desires. There are a few courses that all employees need, such as ongoing safety training. But beyond that, don’t try to make employee learning one-size-fits-all. Help your workers find opportunities they might want to pursue within your company, and then design personalized learning plans to help them get there. Specialized programs help develop a employee retention culture.
Offer Rewards
Small incentives can encourage people to keep going when things get tough. Rewards also show your employees that you value them and their newly acquired skills. Whether you offer gift cards, small cash bonuses, or simply public praise, you will go a long way toward developing a culture of learning.
Make It Meaningful
Everyone wants to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Find ways to connect your training programs to your organization’s larger goals and values. Help employees understand all the ways that learning new things will help support the broader vision.
Foster Knowledge Sharing
A key element in a culture of learning is knowledge sharing. Encourage employees to share their findings with team members. Ask them to teach something they’ve learned to new hires. Hold open discussions during meetings, especially one-on-one meetings. The more you can get people talking about what they learn, the more engaged they will be with the process.
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If you need new light industrial team members in Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or Wisconsin, learn how SURESTAFF can help.