I went to Learning Technologies looking for tools SMEs could actually use, and came away with a more useful question. Do small businesses need more learning tech, or do they need clearer structure, better curation and practical support that fits the way they really work?

Most SME training gets completed but not used. These five simple tactics help you connect learning to real work, so it actually sticks and makes a difference day-to-day.

Learning is declining. Not because people don’t want to learn, but because it’s become something we try to fit in around everything else.

As work becomes more complex and collaborative, that gap is starting to show.

This Learning at Work Week, we’re taking a different approach, focusing on small, practical changes that make work feel easier.

Before we log off for Christmas and New Year, we wanted to pause, properly pause. The inbox is quieter, the to-do list has finally stopped growing, and the learning platforms are (mostly) behaving themselves. So, in the spirit of the season, here’s a slightly tongue-in-cheek Learning & Development take on ’Twas the Night Before Christmas …

Learning in small businesses doesn’t always show up as courses or workshops. More often, it’s the small, everyday skills that quietly build capability over time.

Asking for help isn’t cheating, but many of us still behave as if it is. In SMEs, that mindset can quietly limit learning, confidence, and performance.

Learning at Work Week 2025 is a chance to make everyday learning more visible, shared, and intentional. Here are simple, practical ideas SMEs can use to build knowledge together without adding pressure.

E-learning isn’t just for large organisations. For small teams, it can be one of the most effective ways to save time, improve consistency, and support performance without adding complexity.

Slack isn’t just for messages and updates. For SMEs, it can be a simple, cost-effective way to share learning, build skills, and create a culture of continuous improvement.