10 Tips to Maximize Employee Development with LMS

published on 27 August 2024

Want to boost employee skills and company growth? Here's how to get the most out of your Learning Management System (LMS):

  1. Create personal learning plans
  2. Use short learning modules
  3. Add game-like elements
  4. Support peer learning
  5. Enable mobile access
  6. Use data to improve training
  7. Link training to company goals
  8. Mix online and in-person learning
  9. Give regular feedback and tests
  10. Encourage ongoing learning

Key LMS benefits:

Benefit Impact
Income per employee 218% higher
Profit margins 24% increase
Employee retention Improved
Productivity Faster time-to-productivity

Let's dive in.

1. Create Personal Learning Plans

Personal learning plans match training to each employee's needs and career goals. Here's how:

1. Assess skills and goals

Use performance reviews, skills assessments, and one-on-ones.

2. Map out learning paths

Create a roadmap of courses and milestones.

3. Offer choices

Provide options like online courses, mentoring, and on-the-job training.

4. Set measurable goals

Work with employees to set specific, achievable goals. For example:

Goal Timeframe Measurement
Complete Python certification 3 months Pass certification exam
Improve presentation skills 6 months Deliver 3 team presentations

5. Regular check-ins

Schedule periodic reviews to track progress and adjust.

IBM saw a 70% boost in employee productivity after introducing personalized learning paths.

2. Use Short Learning Modules

Break training into bite-sized chunks. Here's why it works:

  • Fits busy schedules
  • Prevents information overload
  • Improves focus and retention

Tips for short modules:

  1. Keep it brief: 2-5 minutes per module
  2. Focus on one topic
  3. Use various formats: videos, infographics, quizzes
  4. Make it mobile-friendly
Module Length Completion Rate Knowledge Retention
2-5 minutes 82% 25-60% increase
30+ minutes <50% No significant boost

Results:

  • Walmart cut safety incidents by 54%
  • BH Media saw 98% of sales staff agree modules were useful
  • Magellan Health increased training participation by 80%

3. Add Game-Like Elements to Learning

Make learning fun with:

1. Points and badges

Give points for finishing tasks. Award badges for big wins.

2. Leaderboards

Show who's on top to spark friendly competition.

3. Challenges and quests

Turn tasks into exciting missions.

4. Rewards

Offer virtual or real prizes for hitting goals.

Examples:

Company Game Element Result
Deloitte Missions, badges, leaderboards More user engagement
Docebo Points, badges, leaderboards Higher course completion
TalentLMS Milestone badges, leaderboards Increased learner motivation

Use these to support your main content, not replace it.

4. Support Learning from Coworkers

Set up ways for staff to learn from each other:

  1. Create topic-based discussion forums
  2. Use chat tools like Slack for real-time communication
  3. Leverage internal social platforms
  4. Pair up employees with complementary skills
  5. Organize virtual group sessions
Platform Feature Benefit
SC Training In-lesson Discussions Real-time topic discussions
SC Training Assignments Collaborative content creation
Google Docs Real-time editing Remote teamwork on documents
ExpertusONE LMS Virtual meetings Direct interaction with instructors and peers

This builds a stronger, more connected workforce.

5. Make Learning Work on Mobile Devices

Enable on-the-go learning:

  1. Choose a mobile-optimized LMS
  2. Design for small screens
  3. Enable offline access
  4. Use multimedia wisely
  5. Test across devices
Mobile Learning Feature Benefit
Dedicated mobile apps Easy access on iOS and Android
Offline content Learning without internet
Bite-sized modules Quick consumption during breaks
Multimedia elements Enhanced engagement
Cross-device testing Consistent experience

"67% of learners use mobile devices to access eLearning courses." - eLearning Industry Report

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6. Use Data to Make Training Better

Use LMS data to fine-tune your training:

  1. Track completion rates
  2. Check engagement scores
  3. Analyze quiz results
  4. Monitor learning paths
  5. Gather feedback
Metric What It Shows How to Use It
Completion Rate Course effectiveness Improve content if low
Engagement Score Content interest Enhance less engaging sections
Quiz Performance Knowledge gaps Focus on missed topics
Learning Path Progress Course flow issues Adjust sequence or add support
Feedback Surveys Learner opinions Make targeted improvements

Review data regularly to spot trends and make ongoing improvements.

7. Connect Training to Company Goals

Link employee training to business objectives:

  1. Set clear SMART goals
  2. Find skill gaps
  3. Create targeted training
  4. Explain the "why" to employees
  5. Measure results
  6. Get leadership involved
  7. Update regularly

Example SMART goal:

SMART Criteria Example
Specific Increase sales by 15%
Measurable Track monthly revenue
Attainable Based on market analysis
Relevant Aligns with growth strategy
Time-bound Achieve within fiscal year

This approach justifies training costs and shows LMS value.

8. Mix Online and In-Person Training

Combine online and face-to-face learning:

  1. Use online modules for basics
  2. Reserve in-person time for practice
  3. Implement flipped classroom model
  4. Provide ongoing support
  5. Tailor the mix to your needs
Training Component Online In-Person
Basic concepts
Theoretical knowledge
Hands-on practice
Group discussions
Self-paced learning
Immediate feedback
Resource access

This approach meets unique learning needs and boosts effectiveness.

9. Give Regular Feedback and Tests

Use your LMS for ongoing assessment:

  1. Use varied assessment types
  2. Provide immediate feedback
  3. Implement regular check-ins
  4. Use rubrics for clear expectations
  5. Offer audio feedback
  6. Encourage self-assessment
  7. Use data to improve training
Feedback Type Benefits
Immediate Quick correction of mistakes
Audio Personal touch, time-efficient
Self-assessment Encourages reflection
Data-driven Helps refine programs

Remember, the goal is to enhance learning, not just evaluate.

10. Encourage Ongoing Learning

Create a culture of constant learning:

  1. Make learning part of onboarding
  2. Give dedicated learning time
  3. Offer various learning options
  4. Make LMS materials easy to access
  5. Ask for employee input
  6. Reward active learners
  7. Have managers lead by example
  8. Track progress with your LMS
Learning Type Benefits
Formal courses Structured, clear goals
Peer-to-peer Knowledge sharing, team building
On-the-job Practical skills, immediate use
Self-directed Flexibility, personal interest

Companies that focus on learning see real results, like Google's innovative "20% time" policy.

Conclusion

LMS boosts employee development with major benefits:

Benefit Impact
Higher income 218% more per employee
Increased profit 24% boost in margins
Better retention Lower turnover costs
Improved efficiency Faster time-to-productivity

Success stories show LMS power:

  • IBM used AI chatbot Watson for employee questions
  • Walmart added VR, boosting test scores 10-15%
  • Bosch cut video costs 70% and increased engagement 30% with AI

Motivated, engaged employees drive business success through continuous learning.

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