Increase Retention And Engagement Of Millennials With Personalized Learning
Employee retention rates have been on the decline as millennials become the largest generation in the current workforce. Millennial employees are also the most disengaged generation and they are more likely to leave a new role within the first year. In fact, in a recent study by Gallup it was reported that only 29% of millennial employees are engaged at work. 21% of millennials in a recent survey also shared that they had changed jobs within the last year [1].
Further research has shown that millennial employees value flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. They also want to work for companies that provide opportunities for growth and professional development. 86% of millennial employees reported that they would stay at a company that invested in their professional development [2].
How A Personalized Approach Can Increase Retention
Using a personalized approach to employee training is also an effective millennial retention strategy. Personalized learning experiences help organizations meet the unique needs of their millennial workforce in several ways. To help you understand how personalized learning can improve your employee retention rates we have included a list of the top 5 ways this strategy can help you retain your millennial talent.
1. Personalized Learning Environments Provide Flexibility
Millennial employees work differently than their predecessors. Work-life balance is a high priority and they often work remotely. Their schedules are not always the typical 9 to 5 you would expect. This makes more traditional Instructor-Led Training more difficult to achieve.
Personalized learning environments are online and are often mobile responsive. This makes it easier for your employees to access training content whenever it is most convenient for them. They can also use whatever device they are most comfortable using to access the training whether it's on their smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Removing barriers to training and increasing access give your millennial workforce the flexibility they need to stay engaged.
2. Personalized Learning Allows Millennial Employees To Take Ownership Of Their Learning Experiences
Personalized learning plans use AI to generate customized paths for each individual user. Each path includes the learning courses they must complete, but also includes suggested content and gives employees choices and options to choose from.
This empowers your millennial employees to become actively involved in the Learning and Development process. Active participation increases motivation, participation and knowledge retention.
Boosting engagement this way can greatly impact employee retention. Employees who feel like they are learning skills they can use on the job to perform well feel more connected to their role and are less likely to leave for other opportunities.
3. Customized Learning Paths Eliminate Redundant Information From The Learning Process
The millennial generation is also the most diverse generation. Employees and team members often have different backgrounds, skill levels, and can even live in different time zones. L&D professionals often have a difficult time creating employee training that meets the needs of their audience without losing the interest of those with more experience.
Millennials grew up with the internet and had nearly unlimited access to information. Therefore, they only value the most relevant information. They easily lose interest and become disengaged while participating in training they feel is irrelevant.
Personalized learning removes redundant content from each individual learning path. The program usually begins with a competency-based test to determine which courses and learning outcomes will be the most useful to them. This helps your millennial employees stay focused and engaged.
4. Individualized Learning Meets The Specific Needs And Preferences Of Individual Students
Millennials prefer to learn in a way that best suits them. This can be tricky because learning preferences typically vary depending on the individual. Some employees may learn best through practice and simulations while others excel at group work or can remember video content more easily.
AI-enhanced learning programs can tailor individuals' learning paths to fit their specific preferences. Some personalized learning programs can even offer content in different languages. Delivering learning content in the best way for everyone helps remove barriers to training and increases knowledge retention.
Personalized learning experiences speed up time-to-competency as well as boost employee confidence and productivity. Each of these factors significantly reduces employee turnover.
5. Learning Activities Are Often Interactive And Give Frequent Feedback
Another way that millennial employees differ from most is that they need a lot more feedback than their peers in other generations. Millennials grew up receiving a lot of feedback and encouragement. They have also become accustomed to features like instant messaging and social media.
Twice-a-year reviews and the occasional check-in are usually not enough to keep millennial employees engaged. In fact, if they do not receive enough feedback, they are likely to think there is a problem with their performance and become disengaged.
Many personalized online learning programs provide regular feedback. When a learner participates in an interactive simulation, they will receive feedback as they progress throughout the course. Personalized learning programs also use learning analytics to track patterns and progress that their managers can use to provide more in-depth feedback regarding the employee's progress.
For example, if an employee is struggling with a specific course, they can provide additional assistance and resources to help the employee continue to progress. Receiving detailed feedback will help your millennial employees stay engaged and motivated.
Conclusion
As baby boomers continue to retire and the millennial presence in the workforce continues to grow, organizations need to focus on developing L&D opportunities that are engaging for their shifting audiences.
One of the best ways you can improve the retention of your millennial employees is by designing Learning and Development programs that meet their unique needs. Personalized learning experiences are a great way to reduce redundant information, provide content for diverse audiences, and increase employee engagement.
Personalized learning programs also provide employee feedback and provide millennials with the kind of flexibility they need to easily engage in training. To learn more, check out the eBook Personalized Learning Experiences: Gearing Up For The Millennial Workforce.
References:
[1] Few Millennials Are Engaged at Work
[2] Millennials Are Most Likely to Stay Loyal to Jobs With Development Opportunities
