Emerging Trends in Training and Development

https://www.skillbean.com/2019/10/28/learning-trends-philippine-workforce-2/

Online and Mobile Learning

1. Online and Mobile Learning

When employees are working an 8-hour shift on the weekdays, it can be hard to set aside time to learn
about the newest practices in their field or upskill themselves–which is why having easily accessible
learning is important to have.

The time spent commuting to and from work can become productive when employees have access to
online learning channels and even mobile learning opportunities. They could also use these channels
during their leisure time: when they’re working out, when they’re working their dog, when they’re
eating dinner, etc.

These online learning channels can come in the form of online courses offered by massive open online
course (MOOC) networks, watching Youtube videos, listening to podcasts, and reading online articles.
Mobile learning opportunities, on the other hand, come in the form of learning apps such as Udemy and
SoloLearn.

With such easy access to content, they will not only have better control over their training but also
further maximize the plethora of content available worldwide–enabling them to be more globally
competent.

Microlearning

2. Microlearning

According to a study done by Microsoft, the average attention span of people nowadays lasts for about
8 seconds, which is why a lot of the content is comparatively shorter compared to what we had before.
The longer the content is, the harder it is to keep the audience’s focus, the harder it is to retain
information.

When put in the L&D perspective, having long training sessions can be ineffective since it runs the risk of
failure of information retention.

Microlearning can be a good way to combat this dilemma.

Microlearning is an educational strategy that offers bite-sized, small learning units with just the
necessary amount of information to help learners achieve a goal.

It makes learning more concentrated since the content is shorter. Since the content is much more
concentrated, information retention is also a lot easier. And of course, it allows employees to learn at
their own pace.

Customized Training Program

3. Customized Training Programs

As mentioned in a previous article, customized training programs help employees understand the
concepts and practices better since they are designed to not only address the employees’ training needs
but also their learning styles.

It also allows companies to maximize their employees’ learning opportunities since it targets the specific
skills gaps that the employee needs to bridge in order to perform their best at their current role.

Mentorship

4. Mentorship

Mentorship is another learning trend companies should watch out for.

According to a survey conducted by SkillBean, 78.4% of employees cite mentorship as the most effective
way to learn for their professional development. Many are actively seeking it because mentorship allows
for a more direct and personalized approach to employee training. Employees are able to learn from the
mentor’s expertise, apply it to their work, and have the mentor give their feedback regarding their
performance.

Put in the company’s perspective, mentoring can provide guidance and insight to employees so they
bridge their skill gaps specific to what the company needs. The employees not only get technical and
soft skills training but also cultural training for the company.

Peer Learning

5. Peer Learning
The last emerging trend in learning and development is peer learning.

Apart from mentorship, employees are also looking for peer learning opportunities in the workplace
since peer learning allows employees to acquire new knowledge from people who’re working with
them.

The difference of mentorship and peer learning, however, is that in mentorship, the boss or the
manager gives feedback and advice from the perspective of someone on a higher level than them
and/or someone who has held their position before. In peer learning, employees get feedback and
advice from their co-workers or people who are on the same level as them.

Peer learning provides much more updated information compared to mentorship and creates an
environment where the employees see how their work directly affects the work of others as well.

Keeping these current trends in employee training and development can drastically improve a
company’s L&D efforts. If you want to learn more about HR trends, visit our blog page.

SkillBean provides a free workplace training platform in the Philippines where companies can request a
variety of skills training such as communication skills and leadership skills.

If you’re ready to better respond to your employee’s L&D needs, book a meeting with us by sending an
e-mail to hello@skillbean.com and know how you can empower your workforce by personalizing
learning through technology.