L&D

TRENDS 2024
The Future of Workforce Learning
and Effective Measurement
Preface
2024 will be the year of effective learning measurement,
advances in instructional design, and AI innovation. Driving
these trends is the focus on building skills-based organizations
with a culture of continuous learning for a future-ready
workforce and aligning learning with business goals.
Throughout 2023, the demand for skills training and better
learning engagement challenged L&D leaders to identify
innovative and engaging solutions. This year will see a new
blend of global approaches, including emotional intelligence,
learning in the flow of work, AI automation and personalized
learning, and learning as a mindset for growth.

With the continued evolution of AI, there will be a greater

dependency on incorporating analytics into all phases of the
learning journey. Learning technology will continue to augment
the modern learning stack with a greater focus on the
Augmented-Connected Workforce, AI-powered Learning
Environments, and NexGen Generative AI. This year promises to
go beyond learning disruption and target learning as a business,
strategically enhancing performance impact and talent
retention by optimizing Workplace Learning.
About the Authors

Kelly Lake
Chief Strategy Officer at EI
Kelly Lake is the Chief Strategy Officer at EI, a leading
provider of innovative workforce learning solutions. As a
respected thought leader in the learning and performance
industry, she brings 30 years of global experience in learning
and performance strategy, Workforce Enablement, Learning
and Performance Ecosystems, global performance
transformation, immersive learning, and performance
innovation. She has a successful track record of creating
learning strategies and maximizing ROI for Fortune 1000
companies resulting in performance and business
optimization to enhance client and organizational business
success.

Soma Bhaduri
Practice Head of Instructional Design at EI
Along with managing the ID domain end-to-end, she is a
core member of the organization’s Solution Architecting
and Innovation team. With nearly 2 decades of experience
in the L&D arena, Soma actively engages in EI’s Learning
Consulting Practice and Advisory Services.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Section 1
Emotional Intelligence in Essential Learning 1

Section 2
Evolution of Instructional Design - Learning Design for
Performance Outcomes 10

Section 3
Skills-Based Organizations 20

Section 4
Learning in the Flow of Work 32

Section 5
Learning and Business Alliance - Partnering for Success 40

Section 6
Surge of AI and Automation in the Workplace 46

Section 7
Optimizing Digital Learning 54

Section 8
Modernized Learning Technology Stacks 66

Section 9
Workforce Enablement and Global Transformation 71
Section

1
Emotional Intelligence
in Essential Learning

1
Introduction
Since 2023, Emotional Intelligence (EI) has rapidly advanced in
workplace learning, recognizing its pivotal role in professional success.
Globally, organizations have been integrating cutting-edge
technologies, creating learner-centered designs, and crafting training
ecosystems to assess and enhance EI among employees. The focus is to
provide personalized experiences, fostering self-awareness, empathy,
and interpersonal skills that nurtures a culture of uniting workforces
towards the business objectives.

With evolving business goals, employees not only need to be equipped

with the skills needed for their roles but also with the emotional
intelligence necessary to navigate the complexities. Corporate learning
methodologies now prioritize emotional well-being, incorporating
mindfulness practices, EI workshops, and personalized coaching. This
evolution reflects a deeper understanding of the crucial link between
emotional intelligence and workplace success.

In this section, we explore each of these areas and share inputs on how
you can integrate them in your organizations.

2
Create Learner-centered Designs

Tailor-made learning fosters a humanist workplace environment,

attracting learners who seek personalized development. Curated learning
addresses employee engagement and retention challenges by
showcasing an organization's participative commitment to professional
growth.

Gallup research found employees who are "engaged and thriving" are
59% less likely to look for a job with a different organization in the next 12
months. This results in significant cost savings on retraining and
replacement, leading to a higher Return on Investment (ROI). Similarly,
defined learning outcomes help leaders better manage, measure, and
evaluate ROE (Return on Expectation) across the company.

Here is the proven 3-step process you can adopt to create learner-
centered design approaches:

Research Define Implement

and Analyze
Immerse yourselves into Leverage all that you have Launch the learning
your target learners’ lives learned from the Research program to your
and understand their and Analysis Phase to targeted audience.
learning goals and needs. create learner-centered • Measure the impact of
• Understand what prototype solutions. programs
motivates and drives
• Build learner personas • Capture feedback
learners
• Make sure
• Map learner career • Iterate and improve
organizational goals paths to learning
align with learner journeys (including
objectives learning strategies and
• Conduct an in-depth modalities
Learner Needs Analysis • Identify metrics and
(LNA) KPIs
• Review past program • Prototype, create MVPs,
performance and and conduct focus
incorporate feedback group testing

3
Incorporate Emotional Intelligence in Learning

According to Capgemini Research Institute, the rise of automation and

AI has fueled the global demand for EI skills six-fold. Integrating EI into
corporate learning in 2024 involves personalized approaches that
prioritize employees' emotional well-being. Organizations can enhance
employee resilience, teamwork, and leadership, ultimately contributing
to a more emotionally intelligent and productive workplace.

Here’s how you can infuse EI into your learning programs:

Utilize advanced technologies like virtual reality and AI: Weave

immersive technologies into workplace learning. Craft virtual
scenarios mirroring real-world emotional challenges, empowering
professionals to navigate and respond, fostering practical skills
development.

Implement EI assessments to tailor learning content: Gauge

employees' current emotional intelligence levels and address
individual strengths and areas for development. Provide targeted
resources and exercises that align with specific EI development goals.

Foster a supportive environment: Incorporate mindfulness

practices, emotional intelligence workshops, and one-on-one
coaching sessions for personalized guidance and support.

Encourage collaborative learning experiences: Promote empathy

and interpersonal skills through team-based scenarios, group
activities that require mutual understanding and cooperation, and
learning that encourages teamwork and communication.

4
Instill a Cultural Approach in all
Workforce Modalities

In 2024, organizations would need to forge a cohesive and motivated

workforce by incorporating strategic approaches. Easier said than done,
cultivating a unified culture across diverse modalities is the compass that
would align teams with shared values, fostering unity and driving collective
commitment towards overarching business objectives.

While organizations may design their own approach, the following can act as
effective guidelines:

Create a strategic alignment: Ensure corporate learning aligns with the

organization's core values and strategic objectives. Integrate cultural
elements into learning content, reinforcing the desired workplace culture.

Design customized training programs: Implement programs that

integrate cultural values into onboarding and ongoing development. You
may use various modalities, such as online courses and workshops, to
cater to diverse learning preferences.
Leverage digital learning platforms: Use your organization’s learning
platform for seamless and inclusive corporate learning. Incorporate
interactive features that promote collaboration and engagement, fostering
a shared cultural experience.
Strategize inclusive learning practices: Promote diversity and inclusion
through learning initiatives. A common approach would be to include
diverse perspectives in case studies, scenarios, and training materials to
enrich the learning experience.
Uplift leadership development programs: Integrate cultural awareness
into leadership trainings to equip leaders with the skills to represent and
champion the organizational culture.

Facilitate continuous communication: Establish regular channels for

transparent communication about cultural values. Some effective
channels could be through webinars, forums, and newsletters to reinforce
cultural principles and updates.
Develop feedback mechanisms: Implement feedback loops within
learning platforms to assess cultural alignment. Constantly encourage
employees to provide insights on how learning initiatives impact their
understanding and orientation to organizational objectives.

5
Invest in Personalized Learning

It is estimated that in 2024, the global personalized learning market may

surpass $2 billion (Industry ARC). Personalized learning is poised to undergo
transformative changes to create customized learning pathways tailored to the
locations, roles, career goals, and performance of the staff.

Here's how to strategically adopt personalized learning for your organization:

Implement Advanced Adaptive Technologies: Integrate AI and machine

learning in training platforms for dynamic content customization, aligning
with individual progress and preferences. Explore virtual learning assistants
for instant feedback and guidance.

Leverage Microlearning Evolution: Design training modules in shorter,

on-demand formats, allowing employees to access bite-sized content that
aligns with their schedules, encouraging continuous and flexible learning.

Integrate Immersive Technologies: Embrace virtual and augmented reality,

particularly in technical and skill-focused areas, providing hands-on,
personalized training.

Apply Data-Driven Personalization: Utilize data analytics to assess

employee performance and engagement, enabling personalization of learning
paths to address specific strengths, weaknesses, and career objectives.

Incorporate Gamification for Engagement: Infuse gamified elements into

training programs to enhance engagement, motivating employees through
interactive and competitive scenarios that align with their individual learning
preferences.

Build Social Learning Networks: Harness social learning platforms within

the organization for collaborative and personalized learning experiences
where employees can share insights, collaborate, and learn from one
another.

Design Skills-Based Learning Pathways: Develop training pathways aligned

with the specific skills required for each employee's role, ensuring relevance
to job responsibilities and career growth.

6
Adopt a Robust Learning and
Performance Ecosystem

As learning and performance ecosystems become commonplace, the need

to elevate them seems to be stronger than ever before. This enhancement is
essential to ensure workplace adaptability, foster improved collaboration
among teams, prioritize employee well-being, enhance leadership
effectiveness, and cultivate a positive organizational culture in alignment
with global trends.

