Learning time
“Learning time is work time” – that is the opinion that prevails in most companies with regard to eLearning. Nevertheless, more and more employees also learn during their spare time (i.e. on their way to or from work, at home, etc.). The reason commonly given is lack of time for concentrated learning in the company.

Currently, there is a difference of opinions as to whether eLearning – and learning in general – should be shifted to the employees' free time or not. Although it is understandable, especially for employees of SMEs, to use unsalaried days for further education, it is very important for ensuring that work and learning proceed smoothly by clearly defining the times for learning and working.

Below are two exemplary models that are employed in SMEs:

• Model A: The employer allocates one or two hours a week which shall be used by employees for learning.
• Model B: The employer allocates one hour a week which shall be used by employees for learning; at the same time employees invest an hour of their free time for professional development via eLearning.
  

Moreover, time accounts should be considered.
In this case, employees can save up overtime for professional development.

Labour law experts recommend establishing extensive regulations as part of the agreement on working and learning time while carefully consulting with the employee council. The checklist “Elements of an internal agreement on work time and time allotted for learning“ contains key aspects that have to be looked at
(cf. Prescher 2003).