How does online learning Increase Employee Engagement and Productivity?

Tony Brennan
First off, let's define some terms. Employee engagement refers to the level of commitment and involvement an employee has towards their work and the organisation they work for. And productivity, well, that's a measure of the efficiency and effectiveness of an individual or team in completing tasks and achieving goals.

So, how does online learning fit into all of this? Well, let's take a look at some of the key benefits:

Convenience and Flexibility

One of the major advantages of online learning is the convenience and flexibility it offers. Employees can access course materials and complete assignments on their own time, from the comfort of their own home or office. This means they don't have to worry about coordinating schedules or taking time off work to attend in-person training sessions.

This convenience and flexibility can lead to higher levels of employee engagement, as it allows employees to learn at their own pace and in a way that fits their individual needs and preferences. It also gives employees the autonomy to choose when and where they learn, which can be a major motivator.

According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, employees who have more control over their work environment and schedule are more likely to be satisfied with their job and experience higher levels of job performance (Lepine, Colquitt, & Erez, 2007). So, if you're an employer looking to increase employee engagement, offering online learning opportunities could be a great place to start.

Relevant and Up-to-Date Content

Gone are the days of outdated training materials and boring lectures. Online learning platforms offer a wealth of relevant and up-to-date content that is specific to an employee's role or industry. This not only keeps employees engaged and interested in the material, but it also ensures they are learning skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to their job.

For example, if you work in the tech industry and want to stay on top of the latest trends and best practices, you can easily find online courses and resources that cover these topics. This helps to keep employees engaged and motivated to learn, as they know the material is directly relevant to their work.

According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn Learning, 94% of employees agree that they are more productive when they have access to the right learning and development resources (LinkedIn Learning, 2020). So, providing employees with access to relevant and up-to-date content can not only increase their engagement, but it can also boost their productivity on the job.

Personalised Learning Experiences

Online learning also offers the opportunity for personalised learning experiences, as many platforms offer a variety of learning formats such as video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes. This allows employees to choose the format that best fits their learning style and needs.

Additionally, online learning platforms often have built-in tracking and assessment tools that allow employees to track their progress and receive feedback on their performance. This personalised approach to learning can help to increase employee engagement, as it allows employees to see the progress they are making and receive support and guidance along the way.

Improved Collaboration and Communication

Online learning can also facilitate improved collaboration and communication among employees. Many online learning platforms have built-in tools for group work and discussions, allowing employees to work together and share ideas in real-time. This can be especially useful for remote teams or teams with members located in different locations.

This increased collaboration and communication can lead to higher levels of employee engagement, as it allows employees to feel connected and supported by their colleagues and helps to foster a sense of community within the organisation.

Increased Knowledge and Skills

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, online learning can lead to increased knowledge and skills for employees.  This can be especially relevant for healthcare organisations who deliver services in rural and remote areas where employees are required to perform a wide range of tasks that extend beyond their initial qualification and training.