This week marks Learning at Work Week 2026 with the theme “Many Ways to Learn”

It is a timely reminder that learning does not just happen in a classroom it happens everywhere.

Have you heard of the 70-20-10 model?

Mentor teaching employee - learning every day
  • 70% of your learning comes from day-to-day experiences,
  • 20% from relationships, collaboration and feedback
  • 10% from formal training and courses

So often we focus on that 10% whilst overlooking the powerful learning that happens in our everyday lives and interactions.

Are we Too Busy to Learn?

Learning starts with curiosity and the willingness to pause and reflect

Learning at work - too busy. Many hands working on tablets, paper, laptops, no time for learning

Many of us are too busy doing that we rarely make time to think about:

  • What we have learned
  • How we have grown
  • How our teams are developing

So, this is perhaps where opportunity is lost.

Learning is not a single event it is lifelong.  And in our ever-changing employment landscape there is never a more important time to invest in both your own development and that of your people, who are your greatest asset! 

Building a Learning Culture (Without a Big Budget)

MetroHR_Learning_at_work employee collaboration

Building this learning culture can happen without a big budget to spend, it starts simple and with intentional actions. 

Ask yourself:

  • How often do you have meaningful conversations with your team about their strengths and how to tap into them or refine them?
  • Are you creating opportunities for people to learn from one another?
  • Could you introduce knowledge sharing sessions or shadowing opportunities?
  • Are there ways your people could attend industry events or networking meetings or attend a pitch/tender meeting?
  • Are you allowing space/time for problem solving, innovation and thought leadership?

Learning is already happening – you just need to unlock it and encourage it!

As a leader and a manager, you can actively support your employees encouraging them to learn as they go!

Graphic of person climbing steps, held out by supportive manager Learning at work - continuous development

This encouragement will:

  • build confidence and the motivation of your team
  • enhance performance
  • attract great talent
  • Improve retention of staff and continue to ensure staff feel valued
  • Grow your own internal talent

Simply put, when employees feel valued and supported they give more.

Start Small, Think Big:

Sharing knowledge - employees listening to someone, looking engaged and happy

Creating a learning culture starts with small steps:

  • Encourage curiosity and questions
  • Make time weekly to reflect
  • Share knowledge and experiences
  • Lead by example

Leaders who learn…. inspire others to do the same.

And remember, what starts as part of the 10% can quickly become part of the 70%.

Your Call to Action:

We recognise that your employees remain your greatest asset and right now businesses are navigating the biggest changes in employment legislation in decades with the roll out of the Employments Rights Act 2025.  The key recurring theme from these changes is training for managers and managers fully understanding their roles and responsibilities in navigating the legislation and supporting their reports.  We can help with that.

Metro_HR Proactive HR Charlotte

To support you, Metro HR will be offering a management development programme designed to:

  • Help you understand these changes and ensure managers within your organisation can navigate and apply the changes in practice
  • Help you meet your legal obligations
  • Equip you to get the best from your employees
  • Support you in building a strong learning culture

To help turn that dial beyond 10% we encourage peer group learning to create peer support, and a programme of coaching and mentoring post training to bring live examples to life and for managers to problem solve and test their learning and understanding in a safe and supported space.

If you would like to register your interest in this programme we would love to hear from you.  You can register your interest today by emailing hello@metrohr.co.uk

If you are interested in working with us and would like to find out more, you can book one of our free consultation meetings.

Book your FREE 30-minute consultation here

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