To build dynamic ecosystems, address current challenges, and adapt to

future business changes, you may consider including the four key
components:

Strategy

1. Align Learning Initiatives Purposefully: Merge with

organizational goals and evolving business needs to ensure
relevance and impact.
2. Global and Inclusive Approach: Consider diverse perspectives
and global trends in content creation, ensuring inclusivity and
relevance for a diverse workforce. Collaborate with external
partners, industry experts, and academia to bring diverse
insights and resources into the learning ecosystem.

3. Promote Data-driven Decision-making: Use data analytics to

identify skill gaps, measure performance, and tailor learning
experiences based on individual and organizational needs.

7
Adopt a Robust Learning and
Performance Ecosystem

Formal Learning Mechanisms

4. Personalize Learning with AI: Integrate artificial intelligence to

personalize learning paths, catering to individual preferences,
strengths, and areas for development.
5. Immersive Technologies: Incorporate virtual and augmented
reality for hands-on, practical learning experiences, enhancing
skill acquisition and application.
6. Microlearning for Flexibility: Implement microlearning
modules for quick, on-the-go access to relevant content,
supporting continuous learning and adaptability.
7. Accessibility and Tech Integration: Ensure that learning
platforms are accessible and compatible with various devices,
embracing the latest technologies for a seamless user
experience.

Performance Support

8. Continuous Learning Culture: Cultivate a culture of continuous

learning by promoting self-directed learning, upskilling, and
reskilling to keep pace with industry changes through social
learning platforms, wellness programs for holistic development.

Feedback and Analytics

9. Feedback Loops: Establish regular feedback mechanisms to

assess the effectiveness of learning initiatives and make timely
adjustments. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to
measure the impact of learning initiatives on individual
performance and overall organizational success.

8
Conclusion
EI will be integral to essential learning, enhancing adaptability,
collaboration, and personal growth. Immersive technologies,
personalized approaches, and a focus on well-being foster a
dynamic corporate landscape, equipping learners with crucial EI
skills for success in a rapidly evolving world.

9
Section

2
Evolution of Instructional Design -
Learning Design for Performance
Outcomes

10
Introduction
2023 saw the need to transition to a dynamic business landscape where
rapid technological changes necessitate a workforce adaptable to
evolving skills. Learning designed for performance outcomes meets this
demand, enhancing employee relevance amid global competition.
Tailoring programs for complex environments and diverse workforces
ensures broad accessibility. A continuous learning culture, aligned with
organizational goals, supports employee engagement, adaptation to
change, and efficient skill development, optimizing the return on
investment in learning initiatives.

With instructional design being at the core of any training program,

designing learning with performance outcomes in mind is paramount
for organizations aiming to stay agile, competitive, and responsive to
the evolving needs of their workforce and the business environment.

In this section, we will touch upon key areas that you might need to be
cognizant about when designing learning.

11
Instructional Design for the Modern Workforce

In response to the evolving needs of the modern workforce, instructional

design has undergone a transformative journey. Focused on
personalized, practical, and adaptable approaches, it ensures employees
acquire essential skills, fostering agility and relevance in today's dynamic
professional landscape.

Here’s how you can align instructional design approaches going forward:

Shift towards learner-centric approaches:

Instructional design has transitioned from a one-size-fits-
all model to more personalized and learner-centric
strategies. So, consider the diverse backgrounds,
preferences, and learning styles within the modern
workforce.

Emphasize practical application: Chanel designing

experiences that emphasize real-world application of
knowledge. This ensures that the skills acquired through
instructional design are directly relevant to the
demands of the contemporary workplace.

Integrate technology: Embrace technological

advancements, incorporating tools such as virtual
reality, simulations, and interactive platforms. This
enhances engagement and provides immersive learning
experiences, aligning with the digital expectations of the
modern workforce.

12
Instructional Design for the Modern Workforce

Factor for dynamic work environments: Note that

corporate structures are evolving, with an increasing
emphasis on remote work, flexible schedules, and
geographically dispersed teams. Orient instructional
design to cater to the needs of a workforce that may not
be physically present in a traditional office setting.

Focus on digital skill development: Incorporate

digital learning strategies, focusing on the
development of technical skills and digital literacy.
Understand that the modern workforce requires
continuous upskilling and reskilling to stay relevant.

Setup regular evaluation and feedback: Ensure

continuous assessment that enable adaptability, allowing
for timely adjustments to the learning process based on
learner performance and evolving organizational needs.
Remember, a stagnant instructional design process would
mean complete misalignment in downstream processes.

13
Designing for Multigenerational Learning

As organizations embrace inclusivity, they find themselves accommodating

employees spanning different age groups, each with unique experiences,
technological fluency, and distinct approaches to learning. This
multigenerational workforce not only brings a wealth of collective knowledge
but also demands a nuanced instructional design strategy that resonates with
the varied needs.

The following can help in crafting learning experiences that surpass

generational gaps:

Consider diverse learning preferences: Create content that appeals to

a diverse audience, considering factors such as gamification, interactive
modules, and blended learning approaches. The idea is to factor for
multiple strategies and modalities.

Provide flexible learning paths: Recognize that different generations may

have varying levels of familiarity with technology and diverse preferences for
learning styles, incorporate flexible learning paths. This could involve
providing options for self-paced learning, allowing employees to choose
between online modules, workshops, or mentorship programs based on
their preferences.

Promote social learning: Leverage social learning strategies to encourage

collaboration and knowledge-sharing among employees of different
generations. Implementing discussion forums, mentorship programs, or peer
learning communities can create spaces for employees to exchange insights
and experiences. This not only aids in knowledge transfer but also fosters a
sense of community and engagement within the workplace and can be
beneficial for younger employees to learn from the experiences of their more
seasoned counterparts.

14
 Inclusivity and DEI Design

Fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is not just a goal but a

fundamental necessity. As organizations recognize the inherent strength
in embracing differences, instructional designers play a pivotal role in
ensuring that learning experiences are not only accessible to all but
celebrate the richness of diversity where every employee feels valued and
can thrive. But how can you make this impactful?

Here are tips on how inclusive instructional design can uplift a diverse
workforce:

Cultural Competence
Workplace Diversity
Training
Design learning materials and Create training programs that
activities to cater to a diverse promote cultural competence,
workforce, acknowledging various helping employees understand and
backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. respect the diversity within the
organization. With geographically
dispersed teams and client groups,
orienting instructional design to map
cultural diversity is needed more
than ever before.

Language Accessible Learning

Considerations Modalities
Foster linguistic diversity in the Recognize diverse learning
workplace by offering learning preferences and abilities and provide
materials in multiple languages while content in various formats—visual,
ensuring that the language used is auditory, and kinesthetic—to cater to
inclusive and avoids potential biases. individual needs. Ensure accessibility
Using culturally sensitive language for individuals with disabilities
will create an inclusive learning through features like screen readers
environment and make your and subtitles. By adopting these
employees feel respected and measures, instructional designers
understood. contribute to a genuinely inclusive
learning experience for all employees

15
Accessibility

In the dynamic business environment, organizations recognize the

limitations of traditional learning methods. Prioritizing accessibility in
learning fosters inclusivity, removes barriers, and provides equal
opportunities. Compliance and inclusivity not only unlock workforce
potential but also cultivate a culture of innovation and productivity, aligning
with evolving organizational needs.

Here are some guidelines to help you develop effective accessible eLearning
content:
Develop a framework using POUR principles: Make learning
Perceivable (P- the learning material must be presented to at
least one of the senses), Operable (O- it should be easy to operate
any eLearning course, click buttons, and answer quiz questions),
Understandable (U- the content should be comprehensible and
free of jargons), Robust (R- assistive technologies used by
learners need to complement the course effectively).

Follow design techniques for improved accessibility: Follow

the guidelines prescribed in the Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG) such as page structure and navigation
(consistent style, naming, and positioning, site map), content
and focus order (descriptive headings, section headings, and
labels), usage of imagery, usage of color (color-agnostic
identification methods), and so on.

Integrate accessibility into UX and design: Annotate designs

for accessibility by providing information in a meaningful way
while scoping out the accessibility requirements completely. A
critical game changer activity can be involving disabled users
during testing to improve the quality of the solution.

Facilitate impactful accessible learning through best

practices: Use simple, clear writing augmented with visual
appeal by consciously avoiding information overload. Ensure
you balance contrast between the text and the background
while avoiding distracting images. Always include a visible
keyboard focus and tabs in an appropriate order in the content.

16
Technology and Instructional Design
Advancements

In the fast-paced realm of technology and instructional design, innovations

are reshaping the landscape of corporate learning. From immersive Extended
Reality experiences to personalized AI-driven pathways, these advancements
are revolutionizing how organizations design and deliver training, ensuring a
dynamic and effective learning experience for the modern workforce in
today's digital age.

The following can act as useful strategies when implementing technology

driven learning:

Strategize immersive learning through Extended Reality (XR):

Leverage XR, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented
Reality (AR), to revolutionize instructional design. VR immerses
learners in real-life simulations, while AR overlays digital content
onto the real world. Particularly valuable for practical skill
development in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and
technical training.

Focus on gamification and serious games: Introduce game

elements, such as points, badges, and competitive challenges to
make learning more engaging and motivating. This not only
enhances learner participation but also fosters a sense of
accomplishment, making the learning process enjoyable and
effective.

