E-learning and LMS blog articles

L&D is essential for any organisation looking to get the most out of its employees. But building a culture of continuous improvement and learning doesn’t come without challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore the top ten L&D challenges business leaders face in 2024, and most importantly - how to overcome them.

1. Scattered learning 

A disorganised and fragmented approach to training can significantly impact the effectiveness of any L&D strategy. When training materials are scattered across various platforms, digital folders, or printed documents in physical locations, learners will find it difficult to access relevant materials in a timely and efficient manner. 

With ‘scattered learning’, L&D professionals are also at risk of providing inconsistent and outdated information. To ensure that learners are accessing the most up-to-date materials and to unify all content, you need to house all documents in one centralised platform. This is where an LMS comes in. 

LMS platforms 

A learning management system (LMS) can help L&D teams avoid ineffective scattered learning methods by serving as a centralised platform for all training materials, learner profiles, reporting data, and more. 

With an LMS, learners and admins can access all L&D resources through a single entry point. As a result, learners can easily find essential and up-to-date information. And with features such as dashboards and recommendations, learners don’t need to search for content as they will automatically be presented with necessary training materials just by logging into the system. 

2. Limited resources 

As most L&D professionals will know, creating high-quality training content that covers a number of topic areas and addresses many training needs can be costly and time-consuming, making it one of the top L&D challenges. When organisations have limited resources, creating content using manual or offline processes can hinder L&D success. 

Content creation tools 

However, using an LMS or e-learning platform with built-in content creation tools makes it easy for businesses to create engaging training materials with fewer resources. With simple drag-and-drop tools or content templates, content creation is easy and streamlined.  

What’s more, this content can be developed and reused across various lessons and courses to support a number of learning objectives without using up additional resources. 

3. Time constraints 

Busy and inflexible work schedules can hinder L&D progress across an entire workforce. When employees have limited time to complete training, methods such as face-to-face classroom sessions, seminars or lengthy training documents are ineffective and impractical. 

Microlearning modules 

The most effective solution to tackling time constraints is to implement a microlearning strategy. Microlearning breaks down L&D content into short, focused bite-sized lessons, typically completed in under fifteen minutes. With concise content delivered via an e-learning platform, learners can easily fit essential training into their schedules, creating focused windows of L&D opportunities. 

Want to find out more about microlearning? Read our guide here. 

4. Generic training 

Low engagement rates and a lack of motivation are like kryptonite for your L&D strategy. One of the biggest culprits for producing disengaged and unmotivated learners is delivering generic training content. When taking a one-size-fits-all approach to training, don’t expect to close skills gaps and boost employee knowledge across the board as generic training simply cannot address the specific L&D requirements of every individual. 

Personalised learning paths 

Personalised learning is the darling of L&D. With an e-learning platform such as an LMS, you can target specific skills and knowledge gaps, along with any individual strengths and weaknesses. LMS admins can create personalised learning paths for users to follow, incorporating preferred content types, learning styles and subject matter so that training is tailored to each learner, resulting in higher engagement rates and knowledge retention. 

5. Measuring impact 

Evaluation is essential to ensure your L&D programmes effectively support learners and L&D teams in meeting goals and objectives. However, measuring the impact of L&D requires data, reports and feedback, all of which can be difficult to gather when using offline practices.

Learning analytics 

When using e-learning automated reporting tools and feedback mechanisms, L&D teams can easily carry out regular and thorough assessments. Reports outlining insights such as course completion rates and end-of-course assessment results allow admins to measure the effectiveness of e-learning content and ensure that programmes are continuously refined and improved. 

6. Unengaged learners 

If your L&D courses are repetitive, relying on the same delivery methods and offering little interactivity, you can expect low engagement rates.

Gamification 

Gamification is the ultimate solution for tackling poor learner engagement rates. By incorporating interactive game-design elements in your L&D programmes, learners are required to play an active role, making it easier to capture their attention and boost retention rates. With elements such as leaderboards, scores and rewards, learners are motivated by competition and a sense of achievement, producing better learning outcomes as a result. 

Find out everything you need to know about gamification here. 

7. Remote workforce 

In an age where hybrid and remote workforces are standard for many businesses, it’s essential that L&D teams can successfully address the issues associated with remote training. From time zone differences to accessibility issues, delivering L&D opportunities for dispersed teams can be a challenge. 

Mobile learning apps 

E-learning platforms are highly effective in bringing dispersed teams together and delivering training opportunities from a centralised platform regardless of location. Additionally, when an LMS supports mobile learning apps, L&D teams can better support remote learning. With offline learning capabilities, learners can access training anytime and from anywhere, on a device that is familiar to them – boosting the ROI of your e-learning tech as a result. 

8. Unmotivated employees 

To achieve the best learning outcomes, your learners need to be driven and motivated, approaching L&D programmes with a willingness to learn. However, motivating learners isn’t always easy, particularly if the subject matter doesn’t spark interest and intrigue, such as compulsory compliance training courses. 

Recognition and rewards 

With a robust e-learning platform, L&D teams can boost employee participation and motivation by introducing rewards such as badges and certificates. Give employees recognition for specific achievements such as completing a course, achieving a personal learning goal or earning full marks on an end-of-course assessment. With L&D rewards, your learners will understand the value of completing essential learning with 100% effort. 

9. Lack of support 

When using an e-learning platform, a lack of support can cause significant issues for L&D teams. From technical issues to difficulties with integration, any challenges platform users may face will ultimately affect the effectiveness of an L&D strategy and create a frustrating environment for admins and learners. 

Valued partnership 

At Hubken we understand the value of a partnership approach to LMS hosting, that’s why we offer unlimited support and version upgrades at no extra cost. Our team of in-house experts are here to help you address frustrating pain points and for L&D teams looking to get the most out of their platform, we offer bespoke training sessions too.

Find out more about our HubkenCore package here. 

10. Too many manual processes 

Manual processes are a thing of the past. With today’s e-learning technology, it’s no longer necessary for L&D teams to waste valuable time and resources on manual tasks. What’s more, the move away from reliance on manual processes brings benefits for learners too.

Automated workflows 

Modern LMSs such as Totara Learn offer a number of automations such as automatic course enrolment, automated notifications, automated reports and tracking, and compliance expiration reminders.  

With automated workflows, admins can create personalised learning plans that incorporate courses, competencies, and objectives based on individual user profiles. With this functionality, L&D teams can easily deliver tailored learning experiences without relying on time-consuming manual processes. 

Say goodbye to complex L&D challenges with a Hubken solution 

Find out why a Hubken platform is the perfect solution to help you address even the most complex L&D challenges - visit our Totara and Moodle product pages or get in touch with one of our experts today.