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The importance of informal learning at work: On-the-job learning is more important for workers’ human capital development than formal training

Author

Listed:
  • Andries De Grip

    (Maastricht University, the Netherlands, and IZA, Germany)

Abstract
Although early human capital theory recognized the relevance of workers’ experience, its focus was on education and formal training. More recent studies show that much of the performance of newly hired workers is driven by learning by doing or learning from peers or supervisors in the workplace. Descriptive data show that workers learn a lot from the various tasks they perform on the job. Informal learning at work seems to be relevant for all age groups, although it is more meaningful for younger workers’ performance. Informal learning is far more important for workers’ human capital development than formal training courses. Younger workers in the Netherlands spend a larger share of work time in informal learning

Suggested Citation

  • Andries De Grip, 2024. "The importance of informal learning at work: On-the-job learning is more important for workers’ human capital development than formal training," IZA World of Labor, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), pages 1622-1622, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izawol:journl:2024:n:162v2
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. De Grip, Andries & Sauermann, Jan & Sieben, Inge, 2016. "The role of peers in estimating tenure-performance profiles: Evidence from personnel data," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 126(PA), pages 39-54.
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    5. Jim Allen & Andries de Grip, 2012. "Does skill obsolescence increase the risk of employment loss?," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(25), pages 3237-3245, September.
    6. Inge Sieben & Andries De Grip & Jessica Longen & Ole Sørensen, 2009. "Technology, Selection, and Training in Call Centers," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 62(4), pages 553-572, July.
    7. Ferreira, Maria & de Grip, Andries & van der Velden, Rolf, 2018. "Does informal learning at work differ between temporary and permanent workers? Evidence from 20 OECD countries," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 18-40.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    informal learning; human capital; learning by doing; knowledge spillovers; high performance workplace;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M53 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Training
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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