Purpose: This study aims to analyze the "Journal of Workplace Learning" (JWL), focusing on articles between 1997 and 2020. Specifically, this study will examine articles in JWL, themes in JWL and the influence of JWL. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts bibliometric analysis methods, with indicators such as total articles, total citations, citation per article, "h"-index, Citescore, citation per year and considers different dimensions, including the leading articles, the most productive and influential authors, universities and countries, top keywords and keywords concurrence clusters and top journals, universities and countries that cite JWL. Findings: JWL is an international journal with growing influence over workplace learning research. JWL's leading articles focused on learning activities and learning environments, with single-authored and multi-authored articles evenly distributed. Dealtry and Billett are among the most productive and influential authors, and universities from Europe, Australia and North America dominate in JWL. Persistent topics and new topics that emerged in recent years in JWL are identified. JWL's influence is well-evidenced by citations from over six continents. Originality/value: This study represents the earliest attempt to study workplace learning using bibliometric analysis. It serves as a baseline for future bibliometric studies on workplace learning and guides authors in identifying research directions through the shift in keywords. It offers objective information about JWL, thus providing a reference for authors who are considering JWL as a potential publication outlet.