Microlearning: A Paradigm Shift in Employee Upskilling and Re-Skilling

To address the talent shortage, Indian companies are extensively investing in workforce re-skilling and up-skilling initiatives. Targeted learning programs are being invested in to address the demands of the rapidly changing business environments.

But, training frontline blue-collar workers is a different prospect altogether. In a traditional sense, they perform manually-intensive tasks, like at construction sites, manufacturing units, logistics, maintenance, and delivery services.

It’s difficult to schedule classroom sessions for a huge distributed workforce, without disrupting productivity. At the same time, not all workers in a classroom have equal learning capacities.

Microlearning modules are highly productive ways to train and upskill the frontline workers, who speak different languages, and have erratic work schedules. Microlearning is considered 17% more efficient than traditional courses. It encourages greater knowledge retention and engagement.

But, what is microlearning? Let’s understand with a few examples.

What is Microlearning?

This is a mobile learning approach, where workers can access bite-sized content for specific learning needs. The content is short, concise, to-the-point. Courses can be of 1-min to 10-min duration.

So, companies can train workers whenever and wherever needed. For instance, if new hires have to be taught about company policies, or safety protocols in a manufacturing unit, they can access a 5-minute video to understand the topic.

Microlearning uses various types of content like videos, audio, infographics, images, and more to make learning interesting and memorable.

The best part is workers can learn at their own pace.

Companies can train workers in native tongues for maximum retention. Various gamification elements like pop quizzes, contests, and more can be included to evaluate learners’ progress and also increase engagement.

Overall, the benefits of microlearning for companies are:

• Less time-consuming: It is easier for companies to complete onboarding processes and other training initiatives within a short time.
• Engagement: Companies can make employees feel valued through such initiatives. Interesting content with embedded rewards can engage them further.
• Knowledge retention: Workers can consume small chunks of information whenever they have time. It helps companies to constantly upskill workers and improve their learning.
• Personalised and Self-Paced Learning: Companies can construct courses relevant to the workers’ job roles. Workers don’t need to sit through extensive classroom programs.

Microlearning: Frontline Workforce Training Reimagined

: Frontline Workforce Training Reimagined

Here are some examples of microlearning courses.

Microlearning Videos

These are short, focused videos to train workers for specific jobs. For instance, short videos that help workers learn how to maintain a machine. Or, consider a small video that explains how to start the onboarding process. Some examples of microlearning videos:

• Product explainer videos
• Kinetic text-based animations
• Small lectures on customer service etiquette
• Whiteboard animations

Micro-challenges and Gamification

Learning modules that include badges, monetary and non-monetary rewards, benefits, or other incentives. This can help the training team to evaluate learners’ progress and also encourage more workers to complete courses. It is also possible for workers to complete certification programs.

• Quizzes
• Flashcards
• Polls
• Simulations

Workforce Training Essential for Future Success

In this highly competitive business environment, companies must continuously focus on reskilling and upskilling workers to build resilience. This includes the blue-collar segment, which works on the ground level to ensure business continuity.

With Oust microlearning platform, BetterPlace enables your distributed workforce to access learning modules within a click. Select courses, and track progress. Enable offline reading for workers in remote parts too. Contact us to learn more.