Facilitate Learning Independence In Hybrid Work

Learn How To Facilitate Learning Independence

Independence is a crucial skill in today's workplace. Recently, I was browsing different jobs on LinkedIn and noticed that 6 out of 10 job descriptions mention the importance of being a curious self-starter who can work independently. With the rise of hybrid work, independence and learning have become more critical.

According to Vladimir Polo, CEO of AcademyOcean, a leading future of work platform for managing employee training, companies have realized that independent employees can contribute more and be more productive and engaged. “Remote work has encouraged people to seek learning or networking opportunities proactively. This shift towards autonomy has also enabled individuals to take ownership of their personal development”, says Polo.

eLearning has garnered immense popularity over the last three years, appealing to diverse groups such as employers, employees, students, and teachers. The trend has since been propelled even further by the massive layoffs experienced in 2022 and early 2023. The statistics speak for themselves, and they are indeed impressive:

eLearning has helped to increase income for 42% of US organizations [1]
The number of online learning users is expected to reach 57 million by 2027 [2]
The global eLearning market is expected to reach $457.8 billion by 2026 [3]
By 2020, 98% of US corporations incorporated online learning into their organization [4]

Read on to learn how to facilitate learning independence among employees in a hybrid workplace.

Collaborative Learning Communities: Facilitate Learning Independence Through Peer Engagement

It’s no secret that online learning is becoming more and more popular, with the global eLearning industry expected to reach $1 trillion in valuation by 2027 [5]. More and more students are transitioning to online learning platforms, whether it’s graduate students, or adult learners looking to upskill and further their career. Enrollment in online learning platforms has risen consistently every year in the last decade, and it saw a huge increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All these eLearning statistics seem to indicate that eLearning is here to stay, so read on for everything you need to know about eLearning in 2023.

Collaborative learning platforms within an LMS can play a vital role in fostering independence and knowledge sharing in remote teams [6]. These platforms enable teams to work together, share knowledge, and support each other's development. Overall, that is a huge game changer for L&D, as it brings more comfort and results in higher productivity.

Tracking Progress And Celebrating Milestones

Progress tracking and milestone celebrations are essential in promoting motivation, accountability, and independence within distributed teams. CIPD research conducted in the summer of 2020 found that 54% of more than 1000 employers surveyed had been using digital and online learning during the lockdown, and 80% plan to increase this provision over the next 12 months [7]. Furthermore, research from the Fosway Group showed that the demand for digital learning has increased among both senior stakeholders and learners.

By implementing effective tracking mechanisms, remote employees can monitor employee progress and set achievable goals. Recognizing and celebrating milestones can boost morale and encourage continuous growth. This instils a sense of independence and accomplishment within remote teams.

Virtual Training And Onboarding For New Hires

Gary Brahm, the chief learning officer and chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Global, believes that online learning can boost individuals' confidence. Through remote access to onboarding materials, interactive training modules, and virtual mentorship programs, companies can help new hires adjust to their roles and become productive team members faster, promoting independence and self-reliance from the beginning.

An LMS with knowledge-sharing platforms allows distributed teams to learn from each other and develop a culture of collaboration. Patrick Hull, the vice president for the future of work at Unilever, emphasizes the importance of “small cohorts” in online learning to maintain intimacy and interaction [8]. By facilitating peer-to-peer learning, remote teams can tap into their colleagues' collective expertise and experiences, encouraging knowledge exchange, problem-solving, and innovation within the organization. The emphasis on collaboration and shared learning empowers individuals to become independent learners while leveraging the team's collective wisdom.

In the era of remote work, cultivating independence and fostering a learning culture is crucial. Companies can empower remote employees to take ownership of their professional development by leveraging collaborative learning communities, tracking progress, and utilizing an LMS. This approach enhances individual growth and contributes to the overall success and resilience of the organization.