Structural Scaffolds, Cultural Catalysts: Organizational Support for Informal GenAI Learning at Work

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) creates a workplace learning challenge that cannot be addressed through tool access or formal training alone. This study examines how organizations can support informal learning for GenAI use. Drawing on informal workplace learning theory, we conducted a sequential mixed-method study: a systematic literature review identified support approaches for informal workplace learning, expert interviews contextualized and consolidated them for GenAI use, and an employee survey evaluated 20 approaches in terms of perceived learning support. The findings show that support approaches differ not only in overall evaluations but also in their learning-support profiles. Socio-cultural approaches, especially collective reflection, interpersonal exchange, learning-oriented culture, and supervisor encouragement, were perceived as most supportive. Structural, governance-related, and technical approaches created important enabling conditions but were less directly associated with learning support. The study contributes an empirically evaluated catalogue and profile-based typology of organizational support approaches for designing learning-conducive GenAI workplace conditions.