Flexible learning allows employees of all different backgrounds and abilities to identify the best ways for them to retain information in order to improve their skills in the workplace.
Far too many businesses will cut corners and rely on outdated methods of learning to train their employees, which will ultimately result in a lower return on investment. Instead, leaders should be embracing flexibility to enhance retention and boost morale throughout the company.
But what is flexible learning? And how can it be utilised in the workplace to see significant results in real-time?
What is flexible learning?
Put simply, flexible learning in the modern workplace will provide employees with multiple ways to digest information relevant to their roles and the wider business. As opposed to a linear training programme, flexible programmes can take place across several mediums, locations and over different periods of time.
No matter which professional sector a business specialises in, there are always innovative training methods that will offer complete flexibility for all employees, which is likely to secure a higher return on investment and maintain a positive environment.
How will employees benefit from it?
While it may seem obvious, utilising a broad range of flexible learning methods will serve to provide employees with varied platforms in which to improve their performance. Particularly for younger employees who are typically motivated by long term career progression, providing regular opportunities to actively improve can go a long way in improving staff retention.
As the typical modern workforce is so diverse, there is no doubt that employees will thrive in contrasting environments while learning in different ways. Businesses are only limiting the potential of their entire workforce by adopting a ‘one size fits all’ approach to their training.
Utilising flexible learning methods in the workplace
There are several flexible learning methods that business leaders can adopt to secure a significant return on investment. At MDA Training, we utilise a wide range of experiential and digital solutions, including:
- On-demand e-learning and microlearning
- Virtual learning
- Custom-designed interactive PDF workbooks and toolkits
- Film-making activities
When implemented correctly, these methods serve to aid individual and team development for employees at all levels, ages and backgrounds. Furthermore, when reflecting on employee performance over specific periods, it will become more apparent to business leaders precisely which employees perform well in particular learning environments, helping them to improve their overall management approach.
If business leaders take the time to identify and implement the most effective flexible learning methods for their employees, they will save time and money long term as their workforce will become more competent in recalling and retaining information. As well as improved performance, morale is likely to be increased as employees will feel valued learning in ways that suit them best.