What Is Informal Learning?

Informal learning is unstructured, experience-driven knowledge acquisition that occurs naturally outside of formally designed training programs — encompassing learning through on-the-job experience, observation of colleagues, mentoring relationships, peer conversations, self-directed research via search engines and video platforms, professional community participation, conference attendance, and practical trial-and-error experimentation. According to the widely referenced 70-20-10 model of workplace learning, developed by researchers at the Center for Creative Leadership, approximately 70% of professional knowledge is acquired through experiential on-the-job learning, 20% through social interactions with peers and mentors, and only 10% through formal structured training programs. This distribution highlights both the importance of informal learning and the challenge it presents to L&D teams: because informal learning happens organically and is largely invisible to organizational tracking systems, it is difficult to measure, optimize, or ensure quality. However, organizations can intentionally support and amplify informal learning by providing accessible knowledge bases and wikis, community platforms where employees share expertise, formal mentoring and coaching programs, resource libraries with curated external content, and searchable repositories of organizational lessons learned. Modern LMS and LXP platforms like Arythmatic blur the line between formal and informal learning by incorporating community features, discussion forums, and resource sharing alongside structured course content.