Name ONE thing you remember from your Day 1 Onboarding..
Go ahead, I’ll wait. (No, “where the coffee machine is” doesn’t count)
I remember one thing from my first day at one of my previous employers: I could get a 20% discount at Starbucks with my shiny new employee perks app. ☕️ But is that what I was supposed to remember? Not exactly. Don’t get me wrong, that discount will definitely come in handy on my next Starbucks run. But what I was really supposed to remember was how to submit an internal request to book a conference room—complete with three forms and approvals from two managers.
Fast forward a week, and there I am, leaning over to my colleague like, “Hey, how do I actually book a conference room?” secretly hoping they’ll just say, “Oh, we all just use sticky notes now, like the rest of us!”
One of the Problems: People Forget
Okay, let me get this straight and I know you would agree with me when I say that traditional training methods just don’t stick. We've all been there – a well-intentioned onboarding program filled with info-packed workshops, only to find employees scratching their heads a few weeks later, asking the HR teams "How did we do that again?"
And that’s exactly why HR teams have meticulously crafted elaborate, action-packed, jam-packed, information-overload-style course content for Day 1 onboarding—complete with slides, diagrams, and processes you’ll forget the minute you step out the door!
It’s not that people don’t want to learn; it’s that we’re often asked to absorb a ton of information we’re not yet ready to use. And as we know, knowledge is a bit like a new app on your phone—if you don't use it, it just fades away into the abyss.
Why Do We Forget?
Before we dive into how AI can help, let’s tackle the elephant in the room—why do we forget things in the first place? Turns out, the brain is selective with what it keeps. If we don’t actively use the information we learn, it’s likely to disappear. That’s why traditional onboarding methods, which often focus on dumping loads of information upfront, fail to make lasting impressions.
One of the solutions
Imagine an HR advisor juggling 46 new hires, bombarded with a constant stream of repetitive questions: "Where’s the benefits form?", "How do I set up direct deposit?", "Wait, what’s the password policy again?" It’s overwhelming to say the least, and no matter how good they are, directing everyone to the right documents and process steps can turn into a full-blown headache.
But an AI-powered chatbot? Not even a sweat. It can handle hundreds of questions simultaneously, provide instant, accurate responses, and guide each new hire exactly where they need to go. No burnout, no confusion—just efficient, personalized assistance 24/7. And it never gets tired of answering the same question for the 50th time all very politely!
The 2nd Problem: People Learn (and Forget) Differently
Here’s another curveball—no two people learn in exactly the same way. Some of us are visual learners, some are hands-on, and others need to hear it multiple times before it really sticks. Now, combine that with the fact that everyone’s trying to absorb information at a different pace, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious training gaps.
It’s not that employees aren’t paying attention during training—it’s that the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t account for the variety of learning styles, speeds, and retention rates. One person might breeze through a training session and feel confident, while another could walk away thinking, “Wait, what did we just cover?”
Traditional training methods don’t really address this challenge. Everyone gets the same material, delivered in the same way, regardless of their unique learning needs. The result? A lot of forgotten processes, and plenty of trips back to HR for clarification.
The Solution: Personalization Through AI
This is where AI-powered personalized learning shines.
Instead of dumping the same content on every employee, AI can assess individual learning preferences, track progress, and adapt the training to each person’s specific needs. Maybe one employee needs a refresher on company software a week after onboarding, while another might need a quick, hands-on tutorial about a new tool months down the road.
With AI-driven personalization, the system recognizes these differences and tailors the training experience accordingly. It gives employees the right content at the right time, ensuring they retain the knowledge that’s actually relevant to their role. This approach also boosts engagement—employees aren’t forced to sit through hours of material that doesn’t match their learning style or pace.
The result? Less confusion, fewer follow-up questions, and a smoother onboarding and training experience overall.
Enter gamification.
Now, let’s add a little fun to the mix—because who said training has to be boring? Imagine if learning at work felt less like a mandatory task and more like leveling up in a video game. Sounds more appealing, right?
Gamification involves applying game-like elements—points, leaderboards, achievements, and rewards—to the learning process. AI can take this to the next level by creating personalized learning "quests" where employees earn badges, compete in friendly challenges, and unlock new skills as they progress. It’s a proven way to boost engagement, making training not only more effective but also enjoyable.
Think about it: employees could earn points for completing training modules, compete with their colleagues for top spots on the leaderboard, and unlock rewards as they master new skills. It's a win-win! Employees stay motivated, and HR teams get a workforce that’s actively engaged in their development.
With AI tracking progress, learning becomes a dynamic, interactive experience—far more memorable than sitting through another slide deck. Plus, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?
Micro-Learning: The Power of Bite-Sized Knowledge
But why Micro-learning - because it is the antidote to information overload AND
let’s be honest—our attention spans have gotten shorter. With endless notifications, meetings, and tasks vying for our attention, it's harder than ever to sit through hours of training. That’s where micro-learning comes in. In today’s fast-paced work environment, people simply don’t have the time (or patience) to absorb long, drawn-out lessons. Micro-learning capitalizes on this by delivering bite-sized, highly focused training that fits into the natural flow of the workday. These quick, digestible lessons keep engagement high, ensuring employees don’t get bored or overwhelmed.
Imagine learning a new skill or process in 5-10 minute bursts, delivered right when it's needed. With AI guiding the timing and content, employees can absorb knowledge in manageable pieces, making it easier to retain and apply immediately. It's like snacking on information instead of attempting to digest a three-course meal all at once.
Learning Tools to Enhance Employee Training:
Final Thoughts: What HR Teams Should Do Next
It’s time for HR teams to rethink their training strategies.
By leveraging AI, personalizing learning, integrating gamification, and adopting micro-learning, companies can ensure their employees are not only trained effectively but also engaged and motivated. Start small, but start now—because the future of learning is smarter, more fun, and delivered right when it’s needed. That’s not a pipe dream anymore—it’s the future of learning.