What if learning at work didn’t always mean a formal course, an external trainer, or a mandatory training calendar? What if colleagues could share something they know, explore something they are passionate about, or teach their colleagues a skill they have picked up along the way?
That was the idea behind L&D Days, an initiative officially launched in September 2025 with a simple goal: to make learning a natural part of everyday work and encourage people to learn from one another.
The concept was intentionally lightweight. Sessions could cover virtually any topic, whether work-related or completely outside of work. The process was designed to be fast and accessible, with managers acting as enablers rather than gatekeepers. And, importantly, there was a clear reward for those who led a session: earn three days off.
One year in, the numbers show that the idea resonated
Since the initiative began, a lot has happened.
- 138 sessions have been delivered
- 118 hours and 40 minutes of learning time
- 55 minutes average session duration
But behind those numbers is something more meaningful: a growing culture of voluntary knowledge sharing, curiosity, and connection.
Learning from each other
One of the most interesting aspects of L&D Days is that learning doesn’t happen separately from everyday work. It happens within the organization and through the people who are already part of it. Across all departments, colleagues have stepped forward to share their knowledge and interests. This resulted in a learning experience with zero external training cost.
The initiative also created opportunities for colleagues from different locations to connect. While Cluj-Napoca became the primary engine for L&D Days, colleagues from Bucharest, Timișoara, and Iași also contributed to and participated in the learning experience.
This peer-driven approach makes learning feel less like something that is delivered and more like something that is created.
From AI and software releases to photography and cooking
The diversity of topics covered during L&D Days is one of the clearest reflections of the initiative’s philosophy. The sessions ranged from technical and professional topics to lifestyle, culture, and wellbeing.
Here are just a few of the sessions that inspired us along the way:
Software Release Strategies – a session about different release approaches, from high-risk “big-bang” launches to gradual and reversible rollouts that can make the difference between a stressful release and a more confident one.
The AI Tools Landscape Beyond ChatGPT – an exploration of the growing landscape of AI tools and the different ways they can support our work beyond the most familiar ChatGPT use cases.
Photography Basics – participants were introduced to the fundamentals of photography, covering camera settings, composition, lighting, and practical techniques for capturing better images.
Cooking 101 – a practical journey through the essentials of cooking, from choosing the right cookware and mastering basic techniques to preparing food and using herbs & seasonings.
Tips & Tricks in Public Speaking – focused on becoming a more confident and effective public speaker, with useful techniques for preparing and delivering presentations.
Beyond Skills: Why Character Strengths Matter at Work – a closer look at the positive character traits that consistently shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, and how they contribute to wellbeing, performance, and healthy relationships.
Aromatherapy for Busy People – an introduction to how aromas may influence alertness, mood, and perceived mental fatigue, and how they can be incorporated into everyday life.
Excuses Don’t Burn Calories – from calorie deficit and muscle gain to ways of avoiding glucose spikes, this session took a practical look at how food and fitness shape our bodies
Looking Back on Year One
After one year, L&D Days have created a solid foundation for something broader than a training program. The initiative demonstrates what can happen when learning is voluntary, easy to organize, supported by managers, and driven by employees themselves. Knowledge sharing becomes embedded in daily work instead of being detached from it, while the diversity of topics creates opportunities for people to connect beyond their usual teams and responsibilities.
Sometimes learning starts by giving people the time, freedom, and encouragement to teach each other something.
