The current work environment is undergoing a significant transformation due to the fast-paced digital revolution. In 2024, workers face a new reality where continuous learning and digital upskilling are no longer optional but critical to survival and success.
However, adopting digital learning brings about several challenges, and overcoming them is essential for maximizing its potential. This article will focus on analysing the main difficulties and propose practical methods to overcome these challenges in 2024, catering to the needs of both employees and businesses.
Challenge 1: Lack of time and motivation
For workers, juggling daily tasks, deadlines and personal commitments can leave little time to focus on digital learning. Additionally, online learning demands strong self-management skills, and factors like procrastination, lack of concentration, and difficulty in developing a learning plan can diminish motivation and interest in the learning process.
Simultaneously, businesses face difficulties in motivating and supporting their employees in their digital learning endeavors. Some businesses lack a well-defined and effective online training policy, as well as the means to provide the necessary resources and support for employees to engage in online training courses.
Tips for employers:
- Introduce brief and targeted micro-learning modules that can be easily tackled in small increments throughout the day, offering flexibility and the convenience of learning from any location.
- Enhance learning experiences by incorporating gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards to boost learner enjoyment and engagement.\
- Tailor learning paths to individual needs and interests, while ensuring the inclusion of fundamental and essential knowledge required for each person’s professional growth and development.
- Providing specific requirements/needs to training platform provider so they can help you develop effective online training policies.
Challenge 2: Information overload
Digital platforms can be a double-edged sword. While offering vast knowledge, they often overload learners with information, leaving them exhausted and struggling to retain what they’ve learned. Swimming in a huge pool of knowledge, along with staring at a boring and lonely screen for long periods can cause fatigue, further affecting learning efficiency.
Tips for employers:
- Advise workers to pick learning materials that suit their needs and skill levels, with a focus on one topic at a time.
- Companies should create online learning plans that cover various subjects, catering to both their requirements and employees’ needs. This includes addressing crucial audit criteria and compliance like Employee rights, Environmental health & safety (EHS), as well as essential skills for professional growth such as Self-management, Communication, and Language training. Additionally, knowledge about Operations, like Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Product quality, is important.
Challenge 3: Technophobia and lack of digital skills
Some workers might not be at ease with technology and may lack the basic digital skills necessary for using online learning platforms. Technical problems and glitches can add to the frustration of learners, causing obstacles to their progress.
Tips for employers:
- Offer simple technology training and help to boost confidence and digital know-how. You can contact provider for training support.
- Create an easy-to-use and straightforward learning setup for all skill levels, focusing on mobile devices for easy access and use by workers.
- Make technical support available to fix any issues.
Challenge 4: Difficulty in measuring impact and ROI
It can be difficult to track the effectiveness of digital learning programs and measure their impact on employee performance. The absence of data-driven insights makes it challenging to justify the investment in digital learning initiatives.
Tips for employers:
- Combine learning platforms with performance management systems for progress tracking and measuring skills development.
- Conduct assessments before and after training to evaluate the impact of learning programs.
- Conduct regular assessments and surveys to measure the impact of learning on performance and productivity.
- Use platforms dashboard, reports… and contact provider to help you use is more effectively
Challenge 5: Lack of support and guidance
Workers face a major challenge when learning online due to the lack of support and guidance. Without proper assistance and human contact, employees may feel lost and find it difficult to access the right resources, adapt their learning path, and stay on track. The absence of progress tracking can lead to frustration and discouragement.
Tips for employers:
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to learners through dedicated learning coaches or mentors.
- Encourage managers to actively participate in the learning process and provide feedback.
- Foster online communities and discussion forums where employees can share knowledge, ask questions, and learn from each other. Peer support and collaborative learning can be powerful motivators.
- Contact platform provider to help you train or guide workers to use it with ease.
Challenge 6: Lack of updates in digital learning tech advancements
For some businesses, implementing and managing new digital learning technologies requires time and resources. This can make it difficult for businesses to ensure that they have the necessary resources and in-depth knowledge of online learning platforms, and how to leverage new technologies and techniques in online learning to optimize employee efficiency and performance.
Tips for employers:
- Instead of simply listing resources, look for providers who offer comprehensive support, from technical support, training, and consulting expertise, experienced e-learning vendors, or consulting firms specializing in digital learning implementation. Consider them as co-pilots, steering you towards a seamless and successful launch into digital learning.
- Shift from a passive update plan to an active learning journey. Clearly outline the digital learning technologies you aim to implement and set specific timelines for their rollout.
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