Why Flexible LMSs Are the New Playbook for Business

sinaltik November 8, 2024

0 0 6 minutes read

Why Flexible LMSs Are the New Playbook for Business

A Flexible Approach to Human Resource Development

Adaptive Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are essential for modern businesses that aim to thrive in the midst of rapid change. By personalizing the training experience, flexible LMSs improve employee engagement and effectively address skills gaps. Organizations that invest in these programs can empower their workforce with the expertise and skills needed to meet future challenges and drive business success.

Learning Management Systems have come a long way since the early 2000s. Originally designed as digital content repositories, early LMSs were one-size-fits-all platforms that could not integrate the learning experience for individual users, resulting in limited engagement and efficiency. However, in the late 2010s, advances in Artificial Intelligence and a greater understanding of individual learning needs paved the way for flexible LMSs. Unlike traditional systems, adaptive LMSs use algorithms to create dynamic, personalized learning pathways that respond to each student’s unique progress and preferences, seamlessly aligned with the growing need for individualized learning in both academic and organizational settings.

Urgency of Skills Development

One of the most important factors for companies facing the future is the widening skills gap. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, up to 85 million jobs could be lost due to the replacement of workers between humans and machines by 2025, while 97 million new roles could be created to suit the new class of workers. Organizations that fail to invest in reskilling and developing their workforce risk not only stagnation but potential failure. The gap between the skills that employees currently have and those needed in the future can lead to increased attrition and loss of competitive advantage.

In addition, the need for businesses to work harder has never been more pressing. A recent McKinsey report highlights that companies that can quickly adapt their employees to changing market conditions are likely to succeed in the long run. [1]. This competence depends on developing a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, where employees are equipped with the necessary skills to meet new needs.

Is Adaptive Learning the Answer?

Research supports that flexible learning programs improve engagement and retention by reducing cognitive overload and aligning content with student readiness. According to the theory of cognitive load, personal learning reduces unnecessary cognitive difficulties, enabling employees to acquire new knowledge effectively. [2]. Adult learning theories, such as Knowles’ principles, suggest that adaptive LMSs fulfill the need for self-directed, relevant learning—important factors that help motivate older learners and improve the use of skills in the workplace.

Findings from a RAND Corporation report (research funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) Promising Evidence in Personalized Learning, He also pointed out that personalized learning can lead to better student outcomes, showing that schools that use personalized learning methods have seen significant improvements in student engagement and achievement. [3]. Similarly, Deloitte’s 2021 Global Human Capital Trends The report emphasizes the need for people-centered strategies, noting that in the wake of COVID-19, 61% of managers worldwide are now prioritizing transformational work by improving human resources and designing work around workforce strengths.

This shift in focus highlights the importance of the personal experience of learning. 72% of executives identified their people’s ability to adapt, reskill, and take on new roles as critical to navigating the coming disruption. However, only 17% of these leaders felt their organizations were “very well prepared” to support employees in these efforts. Such findings underscore the gap between the perceived need for adaptive training solutions and the reality of how organizations implement them. Flexible LMSs not only make training more relevant to employees but also allow managers to track and adjust content to better meet evolving business needs, thus fostering a more agile and resilient workforce.

Building a strong argument for the value of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and adaptive learning in corporate training, recent data from IBM and KPMG show the transformative impact of these technologies. The KPMG report reveals key insights into the current learning environment among UK workers. Notably, 61% of all workers seek training in generative AI, with more than half of those aged 18-24 using generative AI tools to acquire new skills. The survey highlights that 66% of people aged 18-34 express a desire for soft skills development, suggesting a growing recognition of the importance of interpersonal skills alongside technical skills. However, research shows that only 22% of UK workers can quickly access learning resources at work, driving many to turn to social media, with 62% of workers reporting that they have used these tools to acquire skills. This trend has revealed a critical need for employers to modernize their learning strategies and provide accessible and engaging training options.

Where Do Flexible LMSs Come In?

Adaptive LMSs capitalize on AI and Machine Learning to adjust learning methods based on the learner’s current knowledge, pace, and style. This approach improves engagement and retention rates by aggregating each student’s experience. Adaptive Learning Management Systems can play an important role in addressing the skills gap and fostering a culture of continuous learning. By personalizing the learning experience, adaptive LMSs can identify the strengths of each employee, allowing organizations to tailor training programs accordingly. This targeted approach ensures that employees acquire the necessary skills relevant to their role, increasing the potential of all employees.

In addition, flexible LMSs can facilitate a more efficient onboarding process, allowing new hires to become productive faster by focusing on the most relevant skills. As organizations compete for top talent in a tight labor market, providing strong training and development opportunities becomes a key differentiator that can improve employee engagement and retention. [1].

Similarly, recent IBM data also supports the argument for the transformative impact of AI-driven learning on workforce training. IBM report, Redeveloping Your Employees During The AInoted the importance of flexible training methods to address rapid changes in skills needs driven by AI and other emerging technologies. IBM discusses how AI-enabled training solutions can now provide personalized learning pathways, tailored to each job role, experience, and skill level. This personalization improves the correlation between learning and performance, creating opportunities for employees to develop valuable skills in real time, along with their normal work activities.

The report points out that AI adaptation enables organizations to embed learning within the workflow, allowing employees to acquire and apply new skills continuously, making the training process less disruptive and more efficient. As AI takes over repetitive tasks, IBM stresses that organizations should also focus on developing “soft” skills such as creativity and collaboration, which will be even more valuable in a workplace created by AI.

Investing in Learning: A Key Strategy to Prevent Business Loss

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, organizations must prioritize investment in employee development to mitigate critical risks. Failure to engage in reskilling programs can lead to the risk of negative consequences, including high turnover rates, decreased productivity, and a negative reputation in the labor market. According to a Gallup study, companies with high engagement experience 21% greater profits compared to those with low levels of engagement. This highlights the important role that workforce development plays not only in improving engagement but also in strengthening overall financial performance.

Conversely, unemployed workers can cause significant financial losses to organizations. These employees often contribute to low morale and productivity, which can increase profitability and inefficiency. Laid-back employees may lead to increased recruitment costs due to rapid workforce turnover, as organizations must use additional resources to attract and retain talent. In addition, a lack of investment in workforce training can create a skills gap, leaving workers unprepared to meet changing market demands.

Emerging Technologies and the Way Forward

Future developments in adaptive LMSs will likely incorporate embedded technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) for hands-on simulations and AI-driven chatbots to provide real-time guidance. For example, VR training modules can simulate complex, high-stakes situations that employees may face, creating a more engaging experience and active learning. Additionally, flexible LMSs are ready to use Big Data to further personalize training based on behavioral patterns across industries, providing predictive analytics that can anticipate and meet changing training needs.

Meanwhile, organizations with less developed systems can still use dynamic learning strategies that work. They can use simple personalization techniques, such as providing different micro-learning content in broad formats or modules and using learner statistics and other artificial intelligence to identify skill gaps and adjust training methods. These methods can act as stepping stones to more complex and flexible LMS solutions, ensuring that employees continue to engage with relevant content while the organization prepares for future innovations.

As organizations adapt to rapid technological advances, flexible LMSs provide an important tool for business managers focused on promoting skills development and readiness. By adapting training to the needs of each employee, flexible LMSs support continuous learning and help businesses stay competitive. Switching to personal learning is no longer optional; it is an important step. Investing in flexible LMS equips companies to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing market and empowers employees with the skills they need to succeed.