Leverage adaptive Learning Systems: Use AI-driven adaptive

learning to analyze individual performance, tailoring content
delivery to strengths and weaknesses. Continuously adapt to the
learner's pace for a personalized, efficient journey, maximizing
training effectiveness by focusing on improvement areas and
enabling swift progression through mastered concepts.

17
Technology and Instructional Design
Advancements

Upgrade mobile learning (mLearning): Prioritize responsive

content, interactive formats, and seamless accessibility, aligning
with the modern workforce's preference for anytime, anywhere
learning.

Promote data-driven decision making: Leverage robust data

analytics tools to gather insights into learner behavior, preferences,
and performance. Accordingly, make informed decisions to
enhance content relevance, improve engagement strategies, and
continually refine the learning experience to meet evolving needs.

Integrate social learning platforms: Foster collaboration and

knowledge-sharing through features like discussion forums, chat
functionalities, and collaborative projects creating a sense of
community among learners. This social interaction enhances the
overall learning experience, providing opportunities for peer-to-
peer learning and knowledge exchange.

Add interactive assessments and simulations: Harness advanced

technology to create interactive assessments and simulations.
Instead of traditional quizzes, engage learners in realistic scenarios
that test their decision-making skills and practical application of
knowledge. See how this enhances retention and prepares
employees for real-world challenges within a safe learning
environment.

18
Conclusion
In 2024, the integration of technologies enhances not only the
engagement and interactivity of learning experiences but also
enables a level of personalization that was once challenging to
achieve. This technological evolution in instructional design
aligns with the evolving nature of work and the increasing
demand for adaptive, efficient, and impactful learning solutions
in the corporate landscape.

19
Section

3
Skills Based Organizations

20
Introduction
In the current learning landscape, the paradigm extends beyond mere
upskilling and reskilling to embrace a transformative approach – a
skills-based organizational framework. Fueled by the rapid evolution of
industries and technologies, companies recognize the imperative to
cultivate a dynamic workforce capable of swiftly adapting to change.

This perspective emphasizes not only acquiring new skills but also
fostering a culture that values and integrates these skills into the fabric
of the organization. The focus extends to continuous learning,
collaboration, and a profound alignment of individual skills with
organizational goals, reflecting a forward-thinking and adaptive
corporate learning strategy in the dynamic year ahead.

In this section, we will examine the emphasis on creating an agile and

responsive workforce equipped with a spectrum of skills.

21
Right Skilling and Performance Impact

In the contemporary corporate learning landscape, the concept of "Right

Skilling" emerges as a strategic imperative, exceeding conventional
upskilling and reskilling. It involves aligning learning initiatives precisely
with the skills essential for both individual and organizational success,
thereby maximizing performance impact.

Here are key pointers highlighting the significance of Right Skilling and
what you can do for a positive impact on performance:

Focus on skill development: Direct learning efforts toward acquiring skills

that directly contribute to organizational goals, ensuring a strategic
alignment between individual capabilities and business objectives.

Design tailored learning journeys: Emphasize personalized learning

paths, recognizing that each employee possesses a unique set of strengths
and areas for improvement. Customized programs cater to individual
needs, fostering a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Adopt continuous learning: Beyond one-time training events, Right
Skilling promotes a continuous learning culture. Encourage employees to
adapt, evolve, and acquire new skills throughout their careers, enhancing
their agility and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.
Utilize learning analytics: Leverage learning analytics and data-driven
insights to identify skill gaps, measure performance impact, and refine
learning strategies. This data-centric approach enhances the precision and
effectiveness of skill development initiatives.
Leverage technological advancements: Embrace technology to deliver
efficient and impactful learning experiences. Integrate AI, VR, and adaptive
learning platforms to ensure a contemporary, engaging, and tech-enabled
approach to skill development.
Design outcome-focused metrics: Measure performance impact through
outcome-focused metrics, assessing not only the acquisition of skills but also
their practical application in real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that
skills translate into tangible contributions to organizational success.
Demonstrate readiness for industry shifts: Prepare employees to
anticipate future skill demands, enabling the workforce to proactively
navigate evolving business landscapes and maintain a competitive edge.
Develop leadership capabilities: Highlight the acquisition of skills essential
for effective leadership in a rapidly changing business environment to ensure
that leaders are equipped to guide teams through dynamic challenges.
22
Redefining KPIs

In the context of skill-based organizations, redefining Key Performance

Indicators (KPIs) in corporate learning is essential to measure the effectiveness
of skill development initiatives and their impact on organizational success.
These KPIs provide actionable insights to continuously refine and optimize
corporate learning strategies for sustained success.

Here are the top 10 factors to consider on redefinition of KPIs for your
organization:

1 Skill Alignment Ratio: Measure the alignment between acquired

skills and strategic organizational goals. This KPI assesses the extent
to which the workforce's skill set contributes directly to the success
of the business.

2 Individual Skill Mastery: Track the proficiency levels of individual

employees in targeted skills. This KPI provides insights into the
effectiveness of learning programs at the micro-level, identifying
areas for improvement.

3 Learning Agility Index: Evaluate the organization's capacity to

adapt to new skills and technologies rapidly. This KPI assesses how
well employees embrace change and acquire new skills, crucial for
staying competitive in evolving industries.

4 Continuous Learning Index: Measure the extent to which a

continuous learning culture is ingrained in the organization. This KPI
reflects the frequency and diversity of learning activities, indicating
the workforce's commitment to ongoing skill development.

23
Redefining KPIs

5 Skill Application Efficiency Rate: Assess how efficiently employees

apply newly acquired skills in their day-to-day tasks. This KPI
provides insights into the practical impact of learning initiatives on
job performance.

6 Technology Integration Success Rate: Evaluate how well

employees integrate new technologies into their workflows. This KPI
gauges the organization's readiness to adopt innovative tools and
practices facilitated by skill development initiatives.

7 Leadership Skill Progression: Assess the advancement of

leadership skills among organizational leaders. This KPI reflects the
impact of leadership development programs on the effectiveness of
guiding teams and driving organizational success.

8 Learning Satisfaction Index: Measure employee satisfaction with

learning programs. A positive correlation between learning
satisfaction and retention rates indicates the impact of skill-based
learning on employee engagement and loyalty.

9 ROI of Learning Initiatives: Calculate the return on investment for

learning programs by assessing their impact on productivity,
efficiency, and business outcomes. This KPI provides a tangible
measure of the value derived from skill-based learning investments.

10 Industry Benchmark Alignment: Compare the organization's skill

development metrics with industry benchmarks. This KPI ensures
that the organization remains competitive by aligning its skill
initiatives with broader industry standards.

24
Transformation and Attrition –
Fostering a Growth Mindset

In an evolving business scenario, the

intersection of transformation and
attrition highlights the critical need for
a growth mindset. Focused on skills,
compliance, and leadership, fostering
adaptability is imperative for success.

But how can you drive transformation,

reduce attrition, and meet needs
through strategic growth mindset?
Here are 10 practical tips to do so.

Redefine soft skills

• Contextual agility: Assist employees to adapt their
interpersonal skills across diverse scenarios, demonstrating
emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and effective
communication tailored to specific contexts.

• Digital fluency: Highlight the importance of fluency in virtual

collaboration, digital communication, and technological
adaptability as integral components of a well-rounded skill set.

Reinvent compliance training

• Engagement-centric compliance: Incorporate interactive

modules, real-world simulations, and personalized learning
paths to enhance understanding and application, ensuring a
culture of compliance.

• Continuous learning for regulatory changes: For frequent

regulatory changes, make compliance training a continuous
learning journey. Factor real-time updates, microlearning
modules, and adaptive assessments to ensure employees stay
abreast of evolving regulations, reducing risks, and enhancing
organizational compliance.
25
Transformation and Attrition –
Fostering a Growth Mindset

Relook leadership training

• Hybrid leadership competencies: Combine traditional skills with
a focus on remote team management, digital leadership, and
empathetic communication. This approach equips leaders to
navigate diverse work environments and hybrid work models
effectively.

• Learnership culture: Emphasize continuous learning for leaders

where leadership development becomes an ongoing journey,
fostering a mindset of growth, adaptability, and a commitment to
staying ahead in the curve.

Integrate growth mindset in talent retention

• Attrition mitigation: Cultivate an environment that encourages

continuous learning, skill development, and career growth to
retain talent by aligning individual aspirations with organizational
opportunities.

• Career pathing with soft skills: Align a competency-based

framework to recognize and reward employees both technical
expertise and soft skills. Pair employees with mentors who can
provide guidance on both for a holistic development.

Endorse personalized learning journeys

• Individualized development plans: Use data analytics and AI to

create individualized development plans, catering to each
employee's unique strengths, areas for improvement, and career
aspirations.

• Agile learning platforms: Offer flexibility and customization

through new platforms for employees to engage with content at
their own pace. Allowing for real-time adjustments to learning
paths based on evolving skill needs, fostering a culture of
continuous improvement.

26
Cross-Industry Skilling

With overlapping roles, leaner teams concept taking a precedence in many

organizations, cross-industry skilling emerges as a practical game-changer.
Grounded in real-world application, this approach equips individuals with
hands-on, versatile skills, enabling practical adaptability and innovation.
Organizations benefit as employees navigate diverse challenges, ensuring
practical, strategic, and lasting impact.

