Microlearning has been a growing trend in learning and development in recent years and for a number of reasons it continues to grow in popularity as an effective way to keep employees engaged with training.
This is particularly relevant for UK Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who often have limited resources for employee training but also for learners who are trying to make the time for training and development.
Let’s look at some of the key benefits of this type of learning…
- Its cost-effective
Securing budget for learning and development can be a real challenge for HR leaders at the best of times but microlearning can be a cost-effective way for organisations to deliver training and invest in their people, even with limited resources. It can also help get buy-in from key stakeholders by demonstrating the tangible benefits and skills gained using intelligent and measurable reporting tools.
Also, instead of investing in expensive classroom training or lengthy eLearning courses, learners can engage in short, focused modules that can be completed in less time while being affordable and impactful.
- Delivered in the flow of business
As well as being cost effective, microlearning can be a convenient and flexible way for SMEs to train their employees, particularly in the ever changing post-pandemic working environment. With the rise of remote and hybrid working, learning and development will never be the same again.
With microlearning and elearning more generally, modules can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, making it easier for employees to fit learning into their busy schedules. This eliminates the need for costly travel out of the office and also means that SMEs can provide training to their employees without disrupting their workflow or operations.
- Increased employee engagement
With so many distractions, it can be challenging to keep learners engaged in training whether that is in person, on a call or using eLearning and even harder when the content isn’t very interactive. This is particularly relevant for SMEs who may have a smaller workforce and where every employee’s input is essential to the success of the business.
By delivering learning on a little but often basis and implementing engaging media such as animations, quizzes or gamification, employees can stay engaged while they learn. Furthermore, by implementing reminders, challenges and a learning plan designed to get the best out of your learners, your people can be effectively motivated as part of the process.
- Improved retention and application of knowledge
With traditional learning, it is much more challenging to engage learners effectively for longer periods of time. Microlearning modules are designed to deliver information in small, manageable chunks. This makes it easier for employees to retain information and apply it to their work in the real world.
By breaking down complex topics into smaller pieces, employees can focus on one concept at a time, reducing cognitive overload. This approach has been shown to be effective in improving retention and recall of information, particularly for complex topics.
- Utilise the benefits of personalised learning
Microlearning allows for personalised learning experiences, where employees can choose the topics they want to learn and the order in which they want to learn them. This approach to learning is particularly effective for adult learners who prefer to have more control over their learning.
Personalised learning experiences also help to ensure that employees are only receiving the information that is relevant to them, leading to more efficient learning.
Final thoughts
Microlearning is a highly effective and flexible approach to learning and development that is well-suited to SMEs who want to invest in their people but have limited resources available.
It also has a range of other core benefits for organisations and learners alike such as increased employee engagement, flexibility, improved retention and application of knowledge as well as delivering learning materials which are most suited to the right people.
Invest in your people today and try out Sensei’s brand new microlearning platform for free.
