The more a business grows, the greater its need for streamlined professional skills and knowledge development across all functions and roles with corporate eLearning platforms and other kinds of tools. As new departments and teams get added, there arises a demand for specialist learning for onboarding, skill upgradation, and smooth assimilation with the company.

It goes without saying, offering training to employees is necessary. However, administering training can be problematic, especially as you scale. Besides, it can also be expensive. Sending employees for training to different venues can disrupt your training budget, and arranging for cover while they are away is also problematic.

In today’s competitive scenario, it becomes imperative to provide employee training, and a way forward is to use corporate eLearning platforms, which are more cost-effective and offer a greater level of flexibility.

More and more businesses are now switching from the traditional courses to eLearning courses using an eLearning platform, also known as a course management system or a learning management system.

With an eLearning platform, you can custom-develop and deliver digital courses to employees across time zones and geographies. Besides, they can take the training anytime they want, without having to travel to distant places to a scheduled venue and time. Learn which type of eLearning course is best for you: Custom Content or Off-the-shelf Courses.

Table of Contents:

What is eLearning?

eLearning, short for electronic learning, encompasses any form of training or education delivered through electronic devices. It includes a vast spectrum of educational experiences delivered electronically, accessible through computers, tablets, and even smartphones.

From interactive quizzes that test understanding to informative articles that illuminate concepts, eLearning encompasses any method of knowledge transfer facilitated by digital resources.

Why Does Your Business Require a Corporate eLearning Platform?

There are various types of eLearning platforms available, the most common being a learning management system, often called an LMS. An LMS offers several advantages, such as face-to-face training, instructor-led training, and blended learning, all of which can either replace or facilitate traditional classroom learning.

Besides, with an LMS, you can save time and money since it allows easy administration of lessons in a user-friendly online setting. It allows you to manage registrations for courses, notifications, communications, certificates, and reports.

Why You Should Invest in Corporate eLearning Platforms for Training Your Employees?

With corporate eLearning platforms, you can store all your training material in one single cloud-hosted repository. This will make a huge difference to your business because:

  • All the resources are in one place, no matter when you purchased them. And since everything is centrally located, it is simpler to browse through and find the data you want.
  • An eLearning platform is like a virtual campus. Your employees can log in anytime, anywhere to access the training material.
  • Course administrators can send notifications and emails about the new courses, the employees who have to take them, and the deadlines by which they have to complete them. Additionally, they can also track the number of people enrolled in a course and their progress.
  • You can also monitor and administrate the financial aspect of the course using the e-portal incorporated in the eLearning
  • A dedicated corporate eLearning platform also simplifies learning for your employees, as they don’t have to shuffle between various online platforms to access the courses.

Given these benefits and more, it becomes vital for businesses to offer their training and development courses through corporate eLearning platforms.

3 Reasons to Rethink Corporate Learning Solutions

Since the height of the pandemic of 2020, the world of work and business has experienced accelerated change. There was a time in history when the change occurred every 36 months.

But today, new developments impact a business’s trajectory every day.

Here is a brief look at key shifts that have irreversibly revolutionized the world of work.

1. Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work Mode

Working from home in the days before the pandemic was considered a luxury. But today, more workplaces are seeing a financial and organizational benefit to making remote work and hybrid mode shifts.

As of 2022, employees worldwide are expected to work between two to three days per week from home. According to a survey, 8% of employees aspired to work full-time from home. However, many companies aim to prioritize hybrid work.

A recent survey indicated that three of every four Gen Zers (74%) want to engage with colleagues face-to-face.

Hence, a mix of remote and hybrid work is expected to prevail in the future.

2. Adoption of Digitally-Powered Products and Services

Today, the number of consumers coming online and seeking digitized products and services is growing. Hence, companies are also undertaking massive digital transformation drives.

Workforces play an important role in this transition, and they need to be equipped with the necessary skill sets and knowledge to be productive contributors in this journey.

3. Using Collaborative Tools

In 2021, revenues of the collaboration software market amounted to $ 16.3 billion and are forecast to grow to $ 18 billion by 2025.

As companies scale, workforces need to bring more efficiency and accountability to their processes. There is a need for wide-scale collaboration, access to credible data insights, and people and resource management tools.

Workforces need the training to be able to adopt the efficient usage of such tools. Companies of every scale need to adapt these tools to drive business schools in a digital world.

Bridging the Skills Gap

A study by Korn Ferry indicates that by 2030, the business world will experience a talent shortage to the tune of $ 8.5 trillion. Rather than continuously struggling to acquire fresh talent with the necessary skills, companies can invest in strengthening their corporate training solutions to meet their upskilling needs.

