Employees who learn and grow at work are happier and less likely to leave. Busy managers can tap their learning management system to track and encourage employee learning. Leveraging LMS tools can put employees in the development driver's seat, freeing managers to focus on other initiatives.
Linking employee development and accountability also helps employees move toward career fulfillment and improved performance. LinkedIn Learning's "Workplace Learning Report" found learning at work can reduce employee stress and turnover.
Consider these six ways to encourage employees to take responsibility for their own growth and development using an LMS.
1. Connect employee development with growth
Employees may naturally be motivated to learn and grow, but the possibility of advancement is another perk of employee development.
Give learners a clear sense of how their training will enable them to take on new responsibilities, earn bonuses or raises or move up the corporate ladder. For instance, learning about emerging technologies and tools can turn an employee into a valuable resource for other learners or the organization's expert in a new skill area. Improving soft skills, like effective feedback delivery or conflict resolution, better equips employees for successful career trajectories.
2. Make learning engaging & fun
Meeting with employees annually to map out a personalized learning path, with the help of the LMS, is a great first step. The LMS can suggest courses that fit with a particular role or a learner's interests. When learners know training content is relevant—and might help them advance—they are more likely to engage.
Adding game elements that challenge learners to level up and beat their prior performance can increase engagement by making learning fun. It also encourages learners to hold themselves accountable for their progress.
3. Set achievable goals
While integrating learning with work, ensure that you assist your employees in setting achievable goals. As organizations grow, it can be easy for some employees' roles to expand in scope.
If employee productivity seems to be faltering, meet with each direct report to see whether they need training to boost their skills—or their responsibilities need to be adjusted. Growing teams present prime opportunities for LMS-based employee development.
4. Improve accountability—with automation
Learners—along with managers and training administrators—can use automated LMS tools to track learning. Automated course registrations and enrollments, periodic reminders to complete activities or quizzes and warnings of approaching deadlines can promote steady progress. The LMS can guide learners to needed prerequisites or ensure they repeat modules if they need additional coaching.
5. Leverage reporting abilities
Your LMS can also send regular reports on learners' progress. These provide valuable information to learners and managers alike. Learners can use weekly reports and reminders to hold themselves accountable for progress. An LMS with an intuitive interface enables learners to regularly check their progress without needing additional guidance.
6. Provide regular feedback
Although learners may advance at different rates, all are likely to benefit from the support of leaders. Managers can encourage employees to stick to their learning paths and development goals and provide feedback and coaching to guide learners' training choices.
Holding employees accountable for their own learning strengthens motivation and furthers employee development goals. In addition, it may well result in highly motivated, productive and loyal employees.
Empower your employees to take control of their learning with Absorb LMS. Connect with an Absorb representative to get started today.
