Employees want more than just a job. They want a chance to grow in their careers. Businesses can’t deliver on this expectation without a solid training strategy. On top of this, even a fantastic upskilling and reskilling program could fail if it’s delivered via outdated, desktop-only means.
The right learning management system, sometimes called learning management software or LMS, offers talent development opportunities they can take at their own pace. An LMS puts training in the palm of employees’ hands, whether they’re out in the field or working a busy sales floor. Combined with a meaningful workplace learning strategy, an LMS helps:
- boost engagement
- increase retention
- address compliance concerns
- prepare organizations for new challenges
How do organizations identify the right learning management system?
A learning strategy should consider the unique needs of your workforce. Similarly, the ideal LMS must be able to address those needs and industry-specific requirements.
Ask your team general questions about the training program to help narrow your search, like:
- Should we allow employees to choose their own learning path?
- Do we have mandatory trainings?
- What optional topics are still relevant to our people?
- How do we ensure a consistent training experience for everyone?
This step will help form a blueprint of your learning strategy. But you shouldn’t spring right into purchasing an LMS quite yet. Never assume what employees need without asking them. A tool for surveying employees efficiently and anonymously can help you determine the functionality they actually want.
As a general rule, avoid an LMS that isn’t available on mobile devices. After all, an employee shouldn’t be shorted on development just because their role requires them to work in multiple locations.
4 steps for developing a learning strategy
With the right LMS, you’ll have what you need to launch or adjust a learning strategy. If this is your program’s first iteration, consider these four phases to get it off the ground:
- Define your challenges and identify needs
- Determine your measurements of success
- Establish goals and a training track to monitor progress
- Prepare for launch with regular, transparent communication