Is Microlearning the Future of Workplace Training?

In case you haven’t heard, the corporate training world is buzzing about the newest approach to upskilling employees at the workplace – microlearning. This unique andragogical method follows the lifestyle of Millennials and Gen Z, who go to work with their electronic gadgets, phones, laptops, and tablets, and are accustomed to using them to complete their everyday tasks.

Due to the immense competition and fast-paced environment at work, the modern workforce either lacks the time or interest in taking long, tedious instructor-led classroom training sessions with superfluous material, large documents, and packed PowerPoint presentations.

They would rather want to be able to learn independently at a slow, comprehensible pace. This is exactly what microlearning is designed to offer. Let’s dive deeper into this innovative form of learning and learn why it is the future of workplace training.

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a versatile learning method that may be used in a variety of ways to improve individual and organizational performance. It breaks down information into small, bite-sized chunks, with each module concentrating on a specific learning objective. Each learning unit can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.

Microlearning is a relatively new, holistic approach to skills-based learning and workplace training. It involves short-term strategies to upskill employees and offers bite-sized modules in short bursts to improve comprehension, knowledge retention, and learner engagement.

This innovative learning strategy became popular after taking the education world by storm and later making headway with the corporate sector. Like classroom learners’ experiences, employees, managers, and executives constantly juggle heavy workloads and packed schedules. Microlearning offers flexibility and personalization that fosters a more focused and enjoyable learning experience.

From short videos that combine visual and auditory stimuli to tests, quizzes, immersive learning games, and simulations, microlearning offers a host of game-changing features designed to optimize corporate learning outcomes.

The Glue – Instructional Design Strategies!

7 Reasons Why Microlearning is The Future of Corporate Training

Now that you have a better handle on what microlearning entails, here are 8 reasons describing why it’s the future of workplace training:

1. Microlearning is More Efficient

Microlearning modules are specifically designed for targeted audiences and cover only essential information within a highly saturated time frame. It removes all extraneous details from an eLearning course no matter how interesting they may be to learners. It includes only what is useful to the learner.

This is done to maximize long-term knowledge retention in fast-paced work environments where employees don’t have the time to go through extensive content or attend long sessions to learn new skills. Microlearning offers learning on the go as it allows access to crucial information whenever it’s required, whether it’s related to workplace policies, services, products, or compliance.

2. Microlearning is More Cost-Effective

Due to their virtual nature, microlearning courses are relatively more cost-effective compared to other conventional learning and eLearning methods. They eliminate the need to hire an instructor, buy training equipment and stationery, or spend thousands of dollars on logistics and accommodation.

Moreover, typical eLearning courses are longer and much more detailed, and therefore they have a steeper learning curve. Since time is money in the corporate world, microlearning modules can be completed with speed and it makes for a more cost-effective and efficient learning strategy.

3. Microlearning Courses Are Easier and Faster to Develop and Deliver

Even if you hire a reputable eLearning solutions provider, eLearning content creation typically takes weeks or even months. Although microlearning course development requires authoring tools and video building software, the time needed to create a course is significantly less due to its modular structure.

You can speed up the process of imparting your training content and create multiple short courses to be shared at regular intervals instead of putting your learners through the traditional, long, complex semi-annual or annual training courses.

4. Microlearning Supports Just-In-Time (JIT) Learning

Just-in-time learning is pretty much self-explanatory. It’s learning that happens when it is most needed. In other words, it gives employees access to information that they need, paying particular attention to when and how they need it.

This flexible training delivery model is gaining popularity among both learners and trainers as bite-sized modules can be accessed from any device and from any location easily. It’s like carrying an instruction manual with you always to help you better accomplish your work-related tasks.

Popular microlearning assets that can be used for just in time learning include interactive PDFs and infographics, flipbooks, and even whiteboard animation.

Considering the time restrictions and short attention spans in the modern learning landscape, this training strategy has been lauded for its flexible approach to workplace training as well as its ability to enable anytime, anywhere, self-paced learning.

5. Microlearning is Mobile-Friendly

As the world moves rapidly towards digitalization, the need for mobile compatible training courses is becoming a vital aspect of modern workspaces. Even before the emergence of remote work, smartphones and gadgets were becoming increasingly important for workplace activities.

Making sure that corporate training is mobile-friendly, L&D teams have transformed the digital learning and development landscape almost beyond recognition. Now, employees have immediate access to training content no matter where they are or how busy they are.

Additionally, learners can imbibe knowledge from short bursts of visual and auditory formats relatively faster than from traditional documents and presentations. Put in a nutshell, microlearning can be better adapted to mobile learning as it offers crisp and concise information specifically tailored to the learner’s schedule and location.

Microlearning improves training flexibility and makes learners more efficient. What with the content broken down for greater focus, employees can tap on the information they need, when they need it, instead of searching multiple documents?

6. Microlearning Can Cover Skill Gaps Faster

The business world has been handed a skills gap following the COVID-19 pandemic. As the workforce rapidly returns to the office, microlearning can help employees learn new skills through on-the-job learning. Its short, bite-sized content enables employees to take control of their learning, by enabling them to select the skills they want to learn and develop them when they most need to.

With microlearning, trainers can add contextualized content to their courses that speak to employees with different skills and abilities. For example, many employees may just need surface information to build skills they have a fair idea about. In contrast, others may require in-depth knowledge regarding skills they need to be up to date with.

The diversity of skills-building content ensures that microlearning continues to remain relevant as well as meet learners’ specific needs.

7. Microlearning Is Supported by Various Technologies and Formats

Another reason microlearning is becoming the future of workplace training is due to the availability of different formats and emerging technologies. For instance, apart from videos, you can also use podcasts to engage with your learners, especially when trainers want to use storytelling techniques and scenario-based instructions.

Similarly, VR and AR enabled microlearning modules require precision and hands-on experience and are becoming incredibly popular in the corporate learning and development arena.

Parting Thoughts

If you’re asking yourself the question, “Is microlearning the future of workplace training?” we believe the information in this blog can provide you with timely answers. The corporate world is evolving rapidly, and organizations need to keep up with both technological advancements as well as trending best practices to ensure that their employees have the skills and knowledge to stay up to date with the latest developments.

Microlearning is a smart corporate training method that allows companies to upskill their employees regularly as well as whenever required with short, precise modules. They’re just-in-time solutions that can help your team grow and prosper while taking your business to the next level in terms of revenue and success. Do you want to know where to best apply microlearning? Here’s an insightful webinar that will help you explore more dimensions of microlearning – “Understanding Microlearning – What it is and What it Isn’t”. Download it now!