We wrap up social learning examples you can take away to try in your own learning management system.

Learning isn’t something that happens in a classroom or during a formal training session anymore.

We learn through the books we read, the people we speak to, the things we engage with on our phones.

One such type of learning, social learning, aka the process of learning through interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences with colleagues, has become a key driver of employee development.

In fact, studies show that 70% of learning in the workplace happens via workplace experience.

This shift towards more collaborative and dynamic learning methods has made it essential for organisations to embrace social learning strategies.

So, keep reading to learn:

• What social learning is
• Why social learning examples are key in the workplace
• Why L&D professionals should incorporate social learning examples into their learning platform
• Plus, key social learning examples you can test out

Let’s get started.

What is social learning?

Social learning is all about picking up knowledge and skills by observing, interacting with, and learning from others.

Rather than just reading a manual or sitting through a lecture, it happens naturally through conversations, collaboration, and shared experiences.

In the workplace, this could mean shadowing a colleague, joining discussions in an LMS, or simply picking up best practices from team meetings.

It’s a powerful way to learn because it feels natural, builds connections, and helps information stick better.

Related: Social learning: definition and benefits

Why is social learning important in the workplace?

Social learning is key in the workplace because it makes learning feel natural and engaging.

Instead of just sitting through training sessions, employees pick up skills by interacting with colleagues, sharing experiences, and collaborating.

This hands-on approach helps information stick and makes learning more enjoyable.

It also creates a culture of continuous growth, where people feel encouraged to ask questions, share knowledge, and work together.

This not only boosts teamwork but also sparks innovation and problem-solving.

It’s also flexible. It can happen through quick chats, mentorship, or even within an LMS, making it easy to fit into any work environment.

Why do L&D professionals need to use social learning?

L&D professionals should embrace social learning because it makes training more engaging, practical, and effective.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

But people learn best through interaction, observation, and real-world application, something traditional training methods often lack.

By incorporating social learning, L&D can create a more dynamic, collaborative learning experience that helps employees retain and apply information in their roles.

Social learning also encourages a culture of continuous development.

When employees share knowledge, mentor each other, and collaborate on problem-solving, learning becomes an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.

That can help strengthen skills and also foster teamwork, innovation, and a sense of community within the organisation.

Key examples of social learning

When it comes to implementing social learning, you can be left thinking “where do I begin?”

But that doesn’t need to be the case.

If you’re using the right tools, namely, the right learning management system, you can access a lot of social learning options directly in platform.

Let’s look at some key social learning examples:

On-the-job training

On-the-job training is where employees pick up skills by watching, and imitating, their coworkers.

Instead of just reading a manual or watching a presentation, they get hands-on experience while picking up tips, tricks, and best practices from those who’ve been there before.

It’s a natural way to build confidence, reinforce learning in real time, and make sure skills actually stick.

Plus, it encourages teamwork and knowledge-sharing, making the whole workplace stronger and more connected.

Coaching and mentoring

Coaching and mentoring are fantastic examples of social learning because they create a personalised, hands-on way to develop skills and grow professionally.

Related: 6 coaching models you need to know

Instead of learning in isolation, employees get real-time feedback, guidance, and support from someone with experience.

Whether it’s a formal mentoring program or just casual coaching from a colleague, this kind of learning helps build confidence, encourages knowledge-sharing, and strengthens workplace relationships.

Plus, it’s a two-way street! Mentors and coaches often learn just as much from the experience as those they’re guiding.

Lunch and learn

Lunch and Learn sessions are a great example of social learning because they bring people together in a relaxed setting to share knowledge and ideas.

Instead of formal training, employees get to learn from colleagues or guest speakers over lunch, making it a casual and engaging experience.

It’s a great way to spark discussions, encourage cross-team collaboration, and introduce new skills without taking too much time out of the workday.

Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of learning something new while enjoying a meal?

Discussion forums

Discussion boards and forums in an LMS are a great example of social learning because they create a space for employees to ask questions, share insights, and learn from each other.

Instead of passively going through training, learners can engage in conversations, exchange real-world experiences, and deepen their understanding of a topic.

It’s a great way to keep learning interactive, encourage collaboration across teams, and build a sense of community (even in remote or hybrid workplaces).

Plus, the knowledge shared stays accessible, so employees can revisit discussions whenever they need a refresher.

💡 Pro Tip

Our LMS uses Totara which includes engagement features like discussion boards and forums. Allow your employees to start conversations about their learning, where their learning lives.

Gamified learning and competition

Gamification and leaderboards in an LMS make learning fun, engaging, and competitive in the best way.

Related: The importance of competition in learning

By adding points and rankings, employees are motivated to complete training, improve their skills, and even challenge their colleagues.

It turns learning into an interactive experience rather than just another task on the to-do list.

Related: What is gamified learning?

Plus, a little friendly competition can boost engagement, encourage continuous development, and create a culture where employees are excited to learn and grow.

Badges and certificates

Badges and certificates in an LMS are a great way to make learning more rewarding and motivating.

They give employees a sense of achievement and recognition for their efforts, turning training into something to strive for rather than just a requirement.

Sharing badges or certificates with colleagues can also encourage friendly competition and inspire others to upskill.

Plus, they serve as a lasting record of progress, helping employees track their development and feel proud of their learning journey.

💡 Pro Tip

BuildEmpire’s gamification feature comes as standard in our LMS, meaning you can access points, badges, leaderboards and more as part of your platform.

Learn more about gamification with BuildEmpire

Feedback and performance reviews

Feedback and performance reviews are a key part of social learning because they help employees grow through real-time insights and guidance.

Instead of just completing training and moving on, learners get constructive input from managers, peers, or mentors, making learning more personalised and effective.

Honest feedback helps employees see where they’re excelling and where they can improve, turning every project or task into a learning opportunity.

Plus, when feedback is part of the learning process, it creates a culture of continuous growth and development.

User-generated content

User-generated content, like playlists in an LMS, is a fantastic example of social learning because it lets employees take an active role in their learning journey.

By curating their own playlists or sharing resources, employees not only personalise their own learning but also help colleagues discover new content and learning paths.

It fosters a sense of community, where everyone can contribute and learn from each other’s experiences and knowledge.

Plus, it keeps learning fresh and relevant, as employees can share up-to-date resources or tips they’ve found helpful.

Machine learning recommendations

Machine learning recommendations for new training are a great way to personalise and enhance social learning in an LMS.

By analysing users’ learning habits and preferences, the system suggests relevant courses or resources that they might not have discovered on their own.

This makes the learning experience feel tailored and dynamic, ensuring employees stay engaged and continue developing skills that are useful to their role.

Plus, as employees interact with the recommendations, it creates a more connected learning environment, where everyone’s progress helps improve the system for others.

Adding social learning examples to your LMS

We’ve shared some ways you can add social learning examples to your LMS, but execution might be a little trickier.

This is where having the right learning partner is so useful.

A good LMS partner can help you explore and implement new learning features, like gamification, discussion forums, or user-generated content, tailored to your company culture.

With the right tools and flexibility, you can create an engaging, interactive learning experience that fosters collaboration and continuous development.

A supportive partner ensures your LMS evolves with your needs, making it easier to experiment with new approaches, gather feedback, and fine-tune the system to deliver effective, social learning that resonates with your employees.

Looking to migrate your LMS?

Well, BuildEmpire might be the right choice for you. Check out our platform and its key features to see if we could be a good fit.