#53 Create education tune-ups by watching demo podcasts or videos. Or, do a quick group project to learn technology or techniques together.

It seems like every few months, one of our software products is being updated, or a popular new technique is discovered that is important for productivity. Fortunately, there are a ton of resources online that can be utilized, from Adobe to various podcasts. To get everyone up to speed, have your employees watch important presentations individually or as a group. Additionally, if you make time for them to learn during work hours, it shows your seriousness for continued education. However, if it’s a struggle time-wise during business hours, you can set up a company sponsored early morning breakfast and ask your staff to come in an hour early once or twice a month to brush up. You can make it mandatory, too.

During a project a designer may learn a Photoshop shortcut, Illustrator style, or new technique. Have them teach others in the company so they aren’t the only ones that can do it, but more importantly, to further everyone’s education. This would also be a great lunch and learn (see #52).

How do you encourage continuing education or staying on top of technology?