Information giant Thomson Reuters plans to roll out anew knowledge-sharing tool among its global workforce following the success of a pilot project.
The ‘Learning Exchange’ tool uses functionality similar to that of video–sharing website and digital music store iTunes.
It allows employees to post technical solutions, sales and marketing tips and project development ideas straight to the e-learning platform. Certain staff will be provided with webcams and microphones to enable fast and effective sharing of content, which can be uploaded to the site.
Users can then rate the various media – including videos, audio clips, PowerPoint presentations and templates –and even ‘follow‘ particular individuals in the organisations, much like micro-blogging service Twitter.
Andy MacGovern, head of global learning technologies at Thomson Reuters, said initial feedback from staff had been so positive that he expected the pilot project to be fully rolled out across the 50,000-strong company ahead of schedule.
“The key is that staff can get quick access to content coming directly from experts without reinterpretation by the learning and development department. This is essential for efficient knowledge retention in the 21st century,” he told Personnel Today.
MacGovern refused to say how much the project was costing, but insisted a large percentage of the workforce would benefit and be able to access one or more categories within the Learning Exchange.
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Meanwhile, reports last week suggested that staff and management at Thomson Reuters were heading for a showdown in a row over pay and working hours.
