By Joseph Atkinson
Fostering collaboration is vital in the workplace. But let’s face it, asking employees to learn through solitary LMS modules can feel as flat as a pancake. What if, instead, we replaced the dry, individual learning tasks with vibrant, collaborative experiences? Not only will the learning stick, but the workplace culture gets a jolt of teamwork and camaraderie too. In fact, these collaborative methods are the learning, with no extra training time required, just better outcomes.
1. Build Team Norms Together—Forget the Top-Down Approach
When starting a new project or introducing a system, rather than burdening employees with a list of rules, why not let them create their own? Imagine this: instead of a boring email from management on the "dos and don’ts," the team sits together and co-constructs norms.
Here’s how it could work: break out a simple three-column chart that asks, “What do effective teams look like, sound like, and feel like?” Each person adds their insights, and suddenly, you’ve got a set of behavioural standards everyone agrees on.
This isn’t just a time-saving shortcut. It's a swap. Replace the formal list with a real, hands-on collaboration session. Everyone gets a say, and people are far more likely to stick to these norms because they had a hand in crafting them. The whole team now has shared ownership of what it means to work well together, and you’ve laid the groundwork for future projects to be smoother. Plus, no one misses those awkward "compliance emails" anyway.
2. Swap Training Manuals for “Escape Room” Challenges
Forget about training manuals and click-through eLearning modules. Imagine rolling out a new project management tool in a way that feels more like an adventure than a lecture. Why explain features when you can turn the whole thing into an “escape room” challenge?
The team has a set time to complete a project using the new tool. Each person gets a slice—one dives into the task-tracking features, another explores time management, and someone else unlocks reporting. They need each other to succeed, piecing together their knowledge in a race to finish the task.
Suddenly, learning how to use the tool isn’t a chore. It's a team challenge that builds problem-solving skills and fosters collaboration, without any additional training time. They’re learning by doing and bonding as a team. The best part? No one’s snoozing through another LMS tutorial.
3. Ditch the Overwhelm—Go Jigsaw with Knowledge Sharing
Now, we’ve all seen it. Employees’ eyes glaze over when hit with every single feature of new software at once. Instead of flooding their brains, try this: slice the training content into bite-sized pieces and assign each group a different part to master. This isn’t piling on more work; it’s an alternative method that breaks things down and makes learning feel doable.
For example, one group could handle user interface navigation, another data management, and a third the system’s integrations. After they’ve become experts, reshuffle the groups so each team has one expert from every area. Now, instead of passively receiving information, they’re actively teaching each other. It’s collaborative, it’s cross-functional, and no one feels buried under a mountain of content.
You’ve replaced the LMS slog with group ownership of knowledge, creating a stronger and more confident team.
4. Collaborate Over Industry News
Instead of throwing another case study or white paper at your team to read in isolation, why not flip the approach? Bring in current industry news or a relevant case study and use it to spark a conversation. This isn't an extra task. It’s a swap for that solo reading time.
For example, in finance, you might pull up the latest regulations and ask, “What does this mean for us?” Or if you're in tech, maybe it's a breakthrough in AI that has everyone buzzing. Let the team dissect the impact together. In these discussions, employees bring their unique perspectives, debate the implications, and collaborate to figure out the next steps.
This way, instead of people digesting information alone, they’re building a shared understanding and learning how to work together on complex, real-world issues. It’s a double benefit: immediate relevance to their work and practice in collaboration.
5. Make Digital Tools the Playground, Not Just the Platform
Digital collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Trello aren’t just for scheduling meetings. They can be the learning environment. Instead of relying on static content in an LMS, why not use these tools as the core of your training?
Picture this: a brainstorming session on a shared digital whiteboard where employees contribute ideas in real-time. The introverts? They don’t get left out because everyone contributes equally online, even if they’re not the loudest in the room. A remote team spread across time zones? They’re connected through shared project boards and instant feedback.
By integrating these tools into the learning process itself, you’re fostering the habit of working together from anywhere. This is not adding another task to their plate; it’s replacing the old learning with something more interactive, flexible, and engaging.
Collaborative Learning—The Better, Not Harder, Way
Collaboration isn't a “nice to have” add-on. It’s the swap you make when you want more effective learning and a stronger team. Instead of slogging through individual learning paths, employees can dive into collaborative experiences that build not just knowledge, but camaraderie. You’re not asking them to put in more time. You’re simply giving them a better way to spend it.
Co-create norms instead of memorising rules. Replace tedious manuals with team challenges. Use the jigsaw method for digesting complex topics. Spark discussions around current events instead of solo reading. And make digital collaboration tools the place where learning happens, not just where meetings are planned.
The beauty of this approach? Everyone wins. Your employees walk away with deeper learning, stronger connections, and a more dynamic way of working together. And let's be honest, it's a lot more fun than the usual routine.
About the Author: Joseph Atkinson
Joseph Atkinson is an experienced Learning Experience Designer, with over 7 years developing and implementing learning strategies. His focus is on creating innovative, practical learning solutions that effectively impact business outcomes. Connect on LinkedIn.
