There is much written that outlines how a strong, highly functioning organizational culture values learning and growth. 

Here, we will explore how the inverse is true as well. When organizations place a high value on growth and development and actively support it, it strengthens the organizational culture as well.

Developing a culture that supports learning is an investment, but it provides tremendous benefits for your organization. A learning culture allows you to capitalize on employees’ potential and grow your business.

Organizations have to decide that a dedication to ongoing learning and growth is a priority. From employee engagement to wellness, a learning culture is something every organization should strive to develop.

Strategic planning consultant Karmen Blackwood, of Business Vancouver, lists the advantages of a learning culture. There are many benefits to creating and maintaining a strong learning culture, including:

•Efficiency gains.

•Increased productivity.

•Increased profit.

•Decreased employee turnover as employee satisfaction levels rise and loyalty and commitment increase.

•Raising the bar by creating a continuous improvement mindset, shared ownership for projects, and shared accountability for results.

•Developing leaders at all levels, which helps with succession planning.

•Creating a culture of inquiry, adaptive capacity, and knowledge sharing, as opposed to knowledge hoarding.

•Enhanced ability for individuals and teams to embrace and adapt to change.

Blackwood’s research clearly points to how investing in learning and development supports a stronger culture. Here are a few of those key benefits explored more in-depth.

Culture of Growth

In a study by LinkedIn, 45% of respondents said they left their last job because there were no opportunities for advancement.

The ideal should be a safe atmosphere where employees feel free to have regular conversations with their leaders regarding their goals and overall career development. It is critical that leaders do their part to initiate these conversations and create a space where growth is part of the environment.

Learning and growing offers employees something to look forward to, to embrace a growth mindset and view learning as an ongoing journey, and to imagine what exciting prospects might be next.

Culture of Engagement

Business research firm Bersin & Associates shows that a high-impact learning culture can result in a 37% increase in employee productivity.

When employees are able to learn new skills and be challenged, it naturally increases their motivation and confidence, resulting in improved performance.

The exposure to learning opportunities fosters team members’ leadership aspirations as well. They are able to recognize the potential for growth and feel assured that the organization will provide them with the resources and support they need to move into a new role when the time comes. Allowing them to feel more satisfied overall.

Team members who are exposed to learning opportunities also appreciate the chance for self-improvement. Our top performers are curious and typically appreciate being intellectually challenged.

Culture of Recognition

Offering an opportunity for growth is recognition. In growing our team members, we are recognizing their strengths and aspirations. As our employees grow and learn, they are better positioned to contribute more fully, and leadership can feel even more confident in soliciting their input and feedback. When team members are asked for input, delegated new tasks or projects, and given stretch assignments, it allows them to feel valued by the organization and gain confidence as well.

It’s important to take every opportunity to provide positive, tailored feedback and acknowledge not just success but progress.

Culture of Collaboration

A robust learning strategy will include opportunities for collaboration. When team members engage in collaborative activities, they are also engaging in relationship building. These activities help strengthen relationships between a leader and their team members as well as relationships between peers and colleagues. Integrated relationship-building opportunities also provide ongoing occasions to get to know each other’s communication and processing styles and break down barriers.

Further benefits of providing opportunities for collaborative and social learning include knowledge-sharing and organic, informal learning.

Culture of Wellness

Progressive organizations understand that educational opportunities are a means of communicating best practices that support wellness at work. This can include helping leaders learn strategies for being more in tune with their team members’ well-being and directing them to the appropriate resources.

Cutting-edge companies are taking a more holistic view of wellness. They recognize that in addition to supporting wellness initiatives, exposure to learning resources and encouragement of growth supports overall workplace wellness.

There are many variables in the wider economic and competitive environment that organizations can’t control. However, companies that demonstrate the values of growth and continuous improvement show results that are well above average in aspects ranging from productivity to profitability. When adapted, these values positively permeate every aspect of an organization, especially its culture.