Revolutionizing Employee Learning Through Intranet Integration
As someone who has a deep appreciation for Learning Management Systems (LMS), especially after spending years in the education and Instructional Design field, I can’t help but notice a shift in the way organizations approach employee learning. Why are so many companies moving away from traditional LMSs? Let’s delve into this intriguing question.
Embracing Change in the Learning Technology Landscape
For years, LMS platforms have been the go-to for corporate learning, providing essential functions like training management, course catalogs, and compliance tracking. However, with the evolving workplace dynamics and changing employee needs, there is a growing demand for learning that is accessible, immediate, and seamlessly integrated into existing daily tools. This transformation reflects the concept of “learning in the flow of work,” as advocated by industry expert Josh Bersin.
According to Bersin, the evolution of the learning technology landscape has witnessed distinct phases, ranging from online replication of traditional classroom settings to the current emphasis on continuous learning solutions and microlearning. Despite these advancements, the challenge remains: employees struggle to find time for deep engagement with formal learning programs.
Research by Devlin Peck reveals that 68% of employees prefer to learn during work hours. This statistic underscores the need for employers to integrate learning seamlessly into employees’ workflow within familiar applications rather than separate systems. This integration is where intranet-based learning emerges as a game-changer.
Transitioning from LMSs to Intranet-Based Learning
Modern employees seek practical learning experiences that enhance their performance rather than passive content consumption. Unlike entertainment platforms, corporate learning aims to equip employees with immediate, applicable skills. Aligning employee learning with the company intranet is a logical step, leveraging existing communication and collaboration platforms for learning initiatives.
Unlike mere linking to an LMS, personalized and engaging training courses on the intranet create a seamless user experience. This approach eliminates the need for employees to switch between systems, ensuring learning seamlessly blends into their daily routine. The technology required for this integration already exists, making it a practical and effective choice for organizations.
Empowering Learning in the Flow of Work with Intranet Integration
Incorporating learning into the intranet fosters a model where employees access relevant content when needed. This real-time learning approach, whether for sales training or technical support, aligns with employees’ work activities without disrupting workflow. By addressing the time constraints faced by employees, intranet-based learning ensures efficient knowledge dissemination.
Research shows that employees have limited time for formal learning, emphasizing the value of integrating learning into daily tasks. Instead of dedicated training sessions, employees can access learning materials instantly through the intranet, resolving immediate challenges without interrupting their workflow.
Charting The Course Towards Embedded Learning
As organizations seek streamlined solutions for learning, transitioning from standalone LMS platforms to intranet-based learning offers tangible benefits. By embedding learning into daily workflows, companies provide practical knowledge that enhances performance and fosters professional growth.
Intranets present a viable pathway for continuous learning without the constraints of traditional LMS systems. Adapting to employees’ needs and delivering learning in the flow of work are pivotal for corporate education in the digital era. Intranet-based learning is not just a trend—it represents the essential evolution in how we shape the future of corporate learning.
