Building a Business Case for eLearning: Quick Steps

We are all aware of all the benefits a training program brings to the table. Over the years, the need for training has been increasing and the modes of training have also been evolving. Unfortunately, many organizations still perceive training as expensive and it doesn’t receive its due importance. Organizations are expanding globally and the rapid expansion requires instantaneous training. However, owing to the global presence of organizations, it becomes extremely difficult to consistently train employees.

This is where eLearning works in favor of organizations and learners. When used at the right time, and to address the right performance problem, eLearning is capable of delivering great results. However, convincing the leadership of an organization of the need for eLearning is quite a challenge at times. Before taking the plunge, you need to justify the initial investment and ensure that learning is aligned with the business goals.

In this post, I will present a few quick steps to build a business case for eLearning. I will also highlight the need for eLearning and the benefits associated with using eLearning to train employees.

Why eLearning?

Whatever be your training need, eLearning can offer a solution – if not completely, at least partially. Instructor-led training is still the most effective method to train employees. However, it comes with a huge price tag, in terms of training costs, travel, accommodation expenditure, and time away from work.

So eLearning that incorporates the most effective elements of ILTs, is a step ahead. Despite being online, it can still add a touch of the human element, with various interactive features, while also providing the benefits of cost, increased reach and flexibility – thereby extending its scope of reaching out in a better fashion.

The other benefits of eLearning include:

• Can be accessed anytime, anywhere (24/7)
• Offers just-in-time training opportunities
• Considerably reduces time away from work
• Enables centralized knowledge management systems
• Enables easy delivery through LMSs

The Business Case for eLearning

1. Address the Business Perspective

In the current scenario, the biggest challenge most organizations face is employee turnover. To minimize employee turnover and increase job satisfaction and engagement among employees, there is a huge need for training that helps them do excellently at their jobs. And another drawback is that allocation of budget for training. Quite often, training programs are aligned with the needs and perspectives of learners and managers.

The major issue is that the millennial generation makes up for the majority part of the workforce and their learning needs are not the same as the previous generations. However, the business perspective should be considered as well. Any form of training should add value to the business.

2. Show How eLearning Helps

Once the need for training has been established from a business perspective, we can list how eLearning can offer a viable solution to these issues. Leveraging eLearning allows learners to be more interactive and participative, offering a better chance at knowledge retention. When training is offered through an online format, it reduces the cost of learning and increases its reach and retention.

The best part is that learning can be customized and tailored for employees of different departments, which in turn facilitates knowledge management. Whereas, classroom training does not offer that flexibility. When training and learning happen anytime, anywhere, learner retention and satisfaction rise.

3. Show them the ROI

The transition from ILT to eLearning offers a lot of benefits. Not just for learners, but for the organization as well. Although the ROI calculation is not so simple, there is no doubt that organizations save costs from shortened training time, reduced travel costs, and administrative fees.

4. Identify Tangible Benefits

Apart from the cost, effort, and time that is saved, eLearning also offers other benefits. It paves the way for newer business opportunities. For instance, when employees are actively engaged in their roles, they are more proactive and take the business forward. This, in turn, helps in achieving the company’s strategic goals of expansion.

Over the years, eLearning has evolved into a sophisticated form of training delivery. As it is quite quick in delivering content to learners, it is well preferred and more effective, compared to the traditional form of training. Apart from that, it is also high on cost and time-saving.

It is clear that eLearning offers various benefits to organizations that wish to switch to an efficient form of training, breaking free from the limitations of time and space. There is no doubting the fact that eLearning is here to stay, and as days go by, more and more organizations will make the switch. Have you switched to eLearning yet? Do share your thoughts.