Beat the Clock: 5 Essential Strategies for Learning When Time is Tight

In today’s business environment, where the lifespan of professional skills is becoming increasingly shorter, continuous learning emerges as a cornerstone for career development. However, as I talk with NIGP Members, a common hurdle consistently surfaces -- finding time for learning amidst the day-to-day demands. So, how do we address this challenge without adding to an already overwhelming workload. The key is integrating learning effectively into our daily professional lives. 

Here are five strategies: 

1. Foster a Learning-Positive Culture 
   
   Cultivating a workplace culture that values and rewards learning is crucial. Employees often overlook training opportunities because they perceive them as detached from their immediate work responsibilities. To counter this, integrate learning into the regular workday. For example, encourage employees to discuss new learning points or ongoing challenges during team meetings. Managers play a pivotal role here; by prioritizing learning as much as daily tasks, they can model the importance of development. This approach not only aligns learning with work but also nurtures a culture of continual growth, enhancing overall workplace outcomes. 
    
2. Utilize Microlearning 
   
   Incorporating microlearning—educational activities designed to last less than an hour—into your schedule can make learning more feasible throughout a busy day. These bite-sized learning sessions are less daunting and can easily align with daily work breaks, making them an excellent tool for busy professionals. 
    
3. Schedule Learning Time 
   
   Committing specific times for learning in your calendar can significantly enhance your likelihood of following through. This method, which proved effective for me personally following a course on calendar management, ensures that learning becomes a non-negotiable part of your day. Encourage entire teams or departments to block out time for learning, thereby establishing a collective commitment to professional development. 
    
4. Link Learning to Career Advancement 
   
   Learning should be directly connected to career progression. Motivations for learning vary, but primary drivers include staying updated in one’s field, fulfilling personal career aspirations, or advancing within the organization. By aligning learning activities with these career goals, employees are more likely to find the time and motivation needed to engage with learning content actively. 
    
5. Minimize Interruptions 
   
   Daily disruptions, particularly those from emails not directly related to core job functions, can significantly impede productivity and learning. Streamlining communication and reducing unnecessary email interactions can free up valuable time, allowing employees to focus more on their core responsibilities and personal development. 

These strategies are not just about individual growth but fostering an environment where continuous learning is woven into the fabric of our daily work life. For public procurement professionals, adapting to rapid changes in the industry is essential, and making time for learning is critical to staying competitive and proficient. By implementing these practices, you can transform learning from a sidelined activity into a key component of your professional journey.  

If you would like to talk about career planning, or how NIGP can help you meet your development needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

Resources Used 

In this blog post, I utilized ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. The responses and ideas presented were created in collaboration with ChatGPT. 

1. Hilgers, Laura. "How to Help Employees Make Time for Learning at Work." February 27, 2023. 

2. Eggleston, Michelle. "Helping Employees Find Time for L&D." Training Industry, Inc. March/April 2018 

3. Andriotis, Nikos. "How To Get Your Employees To Make Time For Training." July 9, 2018. 

4. HSI. "How to Motivate Employees to Make Time for Training." 

5. Andriotis, Nikos. "How Fostering a Learning Culture Will Help Your Organization Grow." March 20, 2017. 

6. Bessalel, Sonya. "If You Want to Engage Employees with Learning, Tie It to Career Growth." LinkedIn, November 9, 2022. 

7. Bersin, Josh, and Marc Zao-Sanders. "Making Learning a Part of Everyday Work." Harvard Business Review, February 19, 2019.