Last week our head of HR, Belinda, spoke to members of our staff who are studying while working for May’s national ‘Learning at Work Week’. But learning at work is about far more than academic studies. Lisa and Andrew both have been part of our Assura Development Programme, which gives colleagues the chance to build new skills while working on brand new projects right across the business, including our ‘surgery of the future’ concept.
Here’s what they told us:
Lisa Grierson
“The benefit of learning while working is that we could apply the new skills we learnt straight away. We could seek direct feedback and input from our colleagues, and I was able to work with members of the company I wouldn’t normally work with. The insights I learnt about myself while completing the projects showed where there was greater room for improvement and allowed me to focus on them. I had a great sense of pride and satisfaction - I would do something like this again!”
What would you suggest to people wanting to carry out personal development schemes?
“They should absolutely go for it! I don’t think anyone should ever stop learning and self-developing. It’s easy to find excuses like ‘I’ve not got the time’, but don’t let that hold you back. The benefits far outweigh any short-term pain.”
Andrew Cooper
“It takes you away from your routine working day and encourages you to observe and develop skills that are essential but often overlooked. You improve self-awareness and discover and develop talents which you can apply throughout your career and personal life. Typically, that’s things like greater independence, the ability to organise, communicate and problem-solve and these newly acquired skills can then be applied directly in their working role.
It was a great opportunity to develop relationships across the business and a chance to share insight and experiences.”
What would you suggest to people wanting to carry out personal development schemes?
“Go for it! Giving colleagues a little time, to selfishly, focus on their personal development is a great way to empower teams, build on skills and develop resilience across a business. We’re fortunate to have a company that will invest in our people and those who have attended the programme have been energised to improve productivity across their teams. “
Would you do something like this again?
“Absolutely. The programme has highlighted the importance of personal development and I am always looking for new opportunities to develop these skills.”