Here are key guidelines for you reap these benefits in your organizations:

Diverse skillsets for adaptability can be a game-changer: Equip

employees with diverse skillsets, enhancing adaptability. Individuals gain
expertise applicable across industries, ensuring resilience in the face of
changing economic landscapes and job markets.

Enhance creativity through innovation and problem-solving: Foster

innovative thinking through exposure to different industries. Employees can
bring fresh perspectives and problem-solving approaches, driving creativity
and a culture of innovation.

Dynamic career opportunities can open expansive career paths: Push

diverse expertise to unlock a range of career opportunities and versatile
professional journeys. In the broader context, this will provide flexibility and
mitigate the impact of industry-specific downturns.

Strategic organizational advantages can be driven through workforce

planning: Al Align talent processes with long-term goals, ensuring a skilled,
adaptive workforce. Identify skill needs, implement targeted training, and
strategically deploy talents for sustained innovation and competitiveness.

Knowledge exchange gives way to enhanced collaboration: Cross-

industry skilling promotes collaboration. Employees with varied
backgrounds share insights, fostering a knowledge exchange culture that
enriches the organization's collective intelligence and problem-solving
capabilities.

27
Cross-Industry Skilling

Enable accelerated learning and development through rapid skill

acquisition: Adapt to new challenges by leveraging employees skilled in
diverse areas, reducing the time and resources typically needed for upskilling
in specific domains.

Market-relevant skillsets allow agile response to market trends: Align

training programs to current market needs by implementing an agile
curriculum design approach. Develop modular and adaptable training
content that can swiftly incorporate new market-relevant skills, enabling a
prompt response to evolving industry trends.

Boost employee retention through increased engagement and

satisfaction: Tailor cross-industry learning paths to individual career
aspirations and recognize the unique skill intersections required for success
in diverse sectors. Implement interactive platforms in the form of gamified
modules, industry-specific discussions, and collaborative project for higher
engagement.

28
Self-Directed Learning Strategy

In 2024, Skills-Based Organizations will

thrive with a self-directed learning
strategy. Empowering employees, this
approach leverages curated content,
AI, and incentives, fostering
continuous, personalized skill
development.

Here are 10 practical tips for to

facilitate effective self-directed
learning for your teams for success:

Curate Personalized Learning Paths:

1
Tip: Develop a repository of diverse learning resources and learning
paths based on individual skills, goals, and preferences. This allows
employees to navigate their unique professional development journeys.

Promote Microlearning Modules

2 Tip: Embrace microlearning strategies by breaking down content into
bite-sized modules. This accommodates busy schedules, enabling
employees to absorb information in short, focused sessions,
promoting continuous learning without overwhelming time
commitments.

Facilitate Learning Communities

3 Tip: Establish online learning communities where employees can
share insights, experiences, and resources. Encourage collaborative
problem-solving and knowledge exchange, fostering a culture of
continuous learning through peer interaction.

Provide Access to Diverse Learning Format

4 Tip: Offer a variety of learning formats, including video tutorials,
podcasts, webinars, and interactive simulations. Catering to
different learning preferences ensures that employees can choose
the formats that best suit their individual styles.

29
Self-Directed Learning Strategy

Implement AI-Driven Personalization

5 Tip: Integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze individual learning
patterns and preferences. AI can recommend relevant content and
adapt the learning experience to align with each employee's skill
development trajectory.

Encourage Goal Setting and Progress Tracking

6 Tip: Facilitate goal-setting exercises where employees define their
skill development objectives. Implement systems that allow individuals
to track their progress, providing a sense of accomplishment and
motivation to continue their self-directed learning journey.

Offer Learning Credits or Incentives

7 Tip: Introduce a system of learning credits or incentives to
recognize and reward employees for their self-directed efforts.
Offer certificates, badges, or even professional development
allowances, reinforcing the value the organization places on
continuous learning.

Provide Mentorship Opportunities

8 Tip: Establish mentorship programs connecting experienced
employees with those seeking guidance in specific skill areas. This
not only facilitates knowledge transfer but also creates a supportive
environment for self-directed learners to seek advice and insights.

Create a User-Friendly Learning Platform

9 Tip: Invest in intuitive learning platforms. An accessible and well-
designed interface enhances the overall experience, making it easy
for employees to navigate resources, track progress, and engage in
self-directed learning seamlessly.

Facilitate Regular Feedback Mechanisms

10 Tip: Establish regular feedback channels on self-directed learning
initiatives. Encourage employees to provide insights on the
effectiveness of resources and suggest areas for improvement,
ensuring ongoing alignment with their evolving needs.

30
Conclusion
Organizations will benefit from self-directed learning as it empowers
employees to proactively enhance their skills, fostering a more
adaptable and knowledgeable workforce. This initiative aligns
individual growth with organizational goals, ensuring continuous
development, innovation, and a competitive edge in dynamic
business environments.

31
Section

4
Learning in the Flow of Work

32
Introduction
With the focus shifting to long-form education rather than training as a
one-time event, learning in the flow of work has gained significant
traction over the last few years. The approach seeks to integrate learning
into the learner’s workflows, making it an integral part of their job role
and work experience. Dispersed workforces especially stand to gain from
the sharing of best practices and perspectives that this format entails.
This has a positive impact on not only individual skill sets but group-wise
skillsets that can address performance challenges and opportunities for
change that are unique to that organization’s business context.

However, this is easier said than done. How does one make the learning
experience an unobtrusive one? How does one build for a global scale?
What technology and learning methodologies does one use to get the
desired training outcome? Given the scale and spread of teams, how
does one ensure a standardized learning experience? This section covers
some real-world challenges one may encounter and offers suggestions
for how to address them.

33
Make Learning Action-Based

Action Learning lends that much-needed relevance to learning in the flow

of work. This mode of learning is a collaborative problem-solving approach
that emphasizes learning through real-world experiences. Learners are
encouraged to tackle complex challenges while reflecting on their
experiences and the consequences of their actions. The fundamental
principle of this mode of learning is to learn by doing.

Here are a few guidelines to integrate action-learning into your curriculum:

Define a structured experience: Give each learner a structured process of
questioning, reflection, and action. This goal of the learning should be to
help them arrive at solutions that enhance not only theirs but their group
or team’s capabilities as well.

Select appropriate topics for skill and knowledge building: This

methodology is particularly effective for the development of managerial
skills or leadership development. It fosters critical thinking and helps
build a culture of continuous learning.

Challenge learners: Action Learning encourages learners to step out of

their comfort zones. This fosters creative thinking, which is the first step
toward better problem-solving skills and improved adaptability.

Retain real-world significance: The success of Action Learning lies in its

ability to integrate awareness with application. Learning gets rooted in
real-world problems, which help learners see immediate relevance to
their job.

Ensure teamwork: Organizations adopting Action Learning often

witness better collaboration between teams, leading to a better
problem-solving across the board and a work culture that embraces a
growth mindset.
34
Situate Learning in Business Scenarios

Following close on the heels of action-based learning, we have our trusty

go-to scenario-based learning. But this time let’s make it business scenario-
based learning. Immerse learners in realistic, context-driven situations to
enhance their problem-solving and decision-making skills within the
business context. By giving learners scenarios that mirror the complexities
of their business, you make it not only immediately relevant but also get
them involved in finding solutions to real-life business problems.

Here’s how one can add a spin on this old classic:

Replicate real-world business challenges: Include real-world scenarios

like market fluctuations, industry shifts, project management dilemmas,
or other relevant business situations. Get learners to analyze these
scenarios and make decisions. Also allow them to experience the
consequences of those decisions in a risk-free environment.

Provide opportunities to gain insights: Ensure these scenarios allow

learners to apply theoretical knowledge to business situations. In
their search for answers, learners should be encouraged to gain a
deeper understanding of business concepts.

Build confidence: Build the learner’s confidence as they go along,

motivating them to participate in decision-making, acknowledging their
contributions and rewarding them for good performance.

Make it collaborative: To truly replicate real life, make the business

scenarios collaborative. Assign roles to each learner and share clear
expectations from the role, aligning to expectations from the job.

If using technology, keep it real: This mode of learning often relies on

technology to succeed – for examples, you may include a business-based
simulation model or a digital environment for learners to join. This can be
costly to build and maintain. Evaluate the role that technology will play in
your solutions, factoring in business realities like time and budget.

35
Build a Culture of Continuous Learning

Going hand-in-hand with learning in the flow of work is a culture of

continuous learning. Much like Learning in the flow of work (LIFOW),
continuous learning focuses on career growth with experience-based
learning. It involves fostering an environment where employees are
encouraged to acquire new knowledge, develop skills, and adapt to changing
circumstances throughout their careers. An environment conducive to
continuous learning helps learners navigate change and make meaningful
contributions to the organization's success.

To encourage an ecosystem of continuous learning:

Provide an environment for learning: Employees must be given access to
training resources, while on the job, that support their professional growth.
These resources must improve comprehension, encourage learner
participation, and support them in acquiring and applying new knowledge.

