Today, you’re leading a team that’s working hard, but something feels off.
Productivity is stagnating, employees seem disengaged, and innovation is slowing. You know your team has potential, but how do you unlock it?
For many New Zealand business leaders and managers, this is a common challenge. The business landscape is evolving faster than ever, and companies that fail to keep up risk losing top talent and falling behind competitors.
For example, a survey conducted by Robert Half in November 2024 found 87% of Kiwi workers say learning and enhancing AI skills related to their role is necessary for future career success. But how will you set up your workforce to progress at the rate of technology? How will you as a business leader progress at the rate of technology?
It comes down to establishing and practising a culture of learning in the workplace.
Ronil Singh is a director at Robert Half New Zealand with close to two decades of experience in the staffing ang consulting industry. He believes cultivating a learning culture is no longer optional, but essential for organisational success.
“It fuels innovation by empowering employees to experiment and share knowledge, while also boosting engagement and retention as individuals see opportunities for growth. In my experience working for a company and advising others on how to build strong teams, businesses can create an environment where employees feel valued and invested in, leading to increased productivity and a stronger competitive edge.
“A learning culture transforms the workplace into a hub of growth, innovation, and shared achievement."
Creating a learning culture in the workplace isn’t just about offering training - it’s about future-proofing your business, keeping employees engaged, and building a team that thrives in a rapidly changing world.
But here’s the catch: many managers struggle to integrate learning without disrupting daily operations. How do you develop a culture of learning at work when your team is already stretched thin? How do you make training impactful without it feeling like another corporate checkbox?
Join us as we break down the real benefits of a learning culture, explore why it’s critical for business success, and offer practical, actionable tips to help you embed learning into your workplace - without overwhelming your team.
The benefits of a learning culture in the workplace
1. Increased employee engagement and retention
When employees feel they’re growing and developing, they’re more engaged in their work.
Learning opportunities signal that a company values its people, which leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover - a key concern for many New Zealand businesses facing skills shortages.
Offer clear career development paths and encourage employees to set learning goals aligned with their career aspirations.
“A concern for many professionals is feeling stagnant in their role, with no new opportunities to learn and grow. Providing a learning culture in the workplace not only gives staff the opportunity to explore new avenues of their job but also keeps them energised and refreshed in their role. It may also be the difference between someone leaving for another job. If professionals can see a path of growth at their current employer, they are less likely to jump ship,” says Ronil.
2. Future-proofing your workforce
With technological advancements and evolving market demands, businesses must ensure their teams remain competitive and adaptable.
A strong learning culture helps employees stay up to date with industry trends, making your business more resilient.
Implement microlearning - short, focused training sessions that employees can complete in 10-15 minutes - so they can upskill without disrupting their workflow.
Ronil says cultivating a culture of learning and proactively addressing skill gaps is key to building a resilient and future-ready workforce.
"For example, tech teams should think about prioritising AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, while finance professionals should focus on data analytics and risk management. Additionally, promoting agile methodologies and cross-functional collaboration further enhances adaptability and innovation, ensuring both departments remain competitive."
3. Boosted innovation and problem-solving
A company that encourages continuous learning fosters curiosity and creative thinking.
Employees who are constantly developing their skills are more likely to find innovative solutions to business challenges.
Host regular "learning huddles", where team members share key takeaways from books, courses, or industry events to spark new ideas.
Ronil reminds us how valuable problem-solving skills are.
“The soft skill of problem-solving can never be understated. We often throw the words of problem-solving and innovation around, but these skills are developed from the exposure of new ideas, technologies and ways of thinking. Giving your teams opportunities to get exposure to these things will enhance their probability of developing these skills and ultimately benefiting your business”
4. Stronger leadership and team performance
Managers who prioritise learning set an example for their teams.
When leadership embraces development, it creates a trickle-down effect that encourages employees to take ownership of their learning journey.
Provide leadership training for managers to help them coach and mentor their teams effectively.
“This is absolutely true,” says Ronil. “As a leader myself, I am always trying to set a good example of being open-minded and making time to better myself in my role. Whether it’s attending workshops, pushing myself out of my comfort zone or doing some self-learning, I do feel this sets a strong precedent that learning never stops and I think it encourages my team to do the same.”
5. Competitive advantage in the market
A workforce that continuously upskills is better equipped to meet customer needs, improve service quality, and adapt to market changes.
In a competitive business landscape like New Zealand’s, a commitment to learning can set your company apart.
“Something I always ask to my clients is ‘When a candidate asks me how your company is different to a competitor, what would you say?’ It seems like a simple question, and while comparison is not always the most affective benchmarking tool, it can unearth how much of a competitive advantage your business has, not only when it comes to the attraction and retention of skilled professionals, but also in the products and services your business offers,” says Ronil.
If you are wondering how to do this, partner with local training providers and industry experts to ensure employees gain relevant, high-quality knowledge.
Creating a learning culture in the workplace: where to start
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of learning culture, let’s explore how to build one in your organisation.
1. Lead by example
Senior leaders and managers must prioritise learning themselves. If employees see leadership investing in development, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Share your own learning experiences, attend training sessions, and encourage open discussions about professional growth.
2. Make learning accessible and flexible
Rigid, one-size-fits-all training programs don’t work. Employees need on-demand, bite-sized learning opportunities that fit into their busy schedules.
Use e-learning platforms, podcasts, and interactive workshops that employees can access anytime, anywhere.
3. Align learning with business goals
Training must be relevant to your company’s objectives and employees’ roles. Unfocused learning wastes time and resources.
Identify skill gaps in your team and tailor training programs to address specific business needs.
4. Recognise and reward learning
People are more likely to engage in learning when they see its value being acknowledged.
Create a recognition system - such as certificates, bonuses, or internal promotions - to celebrate learning milestones.
5. Foster a safe learning environment
Employees need to feel comfortable experimenting, making mistakes, and learning from them without fear of criticism.
Encourage a growth mindset where mistakes are seen as opportunities for improvement rather than failures.
The future of workplace learning in New Zealand
New Zealand businesses that prioritise a culture of learning at work will be better positioned for success in an ever-evolving business world.
Companies can create a workforce that is engaged, innovative, and prepared for the future through following the steps highlighted in this blog.
Start today - take small steps to integrate continuous learning into your workplace and watch your business thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of a learning culture?
The benefits of a learning culture include increased employee engagement and retention, future-proofing your workforce, boosted innovation and problem solving, stronger leadership and team performance and a competitive advantage in the market.
How can a culture of learning attract and retain talent?
A culture of learning attracts and retains top talent by demonstrating an investment in employee growth and development. It signals that the company values continuous improvement, offers opportunities for skill enhancement, and fosters an environment where individuals can reach their full potential.
How do you create a culture of learning in New Zealand?
Lead by example, making learning flexible and accessible, align learning with business goals, recognise and reward learning and foster a safe learning environment.
