How to celebrate Learning at Work Week by embracing growth in the workplace

Learning At Work Week has been heralded as the perfect opportunity to “foster a culture of continuous improvement.”

Expert Jack Hayes, the director of the Motivational Speakers Agency, specialises in providing experts to businesses who can drive innovation and productivity.

And he says Learning At Work Week, celebrated between May 13 and May 19, can benefit both employers and employees.

Jack said: “Learning At Work Week is now firmly established as a key date in the calendar for business leaders. 87% of employees are less likely to leave their jobs if they are in workplaces which foster a culture of learning, and which organise engaging activities, as well as recognising achievements. Learning at Work Week is also an opportunity to foster a culture of continuous improvement and growth within an organisation. It is a time to also celebrate the value of learning and development in the workplace.

“Employers who recognise and act on learning at work week can reap numerous benefits. These include increased employee engagement and morale; enhanced skills and knowledge within the workforce; improved productivity and performance;

greater innovation and adaptability and enhanced employer brand and reputation as a learning organization.

Here are five top tips on how to celebrate Learning at Work Week and the benefits employers can gain by recognizing and acting on this event.

1. Foster a Learning Culture:

Encourage a culture where learning is embraced at all levels. Provide staff with resources, support them, and roll out incentives for employees to engage in learning activities. This could include offering training programs, workshops, mentorship opportunities, or access to online learning platforms. By prioritising learning, you can demonstrate your commitment to employee development and empowerment.

2. Organize Engaging Activities:

Plan a variety of interactive and engaging learning activities throughout the week. This could involve workshops, seminars, webinars, lunch-and-learns, team-building exercises, or knowledge-sharing sessions. Also aim to get creative and organise a learning expert to deliver a keynote speech to your audience. The Champions’ Speaker agency recently compiled its list of 10 best learning at work keynote speakers.

They included Inga Beale, the first female CEO of Lloyd’s of London; Olympian Derek Redmond; Carey Lohrenz, the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot, and Bonita Norris became the youngest British woman to summit Mount Everest

The best keynote speakers for Learning at Work Week are those who can inspire, educate, and motivate employees to embrace learning and personal development.

3. Recognise and Reward Learning Achievements:

Acknowledge and celebrate the learning achievements of employees. Recognise individuals or teams who have demonstrated commitment to learning, acquired new skills, or made significant contributions to knowledge sharing. Consider offering rewards such as certificates, badges, prizes, or public recognition to incentivise participation and showcase the importance of continuous learning.

4. Encourage Collaboration and Peer Learning:

Facilitate opportunities for employees to collaborate and learn from each other. Encourage peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, mentoring, and cross-departmental collaboration. Create forums or online platforms where employees can share insights, best practices, and any lessons learned. By fostering a culture of collaboration, you promote continuous learning and collective growth within the organisation.

5. Reflect and Set Goals for the Future:

Use Learning at Work Week as a time for reflection and goal setting. Encourage employees to reflect on their learning journey so far, identify areas for improvement, and set personal or professional development goals for the future. Provide support and guidance in creating actionable plans to achieve these goals, whether through additional training, mentorship, or on-the-job experiences.