Among the many trends we have seen in enterprises in recent years, there has been a lot of buzz around creating a thriving company culture. Take companies like Google and Apple, for example—their ‘work hard, play hard’ philosophy is apparent in the massive gyms, lounges, and lavish cafes located throughout their workplace environments. With so many cool gadgets and toys, it’s difficult to decipher if these spaces are workspaces or play-spaces.
Creating a space like those mentioned above is far from cheap, which begs the question: Why do companies like Google and Apple, and so many others invest in creating this type of workplace environment?
The answer is highlighted in the CIO.com article by Sharon Florentine, “How to Build a Culture of Learning (and Why You Need To).” Workplace culture has become a significant part of a company’s identity. In addition to fostering happier employees, it helps build the company’s brand and personality. According to Florentine, a learning company culture focused on innovation can be leveraged into a competitive advantage, especially in the ever-changing technology landscape.
Defined by a PayScale research report as an organization that “intentionally collect[s] information, reflect[s] on that information, and share[s] the findings to improve performance,” a learning company culture is an ideology that is constantly evolving. As the enterprise market continues to see changes in consumer preferences, technology, resources, and revenue, a learning company culture plays an increasingly important role in propelling business forward.
While it’s easy to stay stuck in old habits and processes, a company that addresses necessary changes and adjusts accordingly will be the one to come out on top. Employees can stay sharp by enrolling in industry-related courses and certification programs or by attending educational events that will help them perform their jobs better. Knowledge-share between departments is also key, while brainstorming sessions are useful for swapping information or viewpoints to keep the juices flowing. Moreover, Florentine states that adding “soft skills” like communication, leadership, and negotiation tactics will positively impact ROI and retention.
With a learning company culture, everyone reaps the benefits. While employees can create stronger resumes by honing their skills, the company will inevitably become stronger due to increased productivity and intelligence. Best of all, the limit to the learning is endless—there is always more to know!
How has your organization fostered a learning company culture for its employees?
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