{"id":2649,"date":"2025-08-19T08:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T08:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/?p=2649"},"modified":"2025-08-12T08:56:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T08:56:12","slug":"sharing-frontline-knowledge-a-strategic-priority-for-industrial-and-retail-organisations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/sharing-frontline-knowledge-a-strategic-priority-for-industrial-and-retail-organisations\/","title":{"rendered":"Sharing frontline knowledge: a strategic priority for industrial and retail organisations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00a0\u00bb1&Prime; _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4&Prime; _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Informal job knowledge is a strategic asset your business must value to stay competitive. Built through hands-on experience, these skills and practices are essential to sustaining operations, particularly in industrial and retail sectors. Central to this process lies knowledge transfer, a critical factor in <\/span><b>sustaining organisational performance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article takes a closer look at the importance of transferring informal skills in the industrial and retail sectors. Explore the key factors that underpin effective knowledge and expertise management.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbUnderstanding knowledge transfer and its strategic importance\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh2&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a BVA survey conducted by Salesforce, 54% of employees believe their company does not pay enough attention to knowledge transfer. This highlights the need to<\/span><b> foster a genuine culture of knowledge sharing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbWhy is informal knowledge a critical asset?\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the skills validated through training or certification, much of the knowledge in the workplace is built on the ground, through real-world experience. Observation, peer-to-peer exchange, repeated actions \u2014 these informal learning processes lie at the heart of operational agility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often tacit, this knowledge enables adaptation, innovation, and transmission. Valuing it means recognising a key intangible asset that drives collective performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managers can tap into this reservoir of knowledge and skills to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Solve ad hoc issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the production line<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adapt practices to on-the-ground realities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve the organisation\u2019s overall performance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why they represent a valuable intangible asset for your organisation.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbThe risks associated with losing on-the-ground knowledge\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Industrial environments are characterised by strict regulations, complex processes, and a wide range of equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The industrial sector is also facing an <\/span><b>ageing workforce<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The number of experts retiring continues to grow, as confirmed by a study from DREETS Bourgogne-Franche-Comt\u00e9 \u2014 301,000 specialists are affected each year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without a tailored knowledge management strategy, this wave of departures leads to the loss of valuable expertise \u2014 often resulting in a noticeable decline in your organisation\u2019s productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The loss of on-the-ground knowledge also hinders the quality and speed of <\/span><b>onboarding new recruits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your talent will struggle to absorb the knowledge essential to their role, which directly affects the effectiveness of your ongoing training efforts.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=\u00a0\u00bb#F79699&Prime; divider_weight=\u00a0\u00bb3px\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbKey levers for strengthening knowledge transfer in the industrial and retail sectors\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh2&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effective skills transfer is essential to capitalising on informal knowledge. You can implement knowledge-sharing systems such as user guides and a robust skills tracking tool.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbMethods for identifying and capturing informal knowledge\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step towards sustainable knowledge transfer is to identify and <\/span><b>centralise key tasks and operational processes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In today\u2019s industrial landscape, effective knowledge transfer increasingly relies on digital tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engage your most experienced employees to document best practices and convert tacit knowledge into a collective asset \u2014 structured, shared, and accessible to all.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbDigital tools that support knowledge transfer and sharing\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By using software that centralises and digitises the supervision of technical learning, knowledge transfer becomes smoother and more controlled. HR, training, and management teams can then adapt skills transfer in line with regulatory, technological, or organisational changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The software\u2019s modules support the integration of new talent while showcasing the expertise of the <\/span><b>most experienced employees.<\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbEngage employees and recognise their expertise\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transferring knowledge also means recognising and <\/span><b>valuing your employees\u2019 expertise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Without this recognition, you may encounter resistance \u2014 particularly from senior staff who risk feeling that their added value is being diminished.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To prevent this, involve them fully in the knowledge transfer process. Show them they remain essential to the company\u2019s momentum. Mentoring, in particular, is a high-impact approach \u2014 it strengthens their skills while reinforcing the value of their role and experience. You should also consider <\/span><b>establishing a recognition system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that highlights employees most actively engaged in sharing their knowledge. This fosters commitment and helps build a sustainable culture of knowledge transfer.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=\u00a0\u00bb#F79699&Prime; divider_weight=\u00a0\u00bb3px\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbTurning knowledge transfer into a lasting competitive advantage\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh2&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An organisation that prioritises skills development creates the ideal conditions for knowledge sharing, expertise building, and continuous improvement. Make knowledge transfer a central pillar of your company culture.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbEmbedding knowledge transfer into your HR and organisational strategy\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To embed knowledge transfer into your HR strategy, you need to implement a structured process. Define <\/span><b>clear steps<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and assign responsibilities at various levels of the organisation. Integrate this model into your existing procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recommend that you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roll out a network of experienced mentors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Train managers in key principles that support smooth knowledge and skills transfer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish a culture of feedback and knowledge-sharing to encourage your teams to reflect on and learn from their actions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of these initiatives are supported by <\/span><b>Klara\u2019s interactive system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbKnowledge transfer: training and supporting the next generation\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Edgar Dale and his Learning Pyramid, people retain information far more effectively through active experience. Knowledge transfer therefore relies on <\/span><b>practical, hands-on situations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly in high-demand sectors where compliance and precision are critical.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Train and support your new recruits through action-based simulations and immersion in real-world operations relevant to your working environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Adapt to each learner\u2019s learning style<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and individual needs. A skills framework is a valuable tool to help achieve this more effectively.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbMeasuring the impact of knowledge capitalisation on performance\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3&Prime; hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.4&Prime; _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime; global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbet_body_layout\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0&Prime;]<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to implement evaluation systems (KPIs, surveys, etc.) to ensure the long-term success of your knowledge transfer process. The goal? To measure the effectiveness of the approach and <\/span><b>make adjustments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on employee feedback.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leverage data visualisation to track the impact of mentoring, training, and learning initiatives.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Informal job knowledge is a strategic asset your business must value to stay competitive. Built through hands-on experience, these skills and practices are essential to sustaining operations, particularly in industrial and retail sectors. Central to this process lies knowledge transfer, a critical factor in sustaining organisational performance. This article takes a closer look at the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2419,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[36],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2649"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2649"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2649\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2655,"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2649\/revisions\/2655"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.klarahr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}