In an era where attention spans are shorter and workdays are more demanding, companies are increasingly turning to microlearning to address the development needs of their workforce. Microlearning, which refers to short, focused learning sessions typically delivered in bite-sized chunks, has become a game-changer in employee training and development. This approach caters to the modern learner’s desire for quick, accessible, and relevant knowledge, while also ensuring that learning is aligned with organizational goals. As businesses globally and locally continue to navigate digital transformation, microlearning has proven to be an agile and effective solution for continuous employee development.
At its core, microlearning is a method of delivering training content in small, digestible pieces that can be completed in minutes rather than hours. These short bursts of learning are designed to fit into busy schedules, making it easier for employees to acquire new skills and knowledge without interrupting their daily tasks. Microlearning can take various forms, including videos, podcasts, infographics, quizzes, and mobile learning apps.
Unlike traditional long-form training sessions, microlearning focuses on one specific topic at a time, ensuring that the information is relevant and easily retained. For example, instead of attending a two-hour seminar on leadership development, employees can access a series of five-minute videos that address different aspects of leadership, such as conflict resolution, human resources management, communication, and team management.
The Growing Popularity of Microlearning
The rapid pace of technological change and the growing demand for continuous learning have made microlearning a popular solution for organizations across industries. Globally, companies like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Google, and Deloitte have integrated microlearning into their employee development strategies. Nigerian companies like Interswitch and Flutterwave are also exploring microlearning platforms to upskill their employees and stay competitive in the fast-evolving tech space.
One reason microlearning has gained traction is its adaptability. Employees can access microlearning modules on their mobile devices, making it ideal for remote workers, traveling professionals, or those in hybrid work environments. This flexibility is essential in today’s workplace, where learning needs to be continuous, personalized, and accessible anytime, anywhere.
Benefits of Microlearning in Employee Development
1. Increased Retention and Engagement
Studies have shown that the human brain is better at processing and retaining information when it’s delivered in small, focused segments. Microlearning takes advantage of this by breaking down complex topics into easily understandable chunks. Employees are less likely to feel overwhelmed by large amounts of information and are more likely to retain what they’ve learned.
For example, a retail worker at a company like Shoprite Nigeria could benefit from microlearning modules on customer service that focus on one specific skill, such as handling complaints. Instead of a long, drawn-out training session, they receive quick, actionable tips that can be immediately applied in the workplace.
2. Flexibility and Accessibility
One of the standout features of microlearning is its flexibility. Employees can access training content when it’s most convenient for them, whether it’s during their morning commute or while waiting in line for coffee. This level of accessibility allows employees to engage with learning on their own terms, increasing the likelihood that they’ll complete the modules and apply what they’ve learned in real-time.
In a country like South Africa, where mobile phone penetration is high, microlearning has become a valuable tool for reaching employees in diverse locations. Local companies can create microlearning platforms that allow employees to access training resources on their mobile phones, promoting a culture of continuous learning without the need for a physical classroom.
3. Cost-Effective Training Solution
Traditional training methods, such as in-person workshops or lengthy e-learning courses, often come with high costs related to logistics, instructor fees, and employee downtime. Microlearning, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective alternative. Organizations can develop and distribute bite-sized learning modules at a fraction of the cost, and employees can complete the training without taking significant time away from their jobs.
For example, Kenya, microlearning is gaining popularity in sectors such as healthcare, where medical professionals need quick, targeted training updates on new medical protocols or equipment. By delivering training in short, manageable segments, healthcare providers can stay up-to-date without sacrificing patient care or incurring the high costs associated with traditional training programs.
4. Personalized Learning Paths
Microlearning allows for a more personalized approach to employee development. Instead of one-size-fits-all training programs, companies can create customized learning paths based on individual roles, skills, and career goals. For instance, an accountant working for a financial firm might receive microlearning modules focused on financial compliance, while a marketing executive could focus on digital marketing trends and customer behaviour.
This level of personalization ensures that employees receive training that is directly relevant to their job functions and career aspirations, leading to greater engagement and improved performance.
5. Fosters Continuous Learning
In today’s fast-changing business environment, employees must constantly update their skills to stay competitive. Microlearning fosters a culture of continuous learning by providing employees with quick, ongoing learning opportunities that align with the latest trends and industry demands. For example, a software engineer working for a Nigerian tech company can keep up with evolving programming languages through a series of microlearning modules, helping the company stay ahead of the competition.
Challenges of Microlearning
While microlearning offers numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. One of the primary concerns is the risk of oversimplification. Since microlearning focuses on delivering small amounts of information, there’s a possibility that complex topics may be reduced to the point where they lose depth. For industries that require in-depth training, such as engineering or law, microlearning may need to be supplemented with longer, more detailed learning modules.
Another challenge is ensuring that employees stay motivated to engage with microlearning consistently. Without the structure of traditional training programs, some employees may struggle to prioritize their learning. To address this, companies must create engaging and interactive microlearning content that keeps learners motivated and focused.
Real-World Applications of Microlearning
Microlearning is being used in a wide variety of industries to address specific training needs:
- In the retail sector, companies like Konga and Jumia in Nigeria use microlearning to train customer service representatives on how to handle sales, manage customer inquiries, and navigate their online platforms.
- In the tech industry, companies such as Google utilize microlearning to continuously train software engineers on the latest coding practices and security protocols.
- In the education sector, platforms like uLesson in Nigeria provide bite-sized video lessons to help students improve their understanding of difficult subjects, making learning accessible and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Microlearning represents the future of employee development, offering a flexible, cost-effective, and engaging way for companies to upskill their workforce. By breaking down complex subjects into easily digestible modules, microlearning caters to the needs of modern learners who require quick, relevant knowledge. Whether in Nigeria or abroad, organizations that embrace microlearning as part of their training strategy will not only see improved employee performance but will also foster a culture of continuous learning that drives innovation and growth.
As we move further into the digital age, the need for agile, adaptable, and accessible learning solutions will only increase. Microlearning is here to stay, shaping the future of training and development, and helping businesses unlock their employees’ full potential.
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Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, CEO/ Lead Consultant, Eugene + George Consulting Limited (www.eugenegeorgeconsulting.com)
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