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Soft Skills Microlearning: Fifteen Minutes a Week is Enough

by janne
22.11.2024
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The tangible busyness of work life, constant changes, and hybrid work bring unique challenges to learning! For most, lack of time is the biggest obstacle to learning. How can you possibly find the time? Soft skills microlearning is the key — fifteen minutes a week is enough! 

Microlearning focuses on short bursts of information and agile learning instead of lengthy lectures or courses. Studies show that microlearning is 17% more effective at transferring knowledge compared to traditional training content. Research on microlearning has also found that knowledge retention is better, with memory retention rates up to 80% higher than traditional training. 

Of course, learning involves a deeper process. Fifteen-minute soft skills learning burst is enough to spark reflection and activate the brain. Once the mind shifts into a learning mode, it continues to process the information.

The key is to offer bite-sized soft skills learning sessions and maintain a rhythm of continuous learning.

– Ville Ojanen, Chief Psychologist  (Academy of Brain) 

A Shortcut to experiential soft skills learning

But why focus on just fifteen minutes? Short soft skills content matches the capacity of working memory and employees’ limited ability to concentrate amid workplace distractions. Brief content is simply easier to focus on amidst the hustle and bustle of working life. 

The soft skills microlearning process operates on two levels. The first level involves introducing and reflecting on a topic for at least fifteen minutes per week. The second level focuses on experiential learning through observations and reflection in everyday work situations. 

– In a traditional forty-five-minute lecture, only a fraction of the content may be relevant to the learner. Microlearning ensures that all time spent is maximized. It enables building a broad range of knowledge, like a soft skills learning buffet, says Ojanen.

Flexible learning as part of everyday life

With the rise of hybrid work, employees have more opportunities to structure their daily routines. According to Ojanen, this creates favorable conditions for microlearning.

– Listen to your own energy levels and motivation throughout the day. This allows for more flexible task allocation. When you recognize a moment conducive to soft skills microlearning, it’s the perfect time to dive in.

Microlearning content can either be a structured series or a separate piece of relevant, timely material for the employee. For instance, a busy manager preparing for a challenging feedback session can benefit from a brief online training on giving feedback, creating tangible value from a small learning moment.

With different learning styles, Ojanen encourages individuals to find their own ways to learn. It can be compared to the number of books on your nightstand: some prefer finishing one book at a time, while others have several in progress. He recommends approaching larger training programs systematically. 

Integrating soft skills microlearning into organizational learning processes 

The role of the employer in incorporating the microlearning philosophy into staff development is crucial, says Academy of Brain’s learning consultant Hanna Puharinen.

– It all starts with the employees’ internal motivation, but it is essential that the company values self-development and learning. Equally important is providing dedicated time to study and clearly communicating about it. – Hanna Puharinen, Learning Consultant (Academy of Brain)

Check our soft skills microlearning solutions

5 tips for adopting soft skills microlearning

  1. SHARE INFORMATION

    Inform staff about available soft skills training and the microlearning concept. Academy of Brain supports communication efforts and user engagement.

  2. CUSTOMIZE TO FIT NEEDS

    Tailor a learning path for your staff in collaboration with Academy of Brain. All Academy of Brain tutorials can be completed in fifteen minute time slots.

  3. SET COMMON GOALS

    Choose a soft skills training program for the team or entire staff, and hold discussions after each microlearning section.

  4. ENCOURAGE

    Motivate staff to explore soft skills microlearning content on your organization’s training platform using the search function. Actively speak about the importance of on-demand learning.

  5. MAKE IT A HABIT

    Integrate soft skills microlearning into team activities. Utilize online training content during team meetings, leadership mornings, or mentor sessions.”

The Science Behind Soft Skills Learning

How to Develop Soft Skills Efficiently & Quickly

Read more how science improves learning

 – Academy of Brain, the science of Flash Learning

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