Effective learning and development is essential to any organisation's growth and success, and staying up-to-date with best practices is a key priority. Recently, PLUS UTS hosted a webinar featuring a panel of experts who shared their insights and experiences with implementing effective learning and development strategies. The panelists discussed various case studies and success stories, showcasing the impact of innovative approaches to learning and development in different organisations. Here, we will explore some of the key takeaways from the webinar and highlight the best practice case studies discussed.

1. Hackathons

Hackathons are a celebration of innovation and design thinking, which can bring together people from different parts of a business to achieve something unique. Companies like Google and Microsoft encourage cross-collaboration by giving employees time to work on their own projects and come together in groups.

2. Microcredentials

When Telstra needed to upskill some people quickly, they partnered with universities to build out microcredential programs. This helped them develop specific skills in their workforce and provided a faster alternative to traditional training programs.

3. Skills-powered organisations

These organisations use talent marketplaces and workforce intelligence tools to set skills strategies, which can then be accessed by employees from multiple sources. This helps to break down silos and allows employees to see their proficiency in different areas, which can lead to more targeted training.

4. Culture of learning

Microsoft's commitment to a culture of always-on learning is demonstrated by their recurring and predictable learning days, as well as the integration of learning into the plumbing of their business. They also celebrate learning-oriented stories and successes to encourage a culture of learning.

5. Learning leadership

If a company doesn't have an L&D culture, Senior leadership can support building one by taking deliberate actions to encourage learning and professional development. This can include setting aside time for learning, offering specific training programs or microcredentials, and celebrating learning-oriented successes.

Watch the full video here: