HR Labs Season 5: The evolution of workplace learning

Episode 1 of HR Labs Season 5 is here!

How we think about workplace learning is undergoing a major transformation. Organizations are becoming facilitators and validators of content rather than owners and controllers. Across industries, technology is driving this trend toward socially co-created knowledge and learning that is more collaborative and iterative than in the past. In Season 5 of HR Labs, we examine this evolution and its implications for organizational learning.

In the first episode of Season 5, Julian Stodd, a researcher, consultant and founder of Sea Salt Learning, joins host Marc Ramos to explore the changing learning landscape within the workplace. Julian emphasizes the importance for organizations to improve in every aspect, amplify often overlooked voices and embrace scalable learning. By doing so, organizations can gain a significant competitive advantage in today's rapidly evolving business environment.

Julian discusses the shifting nature of organizational culture and design, highlighting the need for interconnection and social dynamics. He suggests that the role of the learning organization is transitioning from distributing fixed knowledge to facilitating social and collaborative learning experiences. Formal learning is giving way to a more active form of learning, where learners co-create knowledge and shape their own learning journeys.

Now, let's delve into the episode recap!

Listen now on Apple or Spotify (or wherever you get your favorite podcasts for free).

The changing learning landscape

Julian emphasizes that organizations are moving beyond traditional boundaries today. Learning is no longer limited to formal methods disseminated by the organization alone. Instead, it's increasingly recognized as a collective process where learners actively participate in the co-creation of knowledge. This shift signifies a move towards a more fluid, dynamic and less controllable approach to learning. Marc adds that this shift empowers individuals and encourages a culture of active engagement and collaboration, where learners become active contributors to their learning journey.

The role of organizational design

Julian proposes that organizational design should be viewed as the interconnection between domains and the erosion of legacy structures. Organizations must embrace a deep understanding of learning at all levels in a rapidly evolving environment to adapt to changing circumstances. Modern organizations strive to achieve more with less by seeking the engaged participation of individuals on a large scale. This requires a shift in organizational design to foster interconnection, collaboration and the facilitation of learning experiences beyond traditional boundaries. Marc shares his perspective, stating that organizations must create an ecosystem that supports continuous learning, enabling individuals to access knowledge, connect with experts and collaborate seamlessly across teams and departments.

The power of socially collaborative learning

Julian and Marc explore the potential of socially collaborative learning in organizations. They discuss how dialogue, engagement, rapid prototyping and experimentation can facilitate learning and drive transformative outcomes. Social technologies and generative AI are highlighted as tools that amplify learning at scale, providing opportunities for joint knowledge creation. By embracing these collaborative learning models, organizations can tap into various meanings and unlock their competitive advantage. Socially collaborative learning enables individuals to engage actively, co-create knowledge and contribute to the learning story of the organization. Marc emphasizes that this shift in learning approaches enhances organizational performance and fosters a sense of belonging, empowerment and continuous growth among employees.

The conversation between Julian Stodd and Marc Ramos highlights the evolving nature of workplace learning. Organizations can tap into collective intelligence, foster innovation and thrive in a dynamic environment by embracing socially collaborative learning and transitioning from focusing on learning assets to facilitation.

A key takeaway is that creating a dedicated space for learning within organizations is crucial. By allocating time for small experiments and discussions, organizations can foster a culture of continuous improvement, empower learners and maintain adaptability in the face of rapid change. This shift in approach enables the co-creation of knowledge and provides a competitive advantage in an ever-changing world.

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