Get leadership buy-in: Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping a culture

of continuous learning. When leaders prioritize learning and development,
it sends a clear message to the entire organization about the importance
of staying current and relevant. Leaders can lead by example, actively
participating in learning initiatives and demonstrating a growth mindset.

36
Build a Culture of Continuous Learning

Recognize and reward the learner: Creating a culture of continuous

learning also involves recognizing and rewarding employees for their
commitment to professional development. This can be achieved through
performance evaluations that go beyond acknowledging achievements to
providing further opportunities for career advancement.

Help learners foster a growth mindset: With a growth mindset, failure

is not the end of the world. This mindset integrates seamlessly with
LIFOW, emphasizing adaptability and skill development within the job
role. It also helps ensure that ensure that learners are responsive to not
only immediate demands but to ongoing learning.

Give it time: Continuous learning, by its very nature, requires time for the
learner to get accustomed to the learning habit. Learners must be
supported as they go through each stage of the learning experience – from
Awareness to Assimilation to Application.

37
Prepare for (a Global) Scale

With organizations scaling, learning is getting global. To coordinate LIFOW as

organizations grow or change, you will need robust systems. This includes
sound project management, a culture of adaptability, open communication,
and an agile work structure.

Here are a few things to consider:

Get leadership buy-in across the board: Leaders across all locations of the
organization should buy-in to this culture of learning. They must encourage
an environment where employees are open to change and continuous
learning. This involves investing in employee development, offering training
initiatives, and creating new opportunities for skill building.

Communicate, communicate, communicate: Communication plays a

pivotal role. Establishing clear and transparent communication channels
ensures that information flows seamlessly throughout the organization.
Regular updates to training, frequent touch-points with teams, and
training feedback mechanisms help in keeping employees engaged and
motivated to continue their learning journey.

Keep it agile: A flexible and agile organizational structure is crucial for

managing LIFOW in a growing or changing environment. This involves
regularly reviewing and adjusting training material when needed,
reviewing training reports, clearly defining and evaluating training
structures, roles, and responsibilities to ensure they align with the
evolving needs of the organization.

Review your technology options: Ensure that LIFOW is built on scalable

technology. With cloud-based platforms and mobile-friendly interfaces,
team members across different geographical locations can easily
participate in learning activities. This ensures that the entire global team
shares a common understanding of the expectations from and outcomes
of training despite physical distances.

Conduct regular checks: Conduct periodic assessments to gauge the

effectiveness of LIFOW strategies in different regions, allowing for
adjustments to meet the specific needs of a geographically dispersed
workforce.
38
Conclusion
LIFOW represents a shift in how organizations will approach
employee development in 2024. By incorporating
methodologies such as action learning and business scenario-
based learning, and fostering a culture of continuous learning,
L&D professionals and business teams can empower learners
to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. This approach not only
enhances individual skills but also contributes to the
organization’s ability to adapt to change.

39
Section

5
Learning and Business Alliance
- Partnering for Success

40
Learning and
Business Alliance - Partnering for Success

Learning and Development’s alignment with strategic business

goals has become necessary for organizational growth,
operational excellence, and customer success. With greater
focus on alignment between the business and L&D, learner
performance outcomes, business metrics, and enhanced
technology, will make 2024 the year of Learning effectiveness
measurement.

41
Learning as a Business

To measure learning impact correctly,

redefining what effective measurement
is, plays a crucial part in the process.
Too often organizations are challenged
in understanding how to align learning
to business goals. The critical
connection between business and
L&D provides a clear insight into
organizational unification. This
promotes learning as a strategic partner
and business driver. The following are
needed approaches to ensure Learning
is aligned as a business:

Workplace learning for the modern business: Understanding

how an organization is structured and the impact of goals drives
cohesiveness, enabling stakeholders to work collaboratively.
Knowing the modern workforce’s composition and learning
preferences provides insights into the foundation for continuous
learning and talent management growth.

Aligning for results: Developing a deep understanding of the business

culture and focusing on organizational strategy, enables clear and
manageable expectations that provide key indicators for successful
alignment. L&D leaders should take time to project future outcomes of
business scenarios for predictive measurement and risk management.

Designing strategic learning plan for business optimization: Create a

detailed strategy that includes a business plan with areas that might not
have been considered in prior plans. Establish clear metrics with
forecasted outcomes. Align learning with desired goals capturing the
type of learning that will prove successful for business inclusion. Go
beyond the cost analysis and focus on learner performance outcomes
and impact on the business. Include AI best practices for analytics and
benchmarking. This will be a progressive plan that needs to adapt to the
changes in business planning.

42
Impact-driven Strategy

An impact-driven strategy focuses on culture and continuous improvement. It

utilizes learning data and takes change into account within an organization
therefore improving its performance impact. The strategy of treating learning
as a business all starts with establishing a learning mindset organization-
wide. This mindset promotes continuous learning driving impact
measurement by setting learning goals, turning stakeholders into learning
champions, providing, and receiving constructive feedback, and motivating
learners to become more engaged.

It’s important to leverage the benefits of a learning culture to:

Foster a culture of learning: By Offering development opportunities to

employees, it shows commitment as a business. It also indicates a long-
term strategy that creates a continuous culture focused on learning and
inclusivity.

Commitment to improvement: By creating a commitment to improvement,

employees will experience an organization’s commitment to improving
performance and growing the business. Learning then becomes a powerful
tool to use for talent retention. When offering your employees access to
continual learning, it ultimately strengthens your business. Opportunities to
learn and grow are often cited as the main driver of work culture.

Progressive process: A learning culture is a progressive process, that must

be cultivated year after year. Create a culture of learning champions who
support the organization's learning vision and drive your strategy forward.

43
Aligning Learning Metrics to Business Goals

When learning strategy aligns with business goals, it validates that everyone
is working toward the same goals. This also leads to employees being more
productive which then improves their impact on the team’s goals, and
ultimately, the overall goals of the business.

Strategic planning and impact: First, establish a seat at the table

and make sure learning is part of the critical business decisions.
Then, work with stakeholders and business partners to identify
objectives and strategic goals. Communicating the importance and
purpose of training to stakeholders and employees is crucial. Great
communication ensures employees are more committed. Learning
should also be focused on upskilling employees which will lead to a
higher quality of work and reduce risks.

Vanity metrics vs. business metrics: Perhaps the most important

alignment is to prove learning’s ROI through the utilization of metrics and
measurements. Some of these measurements can derive from
productivity, identifying skill gaps, survey results, changes in behavior,
increased sales, and retention. Learning measurement has vastly been
based on vanity metrics which are not a signifier of real return on
investment. However, with the rise of AI analytics, L&D can develop
deeper insights into business metrics for more accurate reflections on
effective performance and retention data.

44
 Employee satisfaction,
1 measured via survey 7 Team or org business metrics

Employee satisfaction, informal Improved employee

2 or qualitative feedback 8 productivity

Number of employees taking

3 courses or trainings 9 Improved employee retention

Employee performance on post-

4 learning quizzes or assessments 10 Number of hours spent learning

Number of courses or training Progress towards closing

5 each employee has completed 11 workforce skill gaps

Number of new skills learned

6 Improved performance reviews 12 per learner

Vanity metrics Business metrics

Augmented intelligence and data analysis: L&D is dependent on performance

outcomes and valid data to prove and support effective measurability with
organizations. Questioning the validity of the data is a struggle for many learning
leaders to build metrics that show actual business impacts. Artificial intelligence (AI)
has filled that gap enabling L&D to access data quickly providing accurate metrics for
better business alignment. Redefining “Smart Learning” by focusing on better designed
solutions that support and propel organization towards success relies on concise
measurability. For Learning to align and support business growth, partnering with AI
provides a strong and credible positioning for business goal alliance.

Business results impact and talent retention: Aligning learning to business goals
is a process that starts with identifying and validating organizational goals.
Understanding KPI’s to measure goals requires business collaboration to ensure the
identified KPI’s are mapped correctly. Additional review and validation of individual
goals based on clear competency models creates a measurable learner profile that
provide the basis for L&D design and strategy. The sustainability of employees
requires a clear partnership between L&D and Talent Management. In 2024 this
partnership will be more prevalent promoting business alignment to retain talent
and meet all organizational goals.

45
Section

6
Surge of AI and Automation
in the Workplace

46
 Al will continue to change the modern workplace pushing the
boundaries between learning and technology. Throughout the last
year, Generative AI has led the industry as a new and engaging content-
creation trend. In 2024, AI will advance focusing on quantitative
analytics, project management, medical diagnostics, and customer
service optimization. Enhancements to ChatGPT and other chatbots
will assist the workforce with defining new job roles, skill development,
KPIs, and knowledge acquisition relating to data analytics. The benefit
of this innovation is the fusion of AI analytics with emotional
intelligence, redefining effective measurement and human interaction.

97%

large medium- small

companies sized companies Business owners
companies

Forbes reported that 68% of large 97% of Business owners already

companies, 33% of medium-sized believe that generative AI tools
companies, and 15% of small such as ChatGPT will have a
companies have recently positive impact on their business
incorporated at least one AI (Forbes).
technology.
47
AI Data-driven Learning

Over the past year, skills training has been predominant as a priority for
L&D to enhance learner development and retention, which is based on
the goals of the organization. A data-driven approach is required to
better understand and analyze these goals. As a result, in 2024 the
focus will be on engaging customized learning experiences based on AI
data-driven learning approaches. Organizations will need to revisit
goals to address specific skill gaps and provide strategic solutions to
meet business goals. With predictive data modeling, L&D can leverage
data that will promote outcomes providing results that map to
business goals in a more initiative-taking manner thus yielding
alignment more readily.

