Highly Commended - Coursera Impact Award for Powering Internal Mobility
SSE’s Learning at Work Week encouraged self-led and lifelong learning through a programme of accessible events open to everyone.
To promote internal mobility and support colleagues’ development journeys, the week’s programme featured personal development planning, finance and strategy, dealing with imposter syndrome and inclusive recruitment. Over 30 live and facilitated sessions were on offer covering a range of topics including hybrid working, managing time, mental health and food, nudge theory and apprenticeships. Alternative learning opportunities, including challenges and videos, were also promoted. All activities were available through a special Learning at Work Week page on Sharepoint.
All of the week’s content was designed to be inclusive by considering different learning types and the neurodiversity range of colleagues in the business. The team kept this in mind when working with internal and external hosts of the sessions to maximise the learning experience for all participants. All the sessions were recorded and made available after the week along with the resources.
The week was promoted using a four-week communication plan that covered different stages in the lead up to the week. It included teaser content, a count-down to the week, and the sharing of the timetable of activities on ‘My Learning’ and how to access the activities. Information was shared through internal groups and Yammer, the ‘everyone’ newsletters, and the SSE app which is accessible by all colleagues on their smartphones and devices. People across SSE sponsored the week and encouraged colleagues to take part by telling their own learning stories and demonstrating the value of lifelong learning. Learning at Work Week banners and imagery were placed across SSE’s platforms, on email signatures and at the end of slide decks to remind people the week was approaching and drive interest.
The registrations for the week were used in regular communications to create a buzz and to spotlight sessions to drive further recruitment. Colleagues were offered a wide range of topics, some of which were new. As a result, over 1,300 colleagues attended the sessions, making is the most successful Learning at Work Week ever for SSE.
The data gathered has given SSE real insight into what their people need and want. By creating a well-constructed plan, the team were able to minimise clashes on the timetable, meaning employees were more able to attend sessions of interest. Everything was hosted on digital platforms allowing colleagues to join from their commute and remote locales such as islands or remote depots. The team worked hard to make sure everyone could connect with camera and audio, and encouraged and provided a space for networking, discussions and problem-solving with others.
The support and attendance of senior people during the week helped to promote the importance of learning and demonstrate that it is taken seriously at SSE. The week has enabled people to meet others in the business for the first time, increasing exposure to colleagues and helped them build their networks. In addition, colleagues are able to apply some tangible learning practices, which will have a positive impact on both productivity and mood.