Researchers are revealing a record number of job openings and climbing resignation rates. The latest figures, as of Jan. 4, 2022, showed that 4.5 million people voluntarily left their positions in November — an “all-time highOpens a new window ,†according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies are clearly struggling to retain top talent, which begs the question, “how can a company meet today’s evolving employee needs?â€Â
As the Great Resignation continues and we fully evolve into a hybrid workforce, employees are more empowered than ever to demand change within their companies and seek new personal and professional learning opportunities. Through investing and providing employees with “Learning Innovation,†companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and retain top talent through the new opportunities offered.Â
Microlearning, a dynamic, digital-learning approach that offers the right touchpoints for a flexible, mobile workforce, is the “Learning Innovation†solution forward-looking companies are seeking. Led by Gen-Z employees, this increasingly popular format provides a short-form, social media-esque interface that is easy to digest. Not only is microlearning a time, staff, and cost-effective learning and development solution, but it allows people to work in the flow of their day and at a pace that best suits their style and schedule. In 2022, companies will need to shift toward utilizing microlearning as a tool to upskill and reskill employees if they want to strengthen retention.Â
Experiment With Short-form Corporate LearningÂ
Today’s employees, especially Gen Z, are turning to social media for career advice and topics such as “how to build a stand-out resume†or “how to crush your next interview.†A recent study from Pew ResearchOpens a new window found that 84% of those ranging from ages 18-to-29 utilize social media platforms for professional development and career advancement, which is more than any other age group. Nearly half of those respondents said their platform of choice was TikTok, an app that allows users to discover, create and share short, eye-catching videos.Â
The growing and sustained popularity of TikTok proves that it’s possible to deliver a strong message packed with key learnings in just under three minutes. The app also demonstrates that the knowledge shared in these videos is retained, as people can learn more through “active learning.†While this learning style helps improve long-term retention, Go1 believes that it can also foster employee creativity and innovation.
Thanks to its recognizability, short-form learning can help employees, Gen Z in particular, upskill and reskill personally and professionally in a style that is best suited for them. Â
Encourage Upskilling and Reskilling in the Flow of the DayÂ
Slack foundOpens a new window that 64% of workers spend more than 30 minutes a day jumping between emails, messages, video calls, and live streams. Switching between multiple programs disrupts and derails employees from day-to-day work schedules, causing them to feel unproductive. It has been shown that learning in the flow is capable of saving at least 30 minutes per day toward the most essential tasks.Â
So, when learning and development resources are integrated with platforms such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, employees can learn in the flow of their workday. With these opportunities, employees are not only given the freedom to learn when it is convenient for them, but it also supports an efficient work and learning environment as we mature into a hybrid workforce.Â
Microlearning in the flow of the day encourages employee engagement and curiosity to build skills. This is mutually beneficial for businesses.Â
See More: Why Upskilling and Reskilling Are the Future of Workplace L&D
Listen to Your Employees’ Burnout Concerns
The pandemic brought record numbers of burnout among employees, as many found it hard to manage their stress levels and establish an effective work-life balance. According to Indeed’s Employee Burnout ReportOpens a new window , 80% of respondents believe COVID-19 is a major factor in workplace burnout, as companies increased hours and responsibilities, citing the transition to hybrid and remote work.
To reinforce the flexibility and manageability of remote microlearning, companies need to leave room for discussions around diverse learning styles, assignment management, adequate time off, etc.
When there isn’t an open and honest work environment, employees feel that they are unable to voice their struggles, causing exhaustion and disengagement. So, while it may seem like a small effort, consulting with employees quarterly on how to best incorporate flexible learning can make a marked difference in employee experience.Â
One thing is clear, and it’s that the Great Resignation is still in full swing. Employees see upskilling and reskilling opportunities as a way to grow, and the companies that refuse to provide these opportunities are limiting their potential. The future of work is still being rewritten, so now is the time to innovate around a more flexible, mobile work environment that empowers employees to direct their personal and professional development. Investing in “Learning Innovation†with microlearning is a stellar example of tailoring needs for the workforce of the future.Â
Have you used microlearning to upskill and reskill your employees? Let us know about the benefits you have seen on FacebookOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , and LinkedInOpens a new window .