“How do employees learn at work ? Understanding informal learning from others in different workplaces”

Keywords: employees, informal learning, innovation

Organisations can only stay ahead if they make a direct link between innovation and the acquisition of knowledge and skills by the employees responsible for creating innovation. This study found that informal learning plays a crucial role. The impact of informal learning – or proactively requesting feedback, information and help from supervisors and colleagues – is three times greater than formal learning interventions in terms of innovative work behaviour and employability. Informal learning takes place every day among colleagues in various work-related networks. The challenge for human resource development managers is to create a rich breeding ground for informal learning without formalising it too much.