ARTICLE 1: IMPORTANCE AND CHALLENGES OF LEARNING IN AN ORGANIZATION
In today’s fast-growing digital world, every business and organization must remain ahead to survive in the market by facing several competitive rivals. One of the most efficient ways to ensure the sustainability of an organization is to encourage and create a culture of continuous learning. Learning in formal or non-formal, essential to develop focus, understanding, and collaboration among people for the success of the organisation and personal growth and happiness (Max Kurton, 2014). Learning is a key to overcoming hurdles in the industry and achieving the success of an organization. Let’s discuss some of the significant importance of learning to the organization:
1. Elevate employee performance and productivity.
Learning has become an essential part of an organization, boosting employees' skills and knowledge in their areas. Creating such opportunities helps employees increase their productivity with quality outcomes. To survive in the market, employees must stay updated in their fields by having training programs, online lecture meetings, and workshops. Well-trained employees will recognise their job role, gain the required skills and knowledge to perform that job, and take effective strategic decisions. This will increase the productivity and efficiency of the employee and the organisation (OrangeHRM, 2024).
According to a Forbes report, a recent study says that companies with comprehensive training programs have 218% higher income per employee than companies without formalized training. These companies also enjoy a 24% higher profit margin (Ryan Robinson,2019). In a real-world example, Microsoft Teams, the second leading video conference software market, generated about $ 77 billion from its employee productivity and business process in the financial year 2024. The training practices of the Microsoft company play a major role in the company’s growth. As per Amazing Workplaces, Microsoft practices several training methods such as the 70-20-10 principles, mentorship programs, innovative learning methods, and much more.
2. Stimulate innovation and Flexibility.
A learning practice in an organization encourages employees to adapt to new changes in technologies and helps them to come up with new, innovative ideas. Innovation won't happen accidentally; it requires structure like creative culture, experimentation, and a continuous learning environment across the organisation (Shikha Verma, 2023). Learning is the best way to adapt to ever-changing market trends with unique ideas to sustain in the industry without dropping behind.
In the e-commerce sector, Amazon shares a big, successful story of innovation. The company follows several strategies to train
its employees, such as conducting the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship program,
Machine Learning University (MLU), AWS Intelligence Initiative program, etc.
Machine Learning University (MLU) and the AWS Intelligence Initiative program
are helping Amazon employees gain more skills in technology and coding in
machine learning. This training plays a major role in customer innovation to
deliver the best service to the customers.
Amazon AWS Model (Source: Amazon, 2025)
3. Develop and cultivate future leaders.
Leaders are not born, they are made through a correct organisational culture that values growth and learning (Forbes Business Council, 2023). A strong learning culture in an organization
leads to recognizing and training future leaders of the organization. Conducting
leadership programs, workshops, skills and knowledge development programs, and
mentorship helps to build strong leadership qualities in employees. According
to John F. Kennedy (1963), leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. He believes that these two elements are very important to each other in creating future leaders. In
Sri Lanka, several leading companies focus on learning to develop the
leadership skills of their employees.
For example, A leading stationery firm, Atlas
Axillia (Pvt) Ltd, conducts a leadership program called The SparX – People
Leaders Development Program (PLDP) by joining hands with Sandbox Consultancy.
This course takes 8 months to complete, and as an outcome, their employees develop
essential leadership skills through classroom learning, interactive discussion
sessions, and group projects. Through this program, the organization mainly
focuses on innovation, efficiency, people & culture, and revenue growth.
Moreover, this course will shape their employees’ future leadership roles and
create future leaders in their industry.
Graduates of the program conducted by Atlas Axillia (Source: LinkedIn, 2025)
4. Encourage a positive work culture.
A positive working culture depends on two aspects. One
is the Non-physical aspects, and the other is the physical aspects. Promoting a learning culture in an organization is a non-physical aspect, which is a major
key factor in bringing a positive workplace environment. This practice brings several advantages, such as a continuous learning mindset of employees, an open door space to collaborate with people to share their ideas, skills improvement by getting feedback and advice, opportunities to experiment with leadership skills with the support of leaders, chances to share knowledge with others, and much more. Employees feel more encouraged, and it creates a more progressive working environment for the organization.
