You’re probably familiar with the term ‘eLearning’ by now. And, as technology and workforce expectations evolve, so must the way you train and develop talent. You might be wondering what the impacts of eLearning at work are going to have on the future, especially as we see a rise in personalised and data-driven experiences.
Here at Instinct Resourcing, we’re eLearning recruitment specialists. We’re dedicated to connecting top talent with innovative companies, driving the digital revolution forward. So, whether you’re looking for LMS experts or development specialists, we can help you find them.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the future of eLearning and trends you can expect to face for many years to come, and how they’ll empower your business to feel more skilled, engaged, and ready for the future.
Let’s get into it…
What actually is eLearning? A quick definition
Before we start, let’s ensure you have a strong understanding of eLearning in the workplace. Wondering what is eLearning? eLearning is defined as a type of training that is delivered electronically, usually through an online course. It allows employers to train staff at an affordable price, conducted on a computer or digital device.
Because of its easy access, eLearning at work has started to rise in popularity. However, it wasn’t always this easy to train staff. In the 90s, eLearning would’ve consisted of unengaging PDF documents sent to employees to read through. This made eLearning seem boring, ineffective, and a bit of a chore to plough through. Nowadays, eLearning content is much more engaging and user-friendly.
There are plenty of types of eLearning platforms to choose from, and that’s because everyone learns in a slightly different way. It’s also important to offer flexible options that suit organisations and cash flow. Discover the full benefits of eLearning in more detail here.
The effectiveness of eLearning at work
There’s no denying that eLearning is incredibly beneficial for organisations and companies. Modern eLearning platforms are proving to be a powerful tool for driving improvements in employee performance, engagement, and productivity.
Let’s have a quick look at ways that eLearning platforms can help commercial and educational sectors.
- Clear ROIs and cost savings – More traditional training comes with costs for travel, venue rental, and printed materials. However, by moving learning online, companies are drastically reducing these costs. Some studies have even shown that businesses can save 50%-70% on training costs by switching to eLearning.
- Increased knowledge retention – Interactive eLearning content continues to be highly effective at improving knowledge retention. This is achieved through interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, and real-time feedback, which encourage participation rather than passive listening.
- Better employee engagement – A key factor in the effectiveness of eLearning is flexibility. Employees can learn at their own pace, on their own schedule, from any location. Flexibility therefore leads to higher employee engagement. When a business invests in accessible and engaging learning opportunities, employees feel more valued.
A look into 5 future eLearning trends
Evolving at an incredibly rapid pace, eLearning is set to turn into a dynamic, on-demand experience tailored to each individual’s needs. With that in mind, let’s dive a bit deeper into some of the predicted trends…
1. AI-driven personalisation
AI is a game-changer in every sense of the technological world. And its role in eLearning courses is only becoming more prominent. It can analyse learner data, such as performance on quizzes, completion rates, and areas of struggle, to create truly personalised learning pathways. Instead of every member of staff getting the same module, AI-powered platforms can recommend specific courses or content that will address an employee’s unique skill gaps. This will make learning far more personalised and effective, boosting engagement.
We’ve got more information on how AI & automation in learning tech are changing talent needs.
2. Immersive learning
Tired of passive video lectures? Luckily, the future of training is about to get much more hands-on, with technologies like VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) making it possible. The magic of VR can place your staff in a realistic and risk-free environment where they can practise complex skills such as troubleshooting a piece of machinery (depending on the sector you work in!). AR can overlay digital instructions onto a real-world object, providing guidance and support. Leading towards the future, this immersive type of learning can build confidence by already placing employees in situations that they may have to face in the workplace.
3. Microlearning
In the fast-paced environment of the workplace, companies are struggling to find time for long, drawn-out training sessions that are actually effective. That’s why microlearning is becoming a dominant trend. Essentially, microlearning delivers information in short, bite-sized modules (think 5 or 10-minute videos or quizzes) that can be assessed on a mobile device whenever and wherever they are needed. This more ‘go with the flow’ method of eLearning will allow employees to get the information they need right when they need it, whether that’s on a break, travelling, or facing a specific problem on the job.
4. Skill-based learning and upskilling pathways
Another prediction of the future of eLearning is that programmes and courses will be centred on skills-based learning pathways. Companies are cleverly using data to identify skill gaps and provide their employees with targeted and bite-sized training to fill them. This approach will probably be delivered through LXPs (Learning Experience Platforms), which will let employees earn digital badges or certificates as they acquire new competencies. This is a great way to give staff control of their own career development, and provides businesses with clear, measurable ways to track progress and improve workforce performance.
5. The importance of soft skills
As AI and automation take over routine, mundane tasks, the demand for uniquely human skills is increasing. The next generation of eLearning will put huge emphasis on the importance of soft skills such as emotional intelligence, leadership, critical thinking, and communication with team members. While it might seem difficult to teach these skills online, innovative eLearning solutions are using immersive and interactive simulations to create scenario-based training.
Put your soft skills to the test and make your CV stand out in 2025.
Want to elevate your business’s eLearning offerings?
Now that we’ve seen the incredible impacts of eLearning at work, there’s no denying that the next wave of innovation promises to make training more engaging and effective than ever before. Embracing these trends isn’t just about staying competitive; it’s about building a future-proof workforce that is continuously learning, adapting, and innovating.
At Instinct, we’re passionate about deepening our knowledge in the digital learning world. From staffing up the UK’s largest ever eLearning programme to partnering employers with top digital talent, we’re dedicated to offering you a compliant and hassle-free journey.
Please get in touch with us today or upload your CV.