Using Social Learning In The Workplace For Just-In-Time Learning Support
One of the most common misconceptions about social learning is that it’s informal and discussion-driven. That merely talking to a co-worker constitutes as social learning. However, this approach is much more versatile and complex. Albert Bandura suggested that humans learn by observing then modeling behaviors. We pay attention, retain the information, then reproduce the actions or responses, with motivation underlying the entire cycle. It also involves coding, reinforcement, and organization, among other mental processes. Despite the fact that all these steps and internal factors are at play, you can incorporate social learning in the workplace for JIT support.
1. Launch Social Media Groups For Peer-Based Support
Social media isn’t the only tool at your disposal, but it is one of the most effective in terms of JIT support. Launch a closed group for peer-based feedback and knowledge exchange. Employee training participants should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions without fear, or reprisals. They can hop onto the social media platform whenever they encounter an obstacle or simply want to benefit from co-worker expertise. Pin some guidelines to the top so that everyone knows how to interact and avoid conflicts.
2. Create A Peer Coaching Program
Peer coaching is a perfect example of social learning for just-in-time learning support. You don’t necessarily have to designate set pairs or groups either. For example, employees can use live chat or forums to reach out to more experienced co-workers. If there’s a more involved gap or goal to address, they can also make it official and schedule follow-up sessions, but during that moment of need, a simple tip or bit of guidance might do the trick. Ask for peer coaching volunteers who possess unique strengths or skills. Then figure out the best social learning approach. Should they host a live Q&A? Or launch a closed social media group to impart their wisdom? Maybe to develop resources for the JIT library?
3. Invite Top Performers To Produce Demo Videos
A major component of social learning in the workplace is visual examples. Encourage your top performers to produce video demos to show their peers how it’s done. Employee training participants can observe favorable behaviors and memorize every step, then apply it on the job. These demos should be bite-size to earn their place in your JIT support library. The beautiful thing about employee-generated content is that employee training participants can follow up. They’re able to contact the creator for clarification or to simply get pointers. For instance, the top sales employee, who produced the POS demo, fields questions via live chat. If you’re worried about redundant topics, ask everyone to submit their ideas to the admin beforehand. That way, you don’t end up with 10 different demos for the same task.
4. Host Team Brainstorming Sessions
Sometimes the best way to solve a problem or bridge a gap is to talk it over to commiserate and collaborate with co-workers to identify areas for improvement and get a new POV. Create an online forum or group that’s intended for brainstorming sessions. Employees can post their questions or dilemmas and get feedback from the team. You can even schedule a live session where everyone gathers online to address a widespread issue. For example, many of your employees struggle with a new policy or task. The brainstorming round table gives them the opportunity to voice their concerns and clear up the confusion. They benefit from each other’s insider knowledge and diverse backgrounds.
5. Encourage Personal Anecdote Swaps
This social learning in the workplace activity is a bit outside the box. It’s also one of the most entertaining and real world-centered just-in-time learning support tools you can employ. Invite employees to share personal anecdotes about past challenges, difficult customers, or inspirational moments they’ve experienced in the workplace. For example, how they managed to overcome their fear of public speaking at a seminar, or how they built up their communication and interpersonal skills to improve customer service scores. Upload these anecdotes to the JIT library, in a section of their own, so that employee training participants can benefit from one another’s experiences. They learn from co-workers’ mistakes and gain motivation from their successes. Above all else, it’s a great way to show them how favorable behaviors and hard work pays off, as well as explore the positive and negative consequences of their actions without any real-world risk.
6. Host Impromptu Live Events And Record Them
Host live events that are quick and convenient. They should focus on pertinent topics or challenges that hinder workplace performance, as well as tips and visual demos to help them resolve the problem right away. Record the event and add it to your just-in-time learning support library so that everyone benefits. Not just those who were fortunate enough to be online at the moment. Better still, encourage team leaders to hop on to the platform and host an event to curb unfavorable behaviors or habits. For example, they notice that most of their team members violate the dress code. Or they don’t understand the new customer service policy. The live event breaks bad habits immediately and gets employees on the right track.
Use these tips to incorporate social learning in the workplace and retain your top talent. As well as transform them into peer coaches who spread knowledge and motivate co-workers. As you can see, social learning is a viable JIT training tool because it balances impromptu interactions with a structured curriculum. Thus, it always aligns with personal preferences and allows employees to address areas for improvement discreetly.
Wondering what social learning is and how you can implement it in the workplace to motivate employees, facilitate knowledge sharing and talent development? Download our eBook Social Learning In The Workplace: How To Cultivate A Collaborative Online Training Culture and get to expose all the common myths around social learning!
