Do you remember what you had for lunch yesterday? What about last Friday? Now imagine trying to recall everything taught during a dense, three-hour training session a month ago. It’s no wonder traditional employee training methods struggle to deliver lasting results. The human brain isn’t wired to retain large dumps of information. The secret to effective training (and a healthy ROI on that training) is consistent, daily learning in small, manageable bits. In other words, microlearning. Video-based microlearning goes one step further by helping individuals make learning a life-long habit and stay competitive throughout their careers…all in just two minutes per day!
The Forgetting Curve: A Big Problem for Workplace Learning
Thanks to the “forgetting curve,” the human brain quickly loses new information. First introduced by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the 19th century, the implications of the forgetting curve (much to the chagrin of business leaders everywhere) are alive and well today.
Ebbinghaus found that people forget approximately 70% of new information within 24 hours of learning it. By the end of the week, most learners retain less than 10%. Why does this happen?
The brain, designed to prioritize efficiency, sheds information deemed irrelevant or not immediately utilized. When employees sit through lengthy training sessions jam-packed with content, their brains struggle to process and store all that information. Without reinforcement or immediate application, those hard-won lessons quickly fade away.
For organizations, this spells trouble. Traditional training is costly – both in time and resources – and when employees can’t retain or apply what they’ve learned, the hefty investment yields little in return.
Enter Video-Based Microlearning
Video-based microlearning offers a modern, science-backed solution to the forgetting curve. By delivering short, targeted training sessions on a daily basis, this approach reinforces key concepts and ensures they stick long-term.
Rather than a single, overwhelming training session once or twice a year, employees receive daily two-minute video modules directly relevant to their unique roles. Each lesson focuses on no more than three concepts, giving employees the chance to absorb, apply and retain the information. It’s efficient, engaging, and perfectly aligned with how the brain learns best.
Why Short Lessons Work
What makes short lessons so effective? It all boils down to how we process information. Research shows that our brains are better at retaining information delivered in small, manageable chunks. Long training sessions can overwhelm learners, leading to cognitive overload and, ultimately, poor retention.
Most types of microlearning sidestep this issue by offering just enough content to drive comprehension without overloading employees. By focusing on one concept at a time, learners can engage fully with the material and retain what’s learned long-term.
But overcoming the forgetting curve isn’t just about how you deliver training; it’s also about how often you reinforce it. Daily microlearning leverages spaced repetition, a technique that involves revisiting key concepts at regular intervals. This method strengthens memory pathways and ensures that information moves from short-term memory to long-term storage.
The Science Behind Video-Based Microlearning
The effectiveness of video-based microlearning isn’t just anecdotal – it’s backed by science. Studies show that:
- Learners retain 80% of what they see and only 20% of what they read.
- Spaced learning improves long-term retention by 200%, helping employees recall and apply information when it matters most.
- Organizations using bite-sized learning experience a 50% increase in engagement and an 80% improvement in knowledge retention.
How? Video-based microlearning has many features that work with the brain to make it so effective. Here are a few:
#1 Direct Relevance:
The human brain has “selective attention” – that is, our attention tends to focus on what matters to us personally. This is why employees bristle at the idea of doing something that doesn’t seem directly related to them or their job position.
If employees care about what’s directly relevant to them, but do different things, why should their training be the same? This is why “one-size-fits-all” programs don’t work. Personalized learning ensures that training is immediately relevant and applicable, increasing employees’ long-term engagement and knowledge retention. It also helps workers become experts in their specific jobs, getting them better, faster and safer.
#2 Just-In-Time Learning:
Over half (57%) of employees want learning in the flow of work. Microlearning videos allow learners to complete a short two-minute (or less) training when it’s most convenient for them. Users can get the information they need in the moment they need it and have an on-demand resource when they forget. This accessibility reduces disruption and makes learning feel like a natural part of the day rather than a chore.
#3 Gamification and Motivation:
Let’s face it – traditional training can be boring. Harnessing the power of gamification, video-based microlearning is active, engaging and user friendly. Badges, leaderboards and rewards tap into intrinsic motivation, making training both fun and productive. Learners can quickly view their progress and past performance at a glance. As a result, video-based microlearning users have a 72% daily engagement rate (91% monthly) – higher than many social media platforms – encouraging behavioral changes and ensuring long-term adoption.
Measuring Success: The ROI of Microlearning
For business leaders, the ultimate question is: does it work? The answer is a resounding yes! Video-based microlearning delivers measurable returns on investment by improving retention, boosting productivity and reducing training costs.
Employees who engage in daily bite-sized sessions spend less time away from their core responsibilities, leading to greater efficiency. Meanwhile, the knowledge they gain translates into fewer mistakes, better decision-making and higher overall performance.
In fact, companies that prioritize effective training see a 59% reduction in turnover and are 46% more likely to be first to market with new innovations. This type of training isn’t just an investment in employee development – it’s a clear-cut competitive advantage.
Building a Culture of Continuous Learning
Video-based microlearning is a mindset. By integrating daily learning into the workplace, organizations can foster a culture of continuous improvement. Employees no longer see training as a one-time event, but as an ongoing journey toward their own growth and success.
This culture of learning has far-reaching benefits. It attracts top talent, boosts employee satisfaction and positions companies as leaders in their industries. In a fast-changing world, adaptability and continuous learning are the keys to staying ahead of the competition.
The Future of Training
As technology continues to transform the way we work, training must evolve to keep pace. Video-based microlearning represents the future of workplace education, offering a smarter, more effective way to engage employees and drive results.
For business leaders looking to maximize their training investments, the choice is clear: beat the forgetting curve once and for all with video-based microlearning.
Ready to see the difference video-based microlearning can make for your team? Explore how this innovative approach can empower your people, boost retention and drive long-term success by scheduling a meeting to speak with a Tyfoom training consultant today.
Because in today’s fast-paced world, every second – and every lesson – counts.