Why is Blended Learning the Future of Corporate Training?

Over the last two years, the lines between in-person and online training have blurred as most corporations have shifted toward remote-first culture. The word ‘hybrid’ is gaining more popularity each day, and as we move into 2022, the world is ready to adopt changes that will define the future of the workforce and the workplace. The hybrid or blended learning model is not a new term for learning and development teams across various verticals. It has served as one of the essential frameworks that can aid businesses to strive and thrive.

A recent report demonstrates that 59% of L&D pros are prioritizing employee upskilling & reskilling, while 33% are focusing more on virtual onboarding, and 53% are prioritizing leadership & management in 2021 and beyond ^[1]. With a constant shift towards hybrid work culture, remote employees need to engage, upskill, and reskill with effective eLearning programs. Employees equipped with the right skill set and mindset hold the potential to meet their customers’ needs and accomplish the desired goals. Blended learning has proved to be a cost-effective solution to cater to the changing priorities of L&D leaders.

The 70:20:10 framework is the most effective blended learning model to help with upskilling and reskilling. It suggests that learners gain knowledge and relevant skills through a blend of on-the-job, social, and formal learning. Do you know why blended learning is the most effective corporate training approach for employee upskilling and reskilling? Here are the two main reasons:

The Changing Corporate Landscape

Over the last two years, the economic disruption has left a significant impact on business growth. Many organizations faced challenges such as managing remote workforce engagement, increasing demand for services at remote locations, and more. Owing to this situation, employees had to upskill/reskill themselves through online learning to remain motivated and connected.

Blended learning came to the rescue for the demotivated workforce as virtual instructor-led sessions help drive employee engagement. Short chunks of videos help inspire employees to retain knowledge and perform better. In addition, relevant course recommendations from trainers and managers create a sense of involvement, making employees more engaged and productive.

The Passion of Gen Z Learners to Unlock More

Today, Gen Z learners contribute toward a major part of the workforce which has grown around technological innovations. They get influenced by advanced digital technologies and leverage them to unlock their potential. Gen Z learners have a constant zeal to learn, engage, and upskill to grow and succeed in their career paths.

Blended learning is an effective eLearning solution that enables Gen Z learners to access training content at their own pace and convenience. The vILT approach helps boost learner engagement and retention for improved training efficacy. Also, the delivery of short micro-lessons ensures just-in-time learning to reinforce knowledge and unlock workforce performance.

Final Thoughts

Moving ahead in 2022, every organization must opt for a blended learning approach to unlock their workforce potential and overall success. Blending traditional ILT strategy with other modalities such as social learning, online videos, and VR/AR makes learning more impactful, personalized, and accessible. For employees working from different locations and having different skills, blended learning can prove to be an effective approach for L&D teams.

To explore further benefits of blended learning in the current scenario, watch the webinar replay Converting Classroom Training Into Blended Learning Programs.