Creating a workplace where knowledge flows freely is essential for any team, but in accounting, where details matter and experience counts, it’s especially crucial. In a traditional office, this kind of learning happens naturally—team members share insights, problem-solving tricks, and tips through casual interactions. But in hybrid or remote settings, that “osmosis” effect can easily get lost, leaving teams feeling siloed.
So, how do you build a culture of learning by osmosis when in-person interactions are limited? With the right strategies, you can ensure knowledge-sharing thrives, even from afar.
Why Learning by Osmosis Matters (Especially in Accounting)
Accountants work in a fast-paced environment, and efficiency is key. Teams hold a wealth of collective knowledge, from specialized skills and technical know-how to industry insights and compliance rules. This knowledge often goes unspoken but makes all the difference in delivering quality results. The more connected your workspace, the better you can tap into that expertise—empowering your team to learn, grow, and deliver.
In a remote setting, however, accountants miss out on the casual, organic conversations that help them absorb knowledge without even realizing it. When you’re in a physical office, a simple overheard conversation can teach you something new, or a quick “can I pick your brain?” leads to insights you wouldn’t find in a training manual.
Strategies to Build Osmosis Learning in Remote and Hybrid Teams
So how do you replicate that casual knowledge-sharing when you’re not in the same room? Here are some strategies to build a strong culture of learning by osmosis in your remote accounting team.
1. Create a Shared Knowledge Hub
In the absence of in-person exchanges, a centralized, well-organized digital knowledge hub becomes your team’s go-to resource. Platforms like SuiteFiles can help by providing a unified space for document sharing, notes, and FAQs. Encourage team members to upload useful files, document common practices, and share insights or lessons learned from recent projects.
A knowledge hub isn’t just for long-form documentation. Include space for FAQs, best practices, and “pro tips” that newer team members can refer to. Over time, this hub will become a living library of the team’s collective expertise, accessible anytime, anywhere.
2. Set Up “Virtual Proximity” with Regular Check-ins
While formal meetings are essential, they don’t always capture the informal knowledge sharing that happens in the office. To replicate this, set up regular, casual check-ins—virtual coffee breaks, open office hours, or even “ask me anything” sessions with senior team members.
Encourage junior team members to bring questions to these sessions, and allow space for sharing recent client wins, challenges, or even helpful tips discovered on the job. These casual touchpoints mimic the quick chats and spontaneous learning moments that would naturally occur in an office setting.
3. Implement Mentorship and Buddy Systems
A formal mentorship program or buddy system ensures that newer team members have a go-to resource for questions, advice, and feedback. Pairing up less experienced accountants with seasoned pros not only gives new hires a personal guide but also encourages experienced team members to share valuable knowledge in a structured way.
This approach encourages learning by osmosis in a remote setting, where new team members gain insights naturally through exposure to their mentor’s work style, knowledge, and approach to problem-solving.
4. Encourage Documenting Processes and Decisions
When teams work remotely, much of their decision-making and problem-solving happens in private chats or meetings. Encourage team members to document key decisions and processes in your shared workspace so others can learn from them.
For example, after completing a project or solving a tricky problem, team members can take a few minutes to jot down what they did, why they did it, and any challenges they encountered. SuiteFiles makes this easy, allowing teams to capture and share these learnings within the same platform they’re already using, making this information accessible to everyone.
5. Utilize Asynchronous Video and Screen Recording Tools
Sometimes, the best way to teach is to show. Use screen recording tools to create quick videos of common tasks, complex processes, or project overviews. These recordings act as a virtual shadowing experience, allowing team members to see exactly how tasks are done, even if they’re halfway around the world.
Asynchronous video is especially helpful for new hires who can replay them as needed to fully absorb the information. Adding these recordings to your knowledge hub builds a rich resource library that’s perfect for on-demand learning.
6. Host Monthly “Learning Rounds”
Make learning a team event by setting up monthly “learning rounds.” Each month, different team members can share something they’ve learned, a challenge they’ve overcome, or a useful tool they’ve discovered. Think of it as a cross between show-and-tell and a mini training session, with everyone benefiting from shared insights.
Learning rounds don’t need to be formal—encourage a relaxed, conversational atmosphere. The goal is to foster an environment where knowledge-sharing is organic and everyone feels comfortable participating.
The Role of a Connected Workspace in Fostering Knowledge Sharing
A well-organized digital workspace is the foundation of effective remote learning by osmosis. When your workspace is streamlined and connected, it encourages organic knowledge-sharing and makes it easy for your team to access the collective insights of the group.
SuiteFiles can be a game-changer for remote accounting teams, providing a centralized, user-friendly platform for all your team’s documents, processes, and notes. With a connected workspace, your team can focus on what they do best—working with clients, solving problems, and learning from each other—without getting bogged down by fragmented systems or lost information.
Ready to Build a Stronger, More Connected Team?
Building a culture of learning by osmosis is essential for remote and hybrid accounting teams. When you invest in the right strategies and tools, knowledge-sharing becomes natural—even from miles apart. SuiteFiles helps bridge that gap, creating a unified workspace where your team can thrive, collaborate, and grow together.
Want to bring your team’s knowledge together in one place? Book a demo with SuiteFiles today to see how we can help your team learn and grow in a more connected workspace.
