Creating a Habit of Continuous Learning & Development

In today’s dynamic workplace, balancing corporate workloads with professional development can be challenging. Yet, continuous learning is crucial to staying competent, adaptable, and successful, especially in an ever-evolving industry like insurance.

The need to acquire new skills and knowledge is ever-present; the World Economic Forum, for instance, projects that more than half of all workers will need reskilling within the next three years.

As technology—like automation and AI—redefines workplace roles, skills such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and management abilities are becoming increasingly valuable. Likewise, emerging industry challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and the effects of climate change, demand that professionals stay informed and responsive.

Ultimately, investing in learning and development is an investment in yourself. Unlike roles, deadlines, or company policies, knowledge and skills gained stay with you, propelling your potential and enabling you to adapt in an ever-shifting landscape. As Benjamin Franklin said, “For the best return on your money, pour your purse into your head.”

How to Make Learning and Development a Habit

Finding time to meaningfully engage with learning amid the working day isn’t easy, but there are effective strategies for building a sustainable habit. Here are a few steps to encourage ongoing professional growth:

1. Define Clear Goals and Aspirations

Start by identifying specific outcomes you’d like to achieve through your learning. Are you interested in developing soft skills, leveraging AI, understanding cyber risks, or staying current with industry regulations? Defining these goals not only builds motivation but makes it easier to select relevant resources, like e-learning courses or seminars, that align with your ambitions.

2. Set Realistic Goals and Time Commitments

It is a regulatory requirement for those in the insurance sector to complete a minimum of 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually (35 hours if certified by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)). While meeting this requirement may seem straightforward, it’s helpful to create a regular learning habit, such as dedicating 30 minutes each week. This commitment can help to make learning feel manageable and less daunting to fit in amongst other tasks. Engaging in learning for 30 minutes per working week, for instance, adds up to roughly 23 hours over the course of the year!

Consider setting goals that tie into your broader learning objectives. If you aim to deepen your knowledge of AI, enrol in relevant courses or webinars. Tracking your progress in line with your goals will help maintain motivation and reinforce the benefits of each session.

3. Make Learning a Collaborative Effort

Building a learning community with colleagues or industry peers can enhance your experience by providing opportunities for discussion, feedback, and critical thinking. Group learning activities, like attending seminars and webinars, can feel more communal and allow you to ask questions, share insights and increase engagement. Additionally, senior managers can foster a culture of learning by setting an example, actively participating in CPD, and holding employees accountable for fulfilling their CPD requirements and personal goals, whilst ensuring they have the time and space during work to invest in their development.

4. Leverage Technology for Flexible Learning

Technology makes learning accessible anytime, anywhere. E-learning platforms like the Development Zone offer interactive and engaging courses that can fit into even the busiest schedules, and the bitesize courses are designed to be highly accessible, digestible, and easy to fit into a busy working day. Podcasts, audiobooks, and webinars also enable learn on the go, whether commuting or jogging. Productivity apps can further support learning by helping you schedule and track your development progress.

 Building a habit of learning is more than checking boxes; it’s about actively investing in skills and knowledge that will not only meet today’s demands, but also prepare you for future challenges and opportunities in the workplace and wider industry. With a clear plan, realistic goals, a supportive community, and the right tools, learning and development can become a rewarding and integral part of your professional life.