Benefits of Job-Embedded Learning

The transfer of knowledge to or from people is instrumental in enhancing the overall performance of an organization.  Organizations can benefit from enhanced employee performance by realizing increased productivity and profitability.

One way that valuable knowledge in the workplace is acquired is through the informal learning experiences of the everyday work life of employees.  This type of learning is referred to as being embedded and can be obtained or learned through self-directed experiences or passed down from our colleagues. Because learning occurs while on the job, integrating the new knowledge becomes second nature.  Furthermore, job-embedded learning maximizes time because learning occurs while on-the-job.  Finally, job-embedded learning is beneficial because it promotes immediate application of what is learned and costs less, in most cases, than conducting formal training.

By Shirley J. Caruso, M.A., Human Resource Development