As businesses navigate the evolving work landscape, investing in lifelong learning and adaptability emerges as a strategic imperative. Palesa Moletsane, Organisational Development & Transformation manager at Life Healthcare, sheds light on the pivotal role leaders and managers play in fostering a culture of continuous learning within a company.
Leadership's crucial role
According to Palesa, leaders and line managers are instrumental in setting the right tone for support and promoting a culture of lifelong learning. ‘Intentional investment into learning and development practices and the commitment to support and provide latitude for employees to learn and grow is key,’ she emphasises. It's not just about having development opportunities available; it's about enabling employees to balance the time required for learning with their job responsibilities.
Insights from lifelong learning initiatives
Sharing insights from the implementation of lifelong learning initiatives, Palesa highlights the importance of change management. She says that understanding varying viewpoints from different business units and clearly defining the individual benefits (‘what's in it for me?’) are critical for successful implementation. Palesa emphasises that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate and customisation is key to meeting diverse needs.
Overcoming challenges
Acknowledging the busyness of businesses and employees, Palesa proposes early and proper planning. Creating a visible annual training calendar, coupled with a supporting learning catalogue, has proven effective in improving development uptake and garnering buy-in from business managers and employees.
Fostering active engagement
To ensure active engagement in ongoing learning opportunities, Palesa suggests creating an environment that publicly acknowledges employees on learning journeys. Celebrating learning milestones, achievements and establishing clear career paths to learning progressions contribute to a positive and motivating culture.
Critical skills for future-ready employees
Palesa identifies three crucial skills for future-ready employees: positive interpersonal and leadership skills, analytical skills, and accountability. Collaboration, thought leadership, analytical prowess and a sense of responsibility are deemed essential in a world where adaptability is key to staying competitive.
Strategies for a learning-centric culture
For companies who want to create a culture that values and encourages continuous learning at all levels of the organisation, Palesa recommends incorporating continuous learning into the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and investing strategically in learning and development.
Addressing resistance to change
Incorporating continuous learning into the company's EVP offerings can also help with addressing resistance to change. Palesa advises that by allowing employees to take control of their development in a conducive learning environment, businesses can demonstrate the benefits of embracing the learning journey, making it an integral part of their professional growth.
Ready to set up your employee wellness initiatives? Get in touch! Life Health Solutions is a leading expert in this field and is here to help you. Visit our website or email us at hello@lifehealthcare.co.za.
