4 trends driving the shift to microlearning
Business has changed dramatically over the past few years. Unfortunately, workplace learning hasn’t always kept up. Here are four trends that make microlearning the ideal fit for modern organizations.
1. Accelerated pace of business
A product recall. A new technology. A worldwide pandemic. Even small changes can have huge repercussions in our hyperconnected world. To stay ahead, organizations must keep a finger on the pulse and be ready to shift in an instant. Employees must also stay on top of changes or risk being left behind. But, with ever-growing demands on employee time, it’s nearly impossible to complete all their to-dos, let alone squeeze in time for training. Plus, managers can’t afford to take frontline employees out of the operation for hours or days. An organization can only evolve as fast as it’s employees can learn. But where can people find the time?
This is why microlearning makes so much sense. It’s agile and quick. It’s proactive, not reactive. So, when it’s time to change, it’s easy to adjust existing content or create new material. Plus, it fits seamlessly into the daily workflow. Employees can get up to speed fast without hurting productivity.
2. Renewed focus on brain science
Who doesn’t want to know how to brain hack their way to excellence? While this kind of research used to be reserved for PhDs, books like Make it Stick, Brain Rules and How We Learn have made it easier to wrap our heads around these complex ideas. “Brain science” is now a well-known concept. And business leaders are on the hunt for ways to embed proven cognitive practices into their corporate strategies to get results. It doesn’t take a scientist to figure out why this is a smart thing to do. That’s why rooting your training approach in learning science is the perfect solution.
3. Reliance on technology
Technology is rapidly changing how work is done. Automation is shifting employee development to focus on more human skills, such as collaboration, problem solving and customer service. Mobile devices allow employees to quickly access information whenever and wherever they need it.

Bersin Research Bulletin, Meet the Modern Learner, November 26, 2014
BYOD (bring your own device) is quickly becoming a reality for corporate and frontline workers. On-the-job devices, from point of sale systems to handheld scanners to deli scales, are now internet-enabled. Wi-Fi is an expectation in public spaces, and 5G is eliminating bandwidth restrictions. When pieced together, all of this technology has exponentially expanded employee access to learning and support on the job.
Many organizations are just starting to explore these innovations. But our always-on, mobile-everything environment means employees should never be more than a few clicks or swipes from the answer, just like they are at home. Plus, when they’re already using internet-enabled devices to do their jobs, it’s easy to consume a burst of microlearning every day.
4. Increased employee expectations
Customers expect employees to know. It doesn’t matter when the product was released or how complicated your operation has become since you introduced e-commerce, curbside pickup and home delivery. Your customers expect your employees to always have the answer. Your teams need (and deserve) right-fit training and support so they can meet these expectations and bring your brand promise to life.