In today’s evolving work environment, being able to learn new skills, adapt to new technologies and grow professionally isn’t just something that gives you an edge over others, it’s essential. As we celebrate Lifelong Learning Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how organisations in our community can foster a culture where learning never stops.
From AI integration to shifting employee expectations, the workplace is transforming rapidly. According to Gallup’s 2025 Workplace Report, global employee engagement has dropped to 21%, with time constraints being the biggest barrier to learning. Yet, organisations that prioritise development see higher retention and productivity.
So, how can you embed continuous learning into your team’s DNA?
Make learning part of the everyday
Learning shouldn’t be confined to formal training sessions. Making a small change, such as introducing microlearning to your working week with short, focused bursts of knowledge, means that learning can be accessed by all, on demand.
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or internal knowledge hubs allow employees to learn at their own pace, without interrupting their workflow. You could even begin to share bite sized learnings in team chats or newsletters to spark both curiosity and conversation amongst your team.
Lead by example
Managers play a pivotal role in shaping learning culture. In fact, Gallup found that 70% of team engagement is driven by managers, and when leaders actively pursue their own development and share what they’re learning, it sets the tone for the whole team.
It could be as simple as sharing highlights from a conference or training day with the wider team in an email, or if you’re feeling bold, kicking off meetings with a “What I learned this week” moment.
Build time for learning
According to Forbes, 41% of employees say they simply don’t have time to learn, showing that time is the biggest barrier to upskilling, not motivation!
Organisations can help by carving out dedicated learning hours or integrating development into existing workflows. Consider “Learning Fridays” or monthly skill-building sessions that revolve around your team. One Friday you could be learning how to master Canva, the next could be running through a recent project or campaign.
Whatever it is, making sure you take the time to share and exchange knowledge will keep everyone involved, motivated and upskill your team at the same time.
Create learning-friendly spaces
Environment matters. Whether it’s a quiet corner for reading, a digital library or a regular lunchtime learning club, make it easy for your team and find spaces that invite people to engage.
At Wellington Place we have a long list of clubs, including Book Club and History Club, as well as a range of workshops and networking events to help inspire learning. So, make sure to pop along or drop us an email if you have an idea for a club you’d like to see!
Use Lifelong Learning Week as a launchpad
Lifelong Learning Week is a great opportunity to kickstart new initiatives. Host your first internal workshop or run a taster session which revolves around one of your skills, such as how to use an internal platform or how to best use AI to help with workload.
It fits perfectly with the 2025 theme, “Get Connected”, which encourages organisations to link people with learning experiences and to build collaborative cultures.
And finally, upskilling isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about moving forward together. By embedding learning in your culture, you empower your team to thrive, embrace new skills and shape the future of work. Let’s make learning a workplace habit, not just a one-week event!