48
Optimized Personalized Learning

AI-driven personalized learning experiences will further evolve in 2024

promoting further alignment of learning content to learning preferences
and individual requirements. With Learners recognizing the benefits of AI
in the workforce, the focus is starting to move from fearing AI will replace
jobs to accepting skills training will help to secure job roles.

Utilizing AI to analyze personal skills and provide personalized

recommendations for skill development provides more efficient learning
experiences benefiting the organization in totality. Advancements in
automation within the learning experience will push learning to new
heights prompting new insights into effective measurability. AI-powered
learning environments will optimize the learning experience with
modernized personalized learning paths. Personalized Learning will reach
a new focal point this year, empowering L&D to reexamine self-directed
learning and the new age of AI.

49
NexGen Generative AI

Throughout the rise of Generative AI, we will see the continuation of its
effect on the modern workforce with an impact reaching beyond
standard business practices. In 2024, Generative AI will see more focus on
customized enterprise generative AI models, targeting requirements for
niche markets and user personalization. The following are specific areas
that NexGen Generative AI will be impactful:

Industry Specific: Gen-literate Workforce:

Some industries will gain more Ensuring a workforce that is
than others. Most industries Gen-literate is challenging. It
will see growth in their Sales has been reported in a
and Marketing areas. Finance, McKinsey survey that baby
Banking, Healthcare, and boomers use Gen AI tools
Sales organizations will see more frequently than
significant benefits due to millennials for work, so L&D
advancements in AI has to provide insights and
technology and accelerated training for multigenerational
software development. learners and leaders.

Human-centric Retrieval-Augmented
Alignment: Generation:

Throughout 2024, the One issue that was elevated

partnership between human from last year is incorrect
creativity and AI-produced responses to users' queries or
solutions will become Hallucinations. This issue
intertwined thus prompting caused delays in enterprise
human intervention. This will adoption. Retrieval-augmented
ensure authenticity within the generation (RAG) blends
boundaries of legal and ethical information retrieval and text
standards. generation to improve the
precision of AI-generated
content. The goal is to create
self-correcting content reducing
human interaction.

50
AI Disruptive Data Analysis

A significant trend in 2024 is how AI will disrupt data analysis.

Traditional approaches to business intelligence will be surpassed by
innovations relating to natural language processing (NLP) and
conversational analytics. These tools will become simpler to work with
and have more upgraded functionality to interpret context, complex
questions, and voice and image-as-input to address informational data
queries. These enhancements will provide further insights with real-
time analytics to strengthen decision-making for businesses.

51
Continuous Learning Analytics

Advancements in AI analytics will be more impactful in helping

organizations create a continuous learning culture. AI will provide more
in-depth analysis capabilities to identify learner patterns and interactions.
By recognizing patterns, AI can initiate redirection helping the learner to
become more engaged. Organizations can leverage continuous learning
analytics to make decisions that rectify learning strategy and improve the
learner’s experience. There will be more reliance on learning analytics this
year to help L&D better align with organizational objectives and ensure
continuous learning is prevalent and measured successfully.

52
Rise of Innovation

As 2024 progresses, AI innovation will continue to drive business data and

metrics. The following are areas where advancements in AI will help
transform the way we learn, manage content, and align with technology:

Multi-Modal Generative AI: This year, we will see more emphasis on

multi-modal Generative AI. This includes several types of inputs like text,
voice, melodies, and visual cues for a single output and greater accuracy.
Multimodal AI more closely simulates human perception.

Driving Practical Impacts: Early signs point to AI transitioning from a

conceptually stimulating technology within a speculative cycle of
experimentation to one driving practical impacts to organizations broadly.

Customized, Domain-Specific Applications: This evolution will be

particularly evident in business-to-business contexts, where the need for
tailored AI solutions is paramount.

Remote work and online learning: With the continuing emphasis on the
remote workforce, AI will revolutionize tailored curriculum designs and
virtual team dynamics.

Ethical Alignment: More organizations have raised concern with ethical

and legal concerns relating to AI research and development. Many
organizations are augmenting their legal teams to include expertise in
these areas.

AI Wearables: This year, will see the popularity of AI wearables coupled

with extended reality (XR) devices like the AI Pin and Tab. These devices
will enhance daily life providing a new level of interactivity to quickly
engage with knowledge seamlessly.

AI and Employee Hiring and Onboarding: Hiring, employee retention and

termination will leverage AI functionality to address skills training and
inclusion. Many employees are looking for organizations that use AI for
employee development. Additionally, AI platforms serve to help with
background checks, reduce bias in the process, and provide a level playing
field for employee advancement.

53
Section

7
Optimizing Digital Learning

54
Introduction
With personalized content, adaptive learning platforms, microlearning,
etc. having established their position as learning must-haves, the focus
now shifts to how best to optimize digital learning. It needs to meet the
dual goal of learner engagement and a shift in performance, as well as
learning investment that translates to positive returns on investment. The
key lies in a comprehensive approach that blends technology innovation
with an effective instructional methodology.

This section explores ways to optimize digital learning as we move into

2024, including immersive learning, microlearning, gamification,
interactive video-based learning, adaptive learning, and simulations.

55
Immersive Learning Advancements

Immersive learning is getting better and better and investment in it is growing.

Along with smart tech like AI and data analytics, there are new opportunities to
adapt digital learning to unique learner needs. Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented
Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are at the forefront of these innovations,
reshaping the way we learn. According to a recent estimate by Goldman Sachs,
AR and VR are expected to grow into a $95 billion market by 2025. It is no
longer just about learning, but about learning in a way that suits you and helps
you deliver concrete performance outcomes.

A few things to consider when creating an immersive learning environment:

1 Ongoing learner participation: To foster learner participation

and engagement when you build training include aspects of
interactive learning and design scenarios & practical examples to
which teams can relate; include gentle reminders and nudges to
steer dispersed learners toward the training. To significantly boost
learning engagement, foster a positive and supportive learning
environment that encourages the learner to engage frequently.

2 Choose the right strategy: The quality of immersive Learning

experiences is driven by your strategy. Choose right. Whether it’s
gamification, story-based learning, branching simulations, AR, MR,
VR, video-based learning, or scenario-based learning. What’s your
learning culture like? Which approach can be best supported by
available technology infrastructure? What’s your budget to
implement immersive learning? …are all questions to ask before
selecting the strategy that will work for your organization.

56
Immersive Learning Advancements

3 Keep the learner engaged with feedback: Timely feedback is

critical for professional growth. Include aspects of real-time or near-
real-time feedback. Coach and mentor learners as they engage with
the training, incorporate real-time feedback on their performance,
and share progress milestones so they feel a sense of achievement.

4 Your DEI story: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in learning are
key to fostering an equitable and rich learning environment. While
defining your immersive learning strategy, keep sight of the rules for
accessibility and DEI. Refer to standards like Voluntary Product
Accessibility Template (VPAT) and Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG).

5 Leverage LXPs: Learner Experience Platforms (LXPs) play a crucial

role in delivering immersive learning. Recognizing that each learner
possesses a distinct learning style and may have different learning
goals, LXPs can tailor the learning environment. This personalization
and customization can encourage learners to engage with the
training material and immerse themselves in the learning process.

57
Microlearning and Nano/Reels

While we’re all familiar with microlearning formats, it’s now time to see how
the trend can be fine-tuned further. Going a step forward from microlearning,
the rise of nano-learning and reels takes charge of delivering learning to the
shrinking attention spans of digital natives. Offering ultra-short lessons that
can be easily integrated into daily routines, nano learning and reels leverage
the popularity of short-form video content for zippy learning experiences.

Here are a few ideas to get the change started:

Make it precise: This may sound obvious, but it bears

repeating, make it to the point. The approach is particularly
effective for reinforcing key concepts, providing quick
updates, or even as a recap of new material. The key is to
make it as brief and concise as possible.

Update regularly: Keep the microlearning content updated

to reflect any change in information. This ensures that the
training remains relevant. It will also ensure there’s something
new for the learner to look forward to. For this, it is important
to design microlearning or nano learning in formats that are
easy to update.

Personalize the experience: There’s scope to tailor

microlearning content to the individual needs of learners.
Consider their roles and learning requirements to make the
experience more engaging and impactful. Use strategies like
self-reflection to help them connect better and identify what
will be of most relevance.
58
Microlearning and Nano/Reels

Institute a mechanism for feedback: It’s easy for micro and

nano learning to get developed, delivered, and then disappear
into a learning blackhole. As with all other learning
experiences, keep a constant flow of conversation going with
the learner. Get their feedback on what works for them, and
course correct if needed. Make it a two-way street. Through
assessments, help the learner understand their strengths and
areas for improvement and facilitate continuous learning.

Experiment with formats: The possibilities are endless –

microlearning videos, reels, talking head videos, infographics,
podcasts, quick games, self-reflection questions, quizzes,
what-if simulations, short branching scenarios, live action
interviews, expert-speak, and so on. Mix and match formats to
create a memorable learning experience!

