{"id":7937,"date":"2023-03-28T16:13:19","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T16:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/welove.netexlearning.com\/?p=7937"},"modified":"2023-03-28T16:13:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T16:13:22","slug":"lifelong-learning-in-the-workplace-why-managers-should-encourage-it-and-how-it-can-help-an-organisation-thrive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/welove.netexlearning.com\/en\/blog\/lifelong-learning-in-the-workplace-why-managers-should-encourage-it-and-how-it-can-help-an-organisation-thrive\/","title":{"rendered":"Lifelong learning in the workplace: Why managers should encourage it, and how it can help an organisation thrive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“I think the most important thing I\u2019ve learned is that there\u2019s more to learn”. Now, isn\u2019t that the truth? Bill Clinton shared the above nugget of wisdom<\/a> in a 2014 interview<\/a> and I thought it was worth a mention here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It beautifully sums up lifelong learning, a concept that is now gaining traction in the L&D spaces in our workplaces. But why is it relevant to businesses? I can imagine some managers are asking that; they want to make sure their employees are trained for their roles, yes, but surely that\u2019s just classed as workplace learning? Why should they be bothered about encouraging lifelong learning as a whole?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I understand these questions \u2013 I asked them myself \u2013 which is why I wanted to delve into the topic, and I\u2019m so glad I did. Hopefully by the end of this article, I\u2019ll have shed some light on why lifelong learning is relevant to the workplace and how it can help your organisation thrive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But to do this, it\u2019s useful to see the bigger picture, so I\u2019m going to explore what it is, how it benefits the learner, and, as a result, the workplace. Because, as with most things, it\u2019s all connected.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is lifelong learning?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, it\u2019s learning that continues beyond<\/em> what we\u2019d class as \u2018formal\u2019 education, such as school, college, or university. It can take the shape of a qualification or anything that results in a certificate (such as e-learning), or it can be as simple as learning through materials such as webinars, how-to videos, podcasts or books. Anything you can consume that will allow you to learn more about a subject.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lifelong learning is also a mindset. It goes hand in hand with a desire to learn, a thirst for knowledge<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But I\u2019ve come to the conclusion that lifelong learning is also a mindset. It goes hand in hand with a desire to learn, a thirst for knowledge. And though there can be many different motivations behind it \u2013 wanting to advance a career, quickly learn how to do something, or simply learn about a topic of interest \u2013 that desire to learn is always there.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has to be because it\u2019s largely self-motivated. With little to no external drivers encouraging the learner on, desire and drive to learn are the only ways to succeed. (Which can be a nightmare when they come up against inevitable challenges, difficulties or failures \u2013 but more on that later.)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits for the learner\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the obvious benefit – an increase in knowledge about topics or skills \u2013 lifelong learning has many other, subtler benefits for the learner as well.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a nutshell, it enhances their mind, wellbeing, confidence and livelihood. And in this wonderful TED Talk<\/a>, Gitanjali JB, who is a huge advocate for lifelong learning, illustrates this point beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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