The learning workforce: experiences matter

Purpose Executives in all industries routinely tell their employees that they are the company’s most important assets. How that translates into day-to-day “asset” management culture varies by industry, country and company. The past few years have pushed questions about workforce management best practices to the top of the business agenda. This paper aims to explore those best practices. Design/methodology/approach The tools of educational psychology offer us a framework. Task experience enables a sense of competence that one can overcome challenges and solve problems. Social experience is built on a sense of belonging and feeling connected to a group that wants us to be successful. Fulfilment experience is about making learning meaningful. Findings Workforce education spanning the three dimensions of learning experience also bridges geographic chasms, avoids discrimination and inequality, enhances teamwork and fosters personal growth. As a result, productivity goes up, and the organization and its people become more resilient and adaptive to change. Originality/value Readers will find these tips helpful as they implement workforce learning initiatives in their organizations.