The presence of millennials in the workforce is increasing globally. This generation is also referred to as Generation Y, as they were born between the early 1980s to around 2000. The millennial workforce is different from the earlier generations as they have grown up in different times and environments. For example, since this generation has grown up with technology and social media all around, they are more inclined to use technology that can help them learn.
The millennial workforce has thrown a gamut of challenges in the way of organizations. This generation has a different style of learning and wants everything in a digital format and that too, instantly. Unlike others, they have a short attention span and hence, get bored easily. They are self-oriented, tech-savvy, self-motivated, and independent.
Thus, if you’re delivering eLearning content to them without providing any experiential learning, the expectation gap between the learners and your organization will keep widening. This will eventually affect the performance of you and your employees.
Here are some amazing tips that will keep your millennial learners engaged in online training
1. Provide flexible and on-demand learning-
Millennial learners want flexible training. They wish to have the upper hand in when, how, and where they want to learn. As millennials have grown up with technology (computer technology, the internet, and social media), they are well acquainted with the capabilities and usage of technology. Hence, for them to be physically present to get training is outdated and arbitrary.
Thus, you can provide mobile learning through training software to them so that they can get access to training material anytime and anywhere. By providing them with on-demand learning, you can help them boost productivity and performance.
2. Provide small learning packets-
Merely providing the information is not enough. You need to make sure that information is packed in the right size. Instead of using long paragraphs, write short points that are easy to understand. You can create short eLearning modules that have short videos that can be easily digested. By setting such baby goals and checkpoints, millennial learners will get a strong boost to complete their eLearning courses on time.
3. Provide an open learning environment-
The millennial learners don’t hesitate to voice their opinions. They love to connect, stay informed, and share experiences on social media platforms. Hence, you need to leverage this opportunity and make social learning an integral part of online training that will construct an open learning environment. You can use the following social learning tools to increase collaboration and communication between learners:
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Live chat
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Social feeds
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Social clubs
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Discussion forums
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Chat with subject matter experts
By incorporating such informal learning tools, millennials get more engaged with their eLearning courses. Such platforms help them to take feedback, discuss and chat with team leaders, online instructors, and colleagues.
4. Create opportunities for active learning-
Millennials are more driven by learning in an experiential and realistic environment. When the information is supplemented with real-life examples, they show more interest in learning.
The millennial workforce is always curious to learn new things. By knowing that the concepts can be applied practically, they will participate more in the online training sessions. For example, an employee undergoing sales training, if told simple hacks by senior employees to close a deal, will engage more with an eLearning course, as this will be detrimental to his career growth.
5. Introduce game-based training-
Millennials have been raised on computers and video games. So incorporating games into eLearning can be an effective way to solve engagement-related issues.
For example, you can create a mini-game for onboarding employees. Using good onboarding software, you can create missions or levels that the new employee needs to cross to complete his onboarding himself.
Try to acknowledge their hard work by giving them rewards like virtual coins, badges, trophies, flashcards, gift cards, etc. Allow them to share their achievements on social media to keep them externally motivated.
Conclusion-
As business and population demographics change, you need to change your eLearning strategy as well. The millennial generation looks for instant gratification and motivation. They are more consumer and entertainment-oriented. Hence, you need to develop your online training that will keep them energized and engaged.
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