What are the benefits of self-directed learning in the workplace?

What is self-directed learning?

Imagine having the freedom to drive your own learning journey, just like navigating your favourite streaming service.

Self-directed learning is a self-guided approach which puts the learner at the forefront of their educational journey. This allows them to take ownership of their learning process and set their unique goals and achievements. In a workplace setting while the responsibility is shifted to the learner, the organisation must also support them on their journey with suitable resources and a cultural shift.  

A recent report carried out by Capterra noted that every worker should “become a serial learner, where self-motivation, resilience and persistence, similar characteristics of a serial entrepreneur, will help you advance in your career".

Self-directed learning promotes:

• elevated performance
• enhanced engagement and staff retention
• continuous learning

Self directed learning can take on a variety of formats to suit all types of eLearning preferences and requirements, for example:

• audiobooks
• live virtual classrooms
• eBooks
• online courses
• webinars

The theory of self directed learning 

Now we have explained what self-directed learning is, we are going to touch upon the theory behind it. While it can be a complex topic, there are certain aspects of the theory that will help to contextualise the type of learning and aid organisations in how to implement it.

Sometimes referred to as self-led learning or self-regulated learning, the approach is discussed within ‘Self-Directed Learning in the Workplace’ by Sunyoung Park.

In the article he states:

“Self-directed learning (SDL) has been an influential adult learning concept within the field of adult education for more than three decades. However, according to trends in self-learning and self-development, the workplace culture is becoming increasingly important in the success or failure of meeting learning objectives.”

The theory of self-directed learning can be traced back to the work of Malcolm Knowles, who formalised it in 1975 in his book, "The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species" Knowles' approach underscores the significance of self-directed learning, aligning with the first principle of andragogy:

"Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction."

In essence, this principle recognises that adults possess the capacity to identify their own learning needs.

Looking past traditional learning methods provides organisations with:

• a fresh perspective on learning in the workplace,
• an emphasis on individual autonomy and self-regulation
• a departure from out of date, one-size-fits-all approaches

It is the responsibility of Learning and Development departments to create a learning environment that not only acknowledges this capacity but also equips it.

What are the benefits of self-directed learning?

There are plenty of self-directed learning benefits both for the user and for the business. Let’s explore the self-directed learning benefits and how the approach can empower individuals and organisations alike.

Self-directed learning benefits for employees

Develop new skills and knowledge

When employees are given the option to learn what they want in a style that most suits them, they are more likely to expand their learning and explore topics that they may not have considered before. Whether it’s for a career goal or personal interests, they have the freedom to learn new skills.

The freedom to learn and develop

By learning anywhere at any time, employees have the freedom to learn when and how they want to. An online platform that is also available via mobile means that materials can be accessed on demand at a time that best suits the learner.

A blended learning experience

Not everybody absorbs information in the same way, so providing learners with different methods, they can find what they find the most effective. By offering a range of diverse learning materials, different learning styles and schedules can be accommodated.

Self-directed learning benefits for organisations

Staff retention

According to the 2023 Linkedin Learning report, three of the top five factors that drive people to pursue new jobs reflect their desire to stretch, grow, and develop new skills.

These factors are:

• Doing challenging and impactful work
• Opportunities for career growth within the company
• Opportunities to learn and develop new skills.

With the demand for targeted and tailored learning chosen by the learner, it’s no surprise that self-directed learning can play a key role in this.

Employee development

By embracing the self-led learning approach, organisations are likely to see their employees push themselves and strive to learn more, as well as share their newfound knowledge with colleagues. This kind of passion often leads to development and leaders to emerge within your teams.

Continuous learning culture

Cultivating a strong learning culture involves investing in the training and development of your employees. When you encourage and support self-directed learning, your workforce will be motivated to embrace different learning methods and push themselves to reach their full potential.  

What are the essential aspects of self-directed learning?

In order for self-directed learning to be truly embedded into the culture of an organisation, there are certain factors that come into play. These come from both the learner and the organisation.

Motivation to learn

Underpinning self-directed learning should be the employee’s willingness to learn new skills and knowledge. This motivation can stem from personal interests, career goals, or a desire to improve performance. Without their drive to seek out and actively participate in learning, the process will likely fail so understanding the employee’s specific needs will help them acquire new skills and knowledge.

Autonomy and responsibility

Handing the trust over to employees who have their own workload to manage alongside career development opportunities will require work from both sides. Employees must be allowed the freedom to choose what and how they learn but they must also take responsibility for their development.

A robust self-directed learning platform

In order to support employees with their self-directed learning journey, organisations must be able to provide enough breadth and depth of resources in order to facilitate this with ease. For example, the Access self directed learning platform powered by Bookboon, offers over 6,000 resources spanning a variety of topics, formats, and languages. This solution therefore caters to a wide range of both development goals and learning styles.

Formats include:

• audiobooks
• eBooks
• online courses and learning journeys
• live virtual classrooms

Unlocking the power of self-directed learning in the workplace

Including self-directed learning in your L&D strategy will help your employees take ownership of their learning endeavors and embrace learning new skills and knowledge. By adopting this approach and providing useful tools and resources, your organisation can reap the benefits of self-directed learning in the workplace.

This in turn will encourage a continuous learning culture, give your employees a blended learning experience and provide them with the opportunity to take responsibility for their learning.