Routine-Generating and Regenerative Workplace Learning

Abstract

The research discussed in this article focuses on workplace learning in industrial manufacturing work. Everyday work episodes contributing to workplace learning are investigated in four companies operating in the Finnish and Swedish package-supplier sectors. The research adopts a qualitative, interpretive approach. Interviews with employees and managers along with workplace observations were used to gather data on work and learning. The findings indicate that workplace learning may have two purposes: routine-generating learning that contributes to the basic job mastery, and regenerative learning that promotes employees’ ongoing competence and generates new work methods. Routine-generating learning occurs when an employee joins an organization and is planned, supported, and assessed in the companies. However, the lack of job rotation delimits further routine-generating learning. Regenerative learning takes place at the individual level but is not adequately supported at the collective level. The paper advances practical ideas on how to promote these two instances of workplace learning in industrial work.