Affordances and constraints on informal learning in the workplace

The workplace is increasingly recognised as a legitimate environment for learning new skills and knowledge that enables workers to participate more effectively in ever-changing work environments. Within the workplace there is the potential for continuous learning to occur not only through formal learning initiatives that are associated with training, but also through informal learning opportunities that are embedded within everyday work activities. This paper reports the findings of an empirical study that examined workers’ personal experiences of informal learning, and how, when successful, these contributed to better participation in their regular workplace activities.