Key to positive work environment (Source: Meditopia,2025)
According to the Cerkl Broadcast, the leading information technology company Cisco, based in California to follows the same method to create a positive working vibe in their organization. The company mainly focuses on learning and development and has invested an average of 8.6 hours per full-time employee (FTE) in the fiscal year 2023.
5. Establish business growth and expansion.
Companies that use learning as a key tool for business success always stay ahead in their industry. Providing lifelong learning opportunities that values employees growth and development, lead to increase employee engagement and enhance the productivity of the firm (Mike Walker, 2023). Learning helps organizations stay on trend in their market with suitable skills and knowledge, be in line with government regulations, and keep skilled human resources. Education and training are an investment, not a cost (Silvia Costa, 2015).
CHALLENGES OF LEARNING IN AN ORGANISATION
Challenges are an important component of life's learning process. These challenges can be life-changing if not identified at the correct time (learnasyougo, 2023). Even though learning has several advantages to the firm, on
the other hand, it also has some disadvantages. Let’s discuss some of he main
challenges that faced by organizations face in implementing learning tools.
- Cost
and resources
Having a continuous learning culture in an organization costs too much to do training programs, certification programs, and maintain learning platforms. These expenses include the cost for trainers, employee overtime value, the cost for advanced technology, and the cost of training material and modules. Small and medium enterprises may struggle to implement a learning culture in their working environment due to its cost value.
For example, if an IT software company plans to provide training on AI, it costs more for implementing software, bringing trainers from outside, and the cost of other infrastructure.
2. Consume time and reduce productivity
Employees get training programs during their work hours, and it may cause less production during those times. Learning programs during work hours may create problems in meeting deadlines for tasks. Long hours of the training period may disengage employees from the program. For example, when training is provided for the sales team for the whole day may reduce income where employees may not be able to meet their targets.
3. Non-impact of the learning program
Inappropriate design of the learning model may not be in line with the organisation’s goal. The improper training design does not fill knowledge gaps and does not follow up with employees to see whether they are applying what they learned from training in real scenarios. For example, if a company invests in a leadership program but fails to measure the performance of employees after training creates cost, and the return from training is not valued properly.
4. Employees refuse to learn and change
A learning culture in an organization brings fear to employees in learning new things to changes. Older employees feel challenged to adapt to new technologies and digital learning. This non-interest may create low engagement and reduce outcomes from employees. For example, employees flexible to the traditional method may not be interested to learn the digital method.
5. Turnover of employees after training
After gaining new knowledge and skills, employees may
leave the company and join other jobs with more benefits. In such circumstances, the investment in a learning program becomes a loss of investment. The competitors may
enjoy the benefits of it by hiring new talent for their jobs.
Conclusion
Learning is not just an activity in an organization;
it is a basic key to success. Investing in learning and development helps
organizations overcome market challenges with the input of new innovative ideas
by using advanced skills and technology to sustain themselves in the market.
References
- Amazing Workplaces (2024). Microsoft’s Comprehensive Learning and Development: A Model for Employee Growth and Innovation. Amazing Workplaces. Available at: https://amazingworkplaces.co/microsofts-comprehensive-learning-and-development-a-model-for-employee-growth-and-innovation/ [Accessed 1 Mar. 2025].
- Amazon (2024). Our Upskilling 2025 Programs. About Amazon. Available at: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/our-upskilling-2025-programs[Accessed 4 Mar. 2025].
- Atlas Axillia (2025). Linkedin.com. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/atlas-axillia_sparx-people-leaders-development-program-activity-7300072453555331073-mfo3/[Accessed 3 Mar. 2025].
- Franco, D.D. (2024). 4 Best Work Environment Types and Examples for 2024 Success. Meditopia.com. Available at: https://meditopia.com/en/forwork/articles/best-work-environment-types-and-examples-for-success[Accessed 3 Mar. 2025].
- Kennedy, J.F. (1963). Remarks Prepared for Delivery at the Trade Mart in Dallas, TX, November 22, 1963 [Undelivered] | JFK Library. JFKlibrary.org. Available at: https://www.jfklibrary.org/archives/other-resources/john-f-kennedy-speeches/dallas-tx-trade-mart-undelivered-19631122[Accessed 2 Mar. 2025].
