Workplace culture is an intangible concept that can be influenced by a myriad of internal and external factors. One of the most significant factors impacting the development of an organization’s culture is how well it responds to and adapts to change. Many organizations share common business challenges. To overcome these challenges, each business must look to its unique collection of assets. The most valuable asset a business has lies in the collective knowledge of its workforce. Business leaders can deploy knowledge management strategies in order to establish an informed, inquisitive workplace culture.

The advent of knowledge management

Although the concept of knowledge management (KM) has been around since the early to mid-1990s, it has grown in popularity through the prevalence of modern digital solutions. Business leaders use technology to augment their KM strategies. These strategies are geared towards business objectives including:

• Achieving greater employee performance
• Gaining a competitive advantage
• Engaging in innovation programs
• Deploying continuous improvement strategies

Above all, KM enables organizational learning. This is especially valuable to business leaders looking to create an “idea culture.” However, learning cultures don’t develop overnight. They require a long term commitment as well as an eye on the future. Let’s take a closer look at some ways organizations can create a learning culture within their organizations.

Centralize communications

One of the best ways to disseminate knowledge is to centralize the mode of delivery. Internal communication tools and strategies have become increasingly more commonplace in recent years. Inc. named company communication “2018’s Tech Sector to Watch.” According to experts consulted by the magazine, a convergence between different phenomena is changing the way businesses share information. The convenience, mobility, and speed by which employees access information have subsequently influenced their expectations about communication in the workplace.

Currently, many organizations suffer from misalignment due to different departments creating knowledge silos. When information becomes isolated from the larger employee population, productivity goes down. How can businesses expect teams to perform when they don’t have access to basic information that will enable them to do their jobs more effectively? Additionally, a lack of clarity surrounding organizational objectives can lead to a lack of trust among employees. Centralizing communications is one of the best ways to make the best use of organizational knowledge, a core principle in KM strategy. To do this, consider leveraging internal communications tools or establishing a company-wide intranet for sharing information across department lines.

Prioritize employee experience

The experience an employee has within an organization plays a large role in how workplace culture evolves. Moreover, how well an organization molds its culture to prioritize learning and knowledge sharing has a direct link to its ability to engage employees through periods of change. Given the way technology is changing modes of interaction, many businesses turn to digital HR tools to help them facilitate the employee experience. Tools like these offer collaborative, contextual learning platforms where employees can discover and follow top contributors in their organization. This socially-driven learning structure fosters knowledge sharing and helps employees build their reputation and share their own expertise.

To take it one step further, companies can then certify their employees in various aspects of KM. Whether an employee becomes a certified knowledge manager, specialist, or practitioner, they’re developing practical leadership skills that will enable them to succeed.

Workplace culture is a delicate concept that requires constant care and investment in order to thrive. Business leaders looking to innovate and stay ahead of the competition have a vested interest in developing learning cultures. An optimized communication and employee experience strategy leverage emerging technology to create better KM processes.