The current trend that about 80% of learning at work is informal is the same trend figure we had before online learning came onto the training and development scene. With more incredible amounts of investments in formal learning options than ever, people still naturally prefer self-directed, real time and peer learning.
This might not be a call more more formal learning investments. It's a call for tools like Slack that support how people naturally share learning at work. It's an ideal Open Space architecture that supports knowledge and talent sharing through rich and simple media. It leverages the power of collaboration networks that are infinitely more adaptable than hierarchical structures.
If organizations want to be helpful, they can initiate and support these tools. They can also help people, yes informally, learn meta-habits like how to form good learning questions and how to quickly find and use what's available.