Time management is the biggest learning challenge for companies
According to surveys, time management is the biggest challenge for employee learning. Not everyone can attend multi-hour training sessions, but most can set aside 15 minutes for learning.
For example, if you have a difficult conversation coming up on your calendar, it’s easiest to look up information on the topic in that moment, perhaps watching a short video about it. Instead of trying to recall what was covered in a past leadership training, learning should be more accessible. The unfortunate reality is that if you’re not in a leadership position, you’ve likely received little to no training on handling difficult conversations or addressing tough topics.
HR and L&D functions work hard to support learning and learners, and microlearning is a key tool in this effort.
Time is not a problem for microlearning
Microlearning means breaking learning into small, easily digestible segments. Not everyone has time for a three-hour lecture, but they might be able to spare 15 minutes, or even less, during their workday. You could think of microlearning as a single track on a large album. If the album’s theme were, say, communication, one microlearning module might focus on active listening, another on assertive communication, and a third on respectful discussion culture. Not everyone has time to listen to an entire album in order. Sometimes, you can only listen to one or two tracks. But perhaps those tracks stay with you for the rest of the day. Your brain processes the words through reflection and discussion — either independently or with others — turning them into new insights, emotions, facts, and actions.
“When learning is given space within the workday, and its goals and motivation are clear, learning begins to happen almost naturally, and it becomes integrated seamlessly into daily work. Ideally, teams learn together, setting aside dedicated time for learning and aligning topics with both organizational strategic goals and their own identified needs.”
– Iines Vuorjoki
This topic is crucial because the world is constantly changing. Every change requires effort, insight, and adaptability from all of us. With adaptability, employees don’t just survive changes, they thrive in them.
Iines Vuorjoki (Learning Success Manager)
I am an advocate for continuous learning and a more human-centered working life. I have been working in personnel development for six years, helping various organizations enhance their learning culture and create a more sustainable work environment.
At Academy of Brain, I work as a Learning Success Manager, supporting our clients in learning design, activation, and fostering a strong learning culture. We help our clients integrate learning, strategy, and workforce needs effectively.
I have studied competence management and learning from both scientific and practical perspectives. Right now, I am particularly interested in humanity, change, information overload, and supporting a more sustainable way of living.