59
Gamification/Game-based Learning

With the global gamification industry is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 27.4%

between 2020 and 2025, game-based learning and gamification techniques will
continue to thrive in 2024 (Soft Suave). To harness the power of gamification
this year:

Push the envelope: Augmented reality, virtual reality, and

artificial intelligence further amplify the immersive nature of
games and gamification, offering personalized challenges
and adaptive gameplay.

Personalize the experience: Rather than follow the predictability

of a pre-determined path, give learners the opportunity to
personalize their learning. Give them more practice or send
reinforcements if they are struggling. Design your game-based
learning to include game paths of different complexities and
levels of challenge, include avatars, provide additional practice
should the learner need it, and allow the learner to determine
their level of gameplay.

60
Gamification/Game-based Learning

Learning versus winning/losing: Make learning the

primary objective of your game-based learning strategy.
This means that learners should feel safe “losing” without
facing the consequences of it. No game shame at play
here. This encourages them to get back into the game
with new strategies and different approaches. The goal of
this approach is to provide insights through failing in a
safe online environment.

Team gaming versus individual sport: Where possible,

include team games as opposed to individual events.
Quests that a group must complete together can foster
a sense of collaboration as well as competition.

Make it mobile first: Prioritize delivery and optimize

games and gamification for mobile platforms like
phones and tablets. This will ensure that learning is
always at hand and more easily accessible than it would
be on a laptop. !

61
Simulations

One key advantage of learning simulations is the opportunity for hands-on

practice. They allow participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practical
situations, along with fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Simulations offer a learning environment where individuals can experiment
and learn from mistakes in a safe online environment.

Here are some ways in which you can up the ante on your simulation game:

1 Tech it up: As technology continues to advance, learning

simulations evolve, incorporating virtual reality, augmented
reality, and artificial intelligence to create increasingly realistic
and effective training experiences. Look for opportunities to
utilize virtual environments, replicating scenarios from the
business. It is especially useful for fields like healthcare,
manufacturing, hospitality, aviation, and business to name a
few.
2 Feedback is everything: In the realm of simulated
environments, feedback guides learners by providing insights
into the consequences of their decisions. When delivered as an
iterative process, feedback can enhance the learner’s strategic
thinking and problem-solving capabilities, and better prepare
them for real-world complexities..

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Simulations

3 Make it adaptive: Personalization in business simulations

transforms the learning experience by tailoring challenges to the
pace of individual learners. By customizing content based on the
learner's decision-making pattern and skills, simulations can
further enhance engagement and relevance to the learner.

4 Evaluate and course correct: Feedback is essential not only for

the learner but also for organizations. With simulations, learner
behaviors and responses can shed light on key skill gaps for the
organization. Use data from simulations to gain these valuable
insights.

5 Make it collaborative: Collaboration not only enhances problem-

solving capabilities but also instills a sense of collective
responsibility. Create environments where learners must
collaborate across departments, if possible, leverage diverse skills,
and jointly tackle challenges.

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Interactive Video-based Learning

In addition to the ideas shared above, learning designers can also explore
Interactive Video-based Learning. The integration of interactivity can add a
new layer of interest to online learning. Interactivity can take several forms
– like quizzes, discussions, reflection moments, or even branched decision-
making within the learning interface.

By giving learners the chance to impact the narrative, interactive videos

allow learners to:

1 Actively participate in the learning process.

2 Accommodate diverse learning styles and take personalized

learning paths.

3 Pace the learning according to their convenience.

4 Get immediate feedback, promoting an iterative learning

experience.

5 Improve information retention by transforming passive viewing

into a participatory learning experience.

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Conclusion
To optimize digital learning, one must get into the habit of embracing
a diverse array of innovative technologies. Immersive learning,
microlearning, gamification, interactive video-based learning,
adaptive learning, and simulations collectively redefine how we
approach learning design and development. By leveraging these
formats and blending them with technology, learning designers can
create engaging and personalized learning experiences.

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Section

8
Modernized Learning
Technology Stacks

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Modernized Learning Technology Stacks

2024 will be the year of learning and technology for the Modern Workforce.
The next era of digital transformation has been ushered in by the
predominance of Artificial Intelligence. Notably, this year Generative AI
advancements will impact numerous industries and the learning and
performance ecosystems of many organizations.

Learning Software
The LMS has been the center of Learning technology for years. However, as AI
continues to infiltrate the learning and performance ecosystem, Learner
Experience Platforms (LXP) have taken the forefront in the next phase and
have provided organizations with the ability to provide experience and
personalized learning. This year we will see the launch of AI-powered Learning
Management Systems.

Al platforms will be more prevalent this year due to the increased utilization
and demand for AI. L&D will also look to assessment platforms and data
analytical tools to expedite improved performance outcomes. As organizations
review the full human capital management life cycle, more emphasis will be
placed on building a sustainable and more effective ecosystem to ensure skills
training positively impacts business growth.

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AI Learning Integration

The rapid growth of the AI landscape is a constant reminder that L&D has
new tools and platforms to leverage for the ultimate learning experience.
Al-based avatars provide the next level of extended reality for learner
engagement. With the rise of AI Role-playing platforms and AI Coaching
platforms, L&D is seeing more interactivity and life-like conversational
responsiveness. Avatars provide incredible personalization connecting
both cultural and language requirements.

In 2024, the industry will see AI group avatars interacting for team and
client experiences. More industries will leverage avatars in diverse types
of learning modalities which will provide authentic environments with
enhanced audio syncing and realistic facial and body expressions.
Learners will be able to select their preferences enabling a more self-
directed learning experience crafted by AI.

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Learning Technology Impact

Technology is quickly expanding the landscape for Learning and

Performance. The following are emerging technology trends that
will impact the L&D strategy throughout 2024:

AI-powered Learning Environments: AI platforms are

projected to continue as a trend providing learners with a
personalized learning journey connecting them with
engaging content. New AI platforms will be available this
year leveraging metrics from machine learning and will
result in a more holistic learner-centric approach for
workforce development.

Augmented-Connected Workforce: This 2024 trend

utilizes intelligent applications and workforce analytics to
improve the productivity of employees in a faster
timeframe. It integrates augmentation technologies into
the work environments, empowering learners to elevate
their proficiencies and productivity, improving overall
business operations.

Adaptive Platforms: These platforms will impact

learning using algorithms to analyze learners’
performance. Enhancements to these platforms will
produce efficiencies to help employees increase skills and
ensure competencies are met.

Internet of Things (IoT): This trend has reemerged in

2024 as a dominant technology worldwide. IoT
technologies include blockchain, 5G connectivity, data
analytics, and digital twins.

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Learning Technology Impact

Virtual and Augmented Reality: VR and AR will continue

to enhance learner experiential journeys by augmenting
reality. Integration with an LMS/LPX will be more
streamlined making it easier for learners to access. More
industries will start to utilize AR/VR to deliver learning in
immersive formats because retention rates are higher than
with traditional learning. More organizations this year will
invest in extended realities as ROI models are more readily
available.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): This is a technology

that automates jobs like what AI and Machine Learning can
do. RPA automates business processes and interprets
applications. RPA automates repetitive work-related tasks
to enhance job flow and procedures.

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Section

9
Workforce Enablement
and Global Transformation

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 Upskilling and Re-learning

The workforce has undergone significant transformation over the last few years.
While on one hand remote work has become a way of life for many, on the other
hand some organizations are having to deal with the ‘disruption’ of a return-to-
work-policy. As a result, flexible work arrangements and the prioritization of work-
life balance have gained prominence, reshaping the workplace yet again.

Within this ecosystem and carrying over from the previous year, organizations are
continuing to value skill diversity, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are also at the forefront, fostering
inclusive workplaces. Overall, the 2024 workforce is characterized by adaptability,
technology integration, diversity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

We see the following skillsets gaining even more prominence:

1 Leadership Development and Hybrid Leadership: Nurturing effective

leaders will be important, especially in the context of hybrid work models.
Leaders will need to hone the skills needed to lead remote and on-site teams,
while being able to encourage adaptability and strategic thinking.

2 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Intelligence: While thousands of

training dollars go into DEI initiatives, concrete evidence of its success is yet
to be established. This year, L&D teams should move away from single-
styled, one-time DEI training initiatives to consider a blend of strategies.
Training could be staggered, or refreshers rolled out over the year. A
comprehensive training package is required to address the spectrum of
learning needs and styles.

3 Sales Enablement: Sales training will undergo a change and see renewed
interest in 2024. Taking it up a notch, L&D teams can consider virtual reality
simulations to provide an immersive experience in refining skills like
negotiation and client interaction. Mobile-friendly, microlearning content
can also ensure on-the-go access, to meet the needs of an agile sales force.

