A lot of people get confused about the meaning of just-in-time learning. But the concept is a lot simpler than most would imagine. The core philosophy of is that employees can obtain the knowledge and information they need when it is needed, and not a moment later. An employee should not have to wait for a topic’s expert to answer their phone call to get information – it should be available to them. Think Google...
Workplace Learning that is all around
It is not a type of program or software, because just-in-time learning is something that has been around for a few years. And it is only getting stronger. There are already sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, where it is easy to get in contact with subject matter experts through an email or a phone call. Then we have massive online open courses, or MOOCs, where professionals can take virtual classes to broaden their knowledge about a specific topic or field.
Impact on a Company
The market place is centered around speed and efficiency to a greater extent than it was ten, five, or even one year ago. With each passing year, companies are expected to produce results at a rapid rate, for both clients or consumers. That is where just-in-time learning can help companies ensure their employees are keeping up with these demands.
With just-in-time learning, workers are more accurate, retention increases, and they can learn where they work, meaning no more back offices and long days of videos. Accuracy comes from the ability to cross-check facts with a few clicks, while product retention arrives thanks to the ability to access company documents and eLearning courses with ease.
The impact is more than just employees with greater product knowledge, but has an impact on employees staying at a company for longer. According to McKinsey & Company, both just-in-time learning and investing in the frontline can help reduce turnover and increase employee retention.
Learning is Faster and More Effective
Most people learn at a much more efficient pace when it is required for advancement in their career. That is why most professionals would tell you they do the bulk of their learning when at work. However, to make training most effective, it should come at specific points in a career path, not only when HR has a new initiative.
The field in question does not matter. Whether it is a lawyer who must familiarize themselves with a type of case or a retail associate learning how to upsell a new product, just-in-time learning allows for faster learning, better retention of employees and the information learn about.
