Boost Employee Onboarding with Microlearning

The process of hiring new employees can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s only the beginning. Once you find the right candidate, the next step is to onboard them effectively so that they can hit the ground running. Unfortunately, traditional onboarding methods might not be enough to fully equip new hires with all the necessary skills and knowledge. That’s why microlearning and spaced repetition are becoming increasingly popular in the HR industry.

Microlearning Explained

Microlearning involves breaking down a complex task into smaller, easily digestible units. This approach not only makes the process less intimidating for new employees but also helps them remember the information for a longer period of time. According to research, we tend to forget up to 50% of newly acquired information in just one hour. However, when information is presented in small chunks, repeatedly over a period of time it tends to stick better.

Spaced Repetition Explained

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves repeating information at specific intervals to enhance long-term retention. Unlike cramming for an exam, spaced repetition is more effective because it allows the brain to recall information more frequently, deepening the neural connections that encode memory. In simple terms, spaced repetition involves revisiting learned information multiple times, with each repetition strategically scheduled based on the forgetting curve.

Benefits of Microlearning and Spaced Repetition

Microlearning combined with spaced repetition is a powerful way to impart knowledge, especially for onboarding new hires. These methods offer several benefits such as flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. By providing bite-sized learning materials, employees are more likely to find time to learn and avoid information overload. Furthermore, spaced repetition helps avoid “burnout,” which can minimize the chances of skill fade, lack of confidence, and frustration that often happen during traditional onboarding.

Implementing Microlearning and Spaced Repetition

To make the most of microlearning and spaced repetition for employee onboarding, it’s important to have a well-structured plan. This includes assessing training goals, identifying desired outcomes, and developing a customized learning program that integrates these two methodologies. You should consider using varying quiz style question types which are easy to consume and keep learners engaged. Additionally, using a microlearning platform that can track and monitor each employee’s progress is essential to ensure you’re learners are on the right path. Employees should be able to participate in self-paced learning and also have access to feedback and support when needed.

Measuring Impact

The success of microlearning and spaced repetition can be measured through a variety of indicators, such as improved employee retention rates, higher customer satisfaction, reduced onboarding time, and increased employee engagement. Companies can also use surveys and quizzes to gather feedback from employees about their learning experience, especially on the relevance and usefulness of the content.

In conclusion, microlearning and spaced repetition techniques should be considered as part of a modern online onboarding strategy. These methods optimize the learning process by breaking information down into manageable chunks, embedding it over time, and repeating it consistently. This results in better retention of information, stronger conceptual foundations, and improved performance, all of which are vital in helping new hires fulfill their role in the company. By prioritizing employee development in this way, organizations can lay the foundation for long-term success while fostering a culture of continued learning and growth.

Easily onboard new starters with Wranx

Enhancing your onboarding initiatives with Wranx is a surefire way of increasing productivity. Your new starters will quickly and confidently feel equipped to start working independently which will add value to your organization.

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