Our previous blog post delved into the foundational phase of building a learning culture to support a safe and legal organization. Now, it’s time to explore the second phase, a pivotal step that takes learning and development to new heights: elective learning – a paradigm shift that empowers employees to embark on a journey of self-driven growth and exploration.
Embracing elective learning
In this second phase of cultivating a thriving learning culture, the focus shifts towards Elective Learning. This innovative approach encourages employees to engage in learning opportunities that are unconventional, outside the box, and curated by the Learning and Development (L&D) team. Elective learning initiatives are carefully selected to complement an individual’s career path, fostering a sense of ownership and personalization in the learning journey.
Measuring success
Success in this phase is multi-faceted. It is important to establish clear success measures for learners, managers, and administrators, with a specific emphasis on elective learning goals. Metrics such as completion rates, skill acquisition, and application of newfound knowledge should be tracked and evaluated. By aligning these measures with organizational objectives, the impact of elective learning becomes tangible and measurable.
Crafting a comprehensive communications plan
To emphasize the importance of elective learning, a robust communications plan is essential. This plan should highlight the strategic significance of elective learning, its role in colleague development and career progression, and the curated courses that support this unconventional learning approach. Regular communication through internal channels, workshops, and success stories can empower individuals to take responsibility.
Bridging the learning gap
A critical component of the second phase involves conducting a learning gap analysis specific to elective learning. Identifying areas where employees seek knowledge beyond the traditional curriculum enables L&D teams to curate courses that address these gaps. This proactive approach enhances skillsets and nurtures a culture of continuous improvement.
Aligning key learning moments with content
L&D teams play pivotal roles in crafting a frictionless learning experience. Employees can access resources that cater to their immediate needs by strategically aligning key learning moments with relevant content. This approach ensures that elective learning becomes an integral part of daily operations, propelling growth and innovation.
Resource availability
Supporting elective learning requires a robust infrastructure; providing employees with the necessary tools, technologies, and resources to engage in unconventional learning experiences is paramount. Be it digital platforms, access to industry experts, engaging content, or collaboration spaces, a comprehensive resource availability strategy enhances the effectiveness of elective learning initiatives.
Creating a cohesive curated content structure
A well-defined structure is indispensable to bridge the gap between content and job role expectations. This structure categorizes elective learning content based on relevance to specific roles and adheres to design principles that will further engage the learner and propel the learner’s appetite for advancement. Employees can effortlessly navigate through the elective learning landscape by creating a cohesive content structure, ensuring that their learning choices align seamlessly with their professional growth.
The second phase of a successful learning culture, centered around elective learning, propels organizations towards a future where learning is not a mere requirement but a continuous journey of exploration and development. By understanding elective learning, organizations lay the foundation for a culture of growth, innovation, and empowerment.
Speak to an expert to transform your L&D strategy today.
Written by Claire Moloney Claire is an enthusiastic and meticulous content writer whose passion is to support growth and continual learning for everyone.