4 Induction and Onboarding: With 360 virtual tours and AR/ VR-enabled
experiences, in 2024, onboarding training will undergo a transformation.
Organizations will want to immerse new hires in realistic virtual
environments, helping to quicken their integration into the new organization.
For both new hires and lateral hires, personalized learning pathways will
cater to individual strengths and areas for development. Hybrid workforces
will benefit from mobile-friendly onboarding, accessing learning anytime,
anywhere. Overall, onboarding in 2024 will be tech-driven and adaptive.
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Learning Gets More Social

This year social learning will continue to transform the L&D landscape.
Online communities, forums, and social media platforms already serve as
hubs for collaboration and knowledge exchange. With the number of tools
to support this form of learning are only getting better by the day, 2024
will see these hubs further contributing to peer-based and social learning.

Integrating features like custom profile pages, tools for engagement,

customized learning hubs, AI powered insights and even options for
monetization, social learning platforms offer a lot for learners seeking a
more collaborative learning experience.

Further aided by AI, social learning in 2024 will be highly personalized, with
algorithms to analyze learner behaviors, preferences, and performance.

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Generative and AI Skills | AI Integration Within
Workstreams and Critical Thinking

We've all discussed how the move toward AI-driven content creation is set to
change the learning industry. Immediate applications include language
translations, AI-generated presenters, and AI-generated videos. This AI-
generated content signals a change in the overall learning experience that
will only continue its path to transformation as we move forward.

In 2024, we can look to:

AI-assisted content generation:

Expect a more pronounced presence with an acceleration of AI-generated
content. We’re heading toward a future where AI not only plays a significant
role in content generation but also elevates the overall eLearning
experience through enhanced personalization and engaging, immersive
learning approaches.

AI-assisted learning delivery:

Virtual Assistants and Chatbots will enhance access to training, providing
a 24x7 availability. Learning initiatives will witness a significant change in
how they are being delivered and consumed by the target audience.

Better training insights:

The processing of learning data and reports, statistics related to learner
preferences, assessment scores, will all provide learning designers and L&D
teams with more profound insights into the effectiveness of eLearning.

Accessibility gets a boost:

AI will make learning more accessible to learners with disabilities through
the usages of Assistive Technologies (AT).

Critical thinking skills get a boost:

With the rise of AI and the ease with which learning will soon be designed and
consumed, it will become critical to have human intervention in the content
development process to ensure that learning remains human-centered.

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Business Sustainability and ESG

Climate action is now. With an intense focus on environmental regulation

in 2024, learning initiatives will increasingly emphasize the importance of
sustainable business practices and ethical decision-making.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) training for leaders will help
leaders stay competitive in 2024. It will equip them to better manage
risks, encourage a culture of growth and innovation, and build an
adaptable organization.

ESG training will play a crucial role in helping organizations conform to

regulations, manage stakeholder expectations, manage their businesses
with innovation and agility, and protect their brand reputation. All while
continuing to stay competitive in the marketplace.

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Compliance Training Re-imagined

Compliance training will need to evolve to address the challenges posed

by factors like a hybrid workforce, changing data privacy regulations, and
the integration of AI in business. Employers should leverage technology
to create flexible, personalized, and effective training programs that
deliver on their objectives.

A few ways to shift the training approach around compliance:

Use better learning strategies:

While this hardly qualifies as a trend, compliance training needs a long
overdue facelift – interactive formats, a learning experience that challenges
and encourages the learner to engage, and timely and relevant feedback,
all have a vital role to play. Consider simulations, serious games, on-the-job
challenges, video-based learning, nano reels, and a staggered learning
approach around compliance training.

Follow through on training

L&D team will extend training reporting beyond course completion to
identify patterns in learning. Which sections had the most views, which
questions received the most incorrect answers. Once organizations have
a better understanding of how training has been consumed, suitable next
steps could include a brief refresher or follow on training, if necessary.

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Compliance Training Re-imagined

Make it 360 degrees:

In place of a single training program, organizations will benefit from offering a
blend of learning formats. Training could be staggered over time or core
learning could be complemented with a short video or checklist, for example.

Continue the engagement:

Compliance training should not be a one-time event. L&D could look for
opportunities to integrate Performance Support Tools (PSTs) with core
compliance training, making these tools, accessible within the learners'
workflow, ensuring they are designed in engaging formats suitable for sharing
on smartphones, and so on. In continuing to maintain touchpoints with the
learner, L&D professionals must reinforce the compliance training message.

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Conclusion
The workforce has transformed, emphasizing skill diversity, and
upskilling to meet industry demands. 2024 will see renewed focus on
enhancing skills like Leadership Development, Hybrid Leadership, and
Sales Enablement, and training initiatives like Environmental, Social &
Governance and compliance training. Social learning, driven by online
platforms, is also set to advance in 2024, becoming highly personalized
with AI.

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 Powering
Emotionally Intelligent
Experiences

At EI, we leverage the power of human connection and empathy to build

resilient, high-performing individuals and teams with a deeper
engagement to the organization. We are an emotionally intelligent
learning experience design company that drives performance gain and
maximizes training ROI and ROE.

We advise, consult, and design with the purpose of addressing complex

challenges that require an agile approach and a wide-reaching solution.
Our aim is to provide remarkable customer experiences with the ability to
evoke deliberate positive emotions in the heart and mind. We also
collaborate with the world’s leading corporations, universities, schools,
publishers, and government institutions and help companies with their
learning needs and strategic priorities.

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Our Journey Thus Far

25+
GLOBAL LOCATIONS 25+ 700+
SERVICED INDUSTRY DELIGHTED
VERTICALS CUSTOMERS

2800+ 2000+
HOURS OF ADVISORY AND
GLOBAL INTEGRATED TEAM
CONSULTING SERVICES

450+ 1M+
GLOBAL AWARDS AND
RANKINGS
HOURS OF
TRANSFORMATIONAL
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
200+
PROJECTS WITH
PLATFORM EXPERTISE

BRANDON HALL GROUP

100+ BRANDON HALL AWARDS
SMARTCHOICE® PLATINUM
OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS
SOLUTION PROVIDER

40+ RANKINGS FROM ELEARNING 5 RANKINGS

INDUSTRY OVER THE LAST 6 YEARS OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS

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84
Why Choose EI?

We are an agile, imaginative, and empathy driven

organization that helps make learning smarter,
effective, and measurable.

We advise, consult, and design to enable performance,

help drive career growth, and promote employee
engagement and retention through solutions that
leverage cutting-edge technology, immersive content,
and thoughtfully designed learning journeys.

Being at the forefront of the learning industry for more

than 30 years, we have delivered 1 million+ hours
of transformational learning to more than 700+
customers, spread across 25+ industry verticals. We
are widely accepted as thought leaders with over 450+
global industry awards and recognitions.

Our diverse and highly skilled cross-functional team

of instructional designers, content writers,
graphics designers, solution architects, and
technology experts are aligned to design and develop
impactful learning experiences.

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 Our Core Services

Training  Mobile Learning  Mobile Apps  Localization

Delivery  Microlearning  Personalized Learning  eLearning
 Virtual Training Accessibility
Considerations
Learning  LXP Expertise  VR Framework  Flash to HTML5
Technology  LMS Expertise  Interactive Video Migration
 Learning Portals Framework  Authoring Tools
 Rapid eLearning Expertise

Immersive  Gamification  Story Based Learning  Next Gen

Learning  Scenario Based  Branching Strategies
Learning Simulations  Experience
 Video Based  Virtual Reality/ Center Design
Learning Augmented Reality/
Metaverse

Training  Diversity, Equity,  Leadership Training  Soft Skills

Strategies and Inclusion  Sales Training Training
Training Competency
 Application 
 Sustainability Simulations Training Training
Training Professional
 Product Training 
 Compliance Skills Training
 Sales Training
Training  Higher Education
 Application
 Induction and Simulations Training
Onboarding
 Product Training

Continuous  Performance  Self-Directed Learning

Learning Support Tools  Content Curation and Curriculum Design
 Informal Learning
 Social Learning
Learning  Learning planet  Cyber Test
Platforms  Flash Conversation  XR Optimus
Service  Mag+
 QuizBiz  LearNow

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Our L&D Advisory and Consulting Services

L&D Advisory Services

• Optimal Virtual Training Transformation
• Redesigning existing content into Next Gen formats – to drive results
• Redesigning content for LXP

L&D Consulting Services – Training Impact and ROI

• Ascertaining Training Impact through our unique framework
• Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and Learner Needs Analysis (LNA)
• L&D metrics and business metrics identification
• Measurement of impact on learners and the business
• ROI and ROE determination

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Thought Leadership - Testimonials

EI offers a unique value proposition that is rarely

seen in the market.

EI assists organizations in optimizing the impact of

learning on individual, team, and organizational
performance and maximizing the ROI on learning.
Michael Rochelle
Chief Strategy Officer and Principal HCM Analyst
Brandon Hall Group

EI has a massive impact on how training makes

a business reach success.

I trust that their methodologies and training

needs analysis experience can lead companies
to choose the proper training solutions.

Christopher Pappas
Founder
eLearning Industry

EI’s focus on the combination of learning and

performance strategy with a specific attention
to effective measurement of the business
impact of their programs sets them apart from
many of the vendors in the custom content
segment of the market.

Ken Taylor
President
Training Industry, Inc

84
Contact Us
Looking at adopting new ways to enhance your
Learning Strategy?
EI can help you with that and more!
From content development, L&D Advisory and Consulting, to LearnTech,
we are the single source partner of choice for training.

Email: solutions@eidesign.net | www.eidesign.net

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