The Power Of Learning From Others Remotely
The 70-20-10 model of Learning and Development (L&D) has been around for a long time, and it breaks down learning into three percentages: 70% of learning comes from hands-on experience, 20% from social interactions, and 10% from formal education. While remote work has made the 70% relatively easy, as we still work, the 20%, which is learning from others, seems to be quite tricky. This is because remote workers can't roam around in the office and start conversations or shadow their peers to find out more about projects and tasks.
You may think that learning from others isn't such a big deal, so it's worth sacrificing it. But let us explore why that is untrue. Social learning is one of the most effective ways to grow professionally because you're learning important things from real people and in real time, not just courses and textbooks. However, when working remotely, this aspect often fades. Without a physical presence, it's easy to feel isolated, disconnected, and left figuring things out alone. That's why learning from others remotely matters.
Plus, social learning boosts engagement, which can be difficult to maintain in a remote setting. People are more likely to be engaged when they feel supported and connected to their colleagues. What they learn from social interactions really sticks with them as they discuss and apply it. These online interactions can also beat the loneliness that comes with remote work. So, while all these are undoubtedly great perks, how can we continue to learn from others when we're all working remotely? Below, we'll explore all the ways your company can encourage social learning in remote settings and give you the gift of knowledge-sharing.
5 Ways To Practice Social Learning As A Remote Worker
1. Virtual Mentorship
Having a mentor can really make a difference in your career. Whether you're trying to level up your skills, overcome challenges, or simply be more confident in your role, a mentor's tips and guidance are invaluable. But in a remote setting, mentorship looks a little different. Without the in-person interactions, it may take more time to build a connection. To quicken the process, do regular check-ins on a biweekly or monthly basis. Next, try video calls. Seeing each other makes discussions more personal. Collaboration tools can also help you track progress and share resources easily. The most important thing you should do, though, is set clear learning goals. What do you want to achieve? Improving skills, mastering a new tool, or transitioning to a new role? Whatever your objectives, defining them keeps you more focused, making the mentorship program more effective.
2. Online Peer Learning
Just because you're working remotely doesn't mean you have to learn alone. Peer learning, which involves sharing knowledge and experiences with your colleagues, can be just as effective online as it is in person. In fact, in a remote setting, it also helps with isolation. So, what does it entail? Start by recognizing that everyone on your team has unique skills and ways of approaching problems. Peer-to-peer learning allows you to make use of that collective knowledge, gaining fresh perspectives and new ideas that you might not have considered otherwise. Plus, learning from a colleague is more approachable and relatable than a formal training session. To encourage this, try virtual coworking sessions where team members work "together" on Zoom. You can also schedule skill-sharing meetings where employees can teach each other something new. And don't forget about communication channels where people can ask quick questions and comment on things in real time.
3. Feedback Loops
Feedback is important in learning because it helps you stay on track, improve things, and, therefore, reach your goals faster. However, in a remote setting, giving and receiving feedback may require a different process. This is because, without in-person interactions, it's easy for messages to be misinterpreted or forgotten. One of the biggest challenges is not seeing the other person's body language or expression. So, to avoid misunderstandings in feedback loops online, use video. Another key tip is to make feedback specific and actionable. Instead of comments like, "You could improve your presentations," try, "Your slides were great, but maybe use less distracting colors." Finally, find the balance between written and verbal feedback. Quick, positive comments in a chat are great, but more detailed feedback should also be included for formal reasons. When done right, feedback doesn't just fix mistakes; it also helps your team grow, no matter where they are in the world.
4. Virtual Brainstorming Sessions
Brainstorming in a remote setting can feel a little awkward. Usually, during a brainstorming session in the office, you have a whiteboard, you keep notes, and exchange ideas in person. Thankfully, there are plenty of interactive tools out there to mimic that energy even from a distance. These virtual whiteboard platforms allow everyone to contribute in real time, whether it's just sharing ideas, sketching diagrams to explain their concept, or designing projects. They recreate the feeling of an in-person brainstorming experience with all its spontaneity but without everyone talking over each other. One of the best parts is that no idea gets lost. In traditional meetings, someone might forget to take notes or erase the board too soon. But with these tools, everything stays saved, so you can check them out again. Plus, there are features like sticky notes, voting tools, and maps that make it easy to organize your thoughts and discussions.
5. Online Learning Communities
Without in-person chats or casual discussions in the break room, it's easy to feel like you're learning and working all alone. That's where online learning communities come in to create a space where people can share knowledge, support each other, and grow together, no matter where they are. A strong learning community should make people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their opinions, and learning from one another. So, your company should choose a platform to create such a knowledge hub and encourage employee-led initiatives there. For example, you can create clubs and channels for different interests and skills, like a book club or a data analysis channel. You can also establish virtual coworking spaces within your platform and make casual video calls where you and your peers work together, which is ideal for a shared project or training session.
Conclusion
When learning from others as a remote worker, you don't have to overwhelm yourself with all these mentorship programs or feedback sessions. Start with something simple, like reaching out to a colleague whose work you admire and asking if they'd like to join a meeting with you to ask them some questions. The key is consistency. Set a goal to have a social learning moment every week where you gain insights and useful tips. Over time, these small acts will contribute to your overall growth and your relationship with your coworkers. So, don't hesitate to send a message to a more seasoned colleague and start learning from them.