- Notta.ai. (2025). Microsoft Teams Statistics (2025) - Usage & Revenue & Growth. Available at: https://www.notta.ai/en/blog/microsoft-teams-statistics/ [Accessed 5 Mar. 2025]..
- Robinson, R. (2023). 3 Ways Leaders In The Workplace Can Create More Time For Deep Learning. Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanrobinson/2019/05/03/leaders-workplace-create-time-deep-learning/ [Accessed 5 Mar. 2025].
- Swift, P. (2024). Top 10 Employee Experience Examples from Real Companies. Cerkl Broadcast. Available at: https://cerkl.com/blog/employee-experience-examples/ [Accessed 5 Mar. 2025].
Why is continuous learning essential for the growth and success of an organization, and how can it contribute to both individual and overall organizational development?
ReplyDeleteContinuous learning is a basic key to the success of the organization. It helps the organization compete in its industry by adapting to new changes and innovation. It benefits both the individual and the organization by enhancing personal skills, developing leadership skills, and creating a good culture in the working environment.
DeleteOn the other hand, it helps organizations to stay ahead in their competitive market with skilled people and comply with business regulations. Continuous learning is an investment for the company’s sustainability and profitability.
How does learning impact employees in your organization?
I completely agree with your points! Continuous learning truly benefits both individuals and organizations by fostering growth, adaptability, and a positive work culture. In my organization, learning impacts employees by empowering them to enhance their skills, take on new challenges, and advance in their careers. It also encourages innovation and keeps the team engaged and motivated. By investing in learning opportunities, employees become more confident in their roles, which directly contributes to the organization's success and overall growth.
DeleteFood for thought! What are some practical ways of building a learning culture in organizations that are just starting to grow?
ReplyDeleteBuilding a strong learning culture for a growing business is an investment. It enhances employee skills, brings more new innovative ideas, and builds strong leaders to the industry. Continuous learning helps organization to stay in competitive market and helps to adapt to the rapid changes in the business world.
DeleteThere are several practical ways to implement learning for a growing organization. Such as,
1. Implementing training programs – Conduct workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs to increase the skills of employees.
2. Implementing effective learning model – Implementing a model like the 70-20-10 principle, which combines training (10%), social learning (20%), and learning from experience (70%) will adapt more for growing organizations.
3. Invest in leadership programs.
4. Create an open learning environment.
5. Implement good technology for learning – Use some kind of digital platform for e-learning.
Which of these strategies do you think would be most effective for an growing organization?
I agree that investment in a learning culture is irreplaceable when it comes to development. The 70-20-10 model seems incredibly effective since it encompasses various forms of learning, and it's possible for employees of all ranks. But in the case of a growing business, are you certain online platforms for e-learning can be the cheapest and most scalable option? It would be extremely interesting to understand how small businesses can implement these ideas without significant capital expenditure.
DeleteI agree with your thoughts. Even though online platform learning are cheap, it has several drawbacks too such as, lack of employee engagement and motivation, less opportunities to experiment learning outcomes, can face several technical issues, no instructor to support, there can be risk in privacy and security, much more.
DeleteThe growing business still can implement cost-effective learning methods like knowledge sharing learning, encourage and reward employees for learning new skills, use affordable learning course training (for example, Google Workplace, Microsoft team channels, etc), encourage self-learning (For example, creating book club and providing access for e-books, audiobooks, etc). By focusing on the company’s objectives the management can take strategic decisions like above to implement a learning culture without having high costs.
TalentLMS. (n.d.). What are the benefits and disadvantages of online learning? [online] Available at: https://www.talentlms.com/ebook/elearning/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-online-learning.
Do you think that the cost-effective learning method can fully replace the structured learning method in a growing business?
"Learning is not just an activity in an organization; it is a basic key to success" Totally agree with that part, Learning is important to the survival and development of organizations because it helps companies adapt, innovate, and get a competitive advantage by promoting a culture of knowledge exchange and continual improvement
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! Learning and development plays a major role in an organization's success. It is useful for career development as well as for organization's survival. Investing in learning culture in an organization is a good return on investment. How learning culture perform in your organisation?
Delete