This week, two important themes come together: Learning at Work Week and Mental Health Awareness Week. At first glance, they might seem like separate concepts, but they are actually closely connected. Learning doesn’t just help us to develop new skills; it can also be a powerful tool for supporting our mental wellbeing.
Learning isn’t just about career progression or upskilling. It has a real impact on our mental health in many ways:
- Boosting confidence: Picking up a new skill or understanding something tricky feels amazing! It’s like a confidence boost in your pocket.
- Connecting with others: Whether it’s learning alongside colleagues, joining a group session, or even an online course, learning can be a sociable experience. It brings people together and helps to combat loneliness.
- Reducing stress: Learning something creative or calming is a great way to take your mind off worries. It’s like a mini break for your brain!
- Keeping your mind active: Continuous learning keeps your brain engaged, which is great for long-term mental wellbeing.
Creating a culture of continuous learning can be a powerful way to support mental wellbeing at work. When people are encouraged to explore new skills, follow their interests, and connect with others, it builds a sense of community and personal growth.
But it’s not just about offering training courses. It’s about creating an environment where curiosity is welcomed, mistakes are seen as part of the journey, and everyone feels safe to ask questions and share ideas. Whether it’s providing access to new learning materials, allowing time for skill development, or celebrating those who share their knowledge, every small step adds to a culture of growth.
When people feel empowered to learn, they don’t just grow professionally; they also experience a sense of belonging and value within their team. This sense of purpose and connection can be a strong foundation for positive mental health at work. At Learning Nexus, we’ve seen first-hand how learning supports mental health – a couple of the team have shared their experiences:
Louisa: “I like to learn new things such as coding, crochet, macrame, or research new projects if I’m feeling a bit stuck. Getting new knowledge is like recharging your batteries for a bit.”
Steph: “For me, it’s more about learning creative stuff. When I have time to learn new creative skills, it’s very therapeutic for me!”
These aren’t just stories, they’re proof that learning can be a source of joy, calm, and connection.
Continuous learning doesn’t just enhance skills, it builds resilience. When we challenge ourselves to learn something new, we practice adapting to change and overcoming challenges, which are key elements of resilience.
- Make learning easy and accessible: Provide a range of learning options, from quick tips and videos to full courses. Not everyone learns the same way, so variety is key.
- Lead by example: If leaders show that they’re open to learning, whether it’s exploring a new tool, attending a workshop, or sharing a great book, it sets the tone for everyone else.
- Celebrate curiosity: Recognise and reward those who take the initiative to learn something new, whether it’s a new skill or a simple tip they’ve shared with the team.
- Encourage peer-to-peer learning: Sometimes the best teachers are your colleagues. Create opportunities for team members to share their knowledge, whether it’s through lunchtime learning sessions, show-and-tells, or a quick tip-sharing channel.
- Make it safe to try (and fail): Learning isn’t always about getting it right the first time. Encourage a mindset where mistakes are seen as part of the learning journey. This builds confidence and keeps people engaged.
Why not use Learning at Work Week to prioritise your mental health too?
Here are a few ideas:
- Try a new skill or topic that interests you, whether for work or personal growth.
- Connect with a colleague and share one thing you’ve learned that’s helped your wellbeing.
- Take a few minutes for mindful learning by exploring something calming or creative.
Learning and mental health go hand in hand. So, let’s stay connected, keep learning, and look after ourselves and each other.