Such a step enables existing employees to upgrade their skills, become more productive in the workplace, stay highly motivated, and aspire to join the leadership pipeline.

Efficient and timely upskilling simultaneously increases the employee value proposition. Weaving in eLearning solutions enables the upskilling of existing workforces at scale as an ongoing commitment.

Dispelling the Common Myths Orbiting the eLearning Domain

The prominent role played by online knowledge forums and courses in fulfilling the learning and development needs of students, employees, and other aspirants is indisputable. However, few people tend to believe the flimsy myths targeted at eLearning to undermine its value. You can get factual insights below that refute the credibility of such myths.

Myth #1. eLearning is for Amateurs Only

This myth is squashed by the fact that many renowned online platforms and globally famed universities offer curated eLearning programs held in high esteem by reputed organizations.

Harvard University, for example, offers almost 143 online courses that beat the hallmark of its Ivy League. Online programs in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, etc., from leading authoritative bodies, are helping job seekers land lucrative opportunities. The eLearning degrees of accredited providers carry the same weight as conventional ones.

Myth #2. eLearning Doesn’t Cater Effectively to Different Learner Types

This myth is debunked by the knowledge revolution that eLearning has ushered in with its modules that make intellectual enrichment more inclusive and accessible for all. eLearning portals provide engaging and visually compelling content for students, corporate employees, and job candidates with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

The eLearning content can be tailored and configured to meet the targeted audience’s needs, facilitating optimal upskilling. Multimedia content, audio narrations, infographics, reading aids, etc., promote knowledge retention and help learners dive deeper into the conceptual aspects. Learners can also interact with the content and view it from different perspectives for easy understanding.

Myth #3. eLearning is Expensive

This myth is not true because eLearning significantly reduces the cost of upskilling compared to traditional classroom-style sessions. Some people are under the impression that eLearning is costly because they think that a heavy investment is needed in cameras, laptops, video-conferencing software, course licensing fees, etc. The truth is that online modules can be accessed from a simple smartphone with an internet connection.

Internet rates are going down each passing day, and electronic gadgets, too, are becoming cost-competitive. Courses can be downloaded to your device for access anytime. Course fees are affordable and cheaper than conventional ones. As the courses can be accessed from the comforts of your home, you need not spend on traveling to the classroom site or renting a room near an educational institute. You are not compelled to follow a strict schedule, which means you can go about attending to other important things.

Hence, your income from your job doesn’t suffer because of your studies. Institutions can keep course fees competitive because they don’t need to invest money in infrastructure, payment for regular teachers, classroom upkeep, administration, documentation, support staff, etc.

Learning becomes self-paced with eLearning.

Myth #4. Communication with the Instructor is Limited

This myth is not true. eLearning courses are becoming increasingly interactive, and instructors often host live sessions to gather learners’ feedback. Learners can exchange views with instructors after every session through videoconferencing tools.

If the learner is having difficulty understanding a topic, the instructor can use authoring tools to change the content layout to make it more learner-friendly. If a live session is ongoing, learners can digitally raise their hands to have their doubts cleared in real-time.

One-on-one communication with an instructor is possible through video conferencing software like Microsoft Teams. Instructors can offer summative and formative feedback to learners after assessments through eLearning portals, as well.

Myth #5. Corporate Employees Find it Difficult to Navigate eLearning Modules

Corporate training is being taken to the next level with technology-leveraged eLearning solutions. Hence, this myth doesn’t hold any ground. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, animated courses have become more realistic. Any complex situation can be visualized with ease from all possible perspectives. This offers unparalleled, actionable insights into the intricacies of complex objects that traditional textbook-style courses can never provide.

Suppose an organization has introduced a new machine with cutting-edge features. The eLearning course provider can author content that offers 360-degree views into the machine’s dynamics. eLearning modules can recreate a simulator-like feel through rich multimedia, virtual reality, etc. eLearning offers nuanced yet holistic upskilling opportunities, which are ideal for workforce learning.

eLearning reduces attrition as employees get the scope to upskill themselves in-house, free of cost. Further, it is a myth that the shorter attention span of workers will induce boredom in them. The attention-grabbing visuals of online modules can spark interest intuitively in employees.

Myth #6. Networking Opportunities are Missing

This myth is a common misconception. The truth is that leading eLearning course providers frequently organize conferences, seminars, and webinars where learners can interact with experienced professionals and industry experts in the knowledge domains they pursue.

Virtual classrooms are not dominated by bland lectures only. Video conferencing tools like Zoom, MS Teams, etc., facilitate real-time peer-to-peer interactions. Collective discussions and collaboration over group projects in virtual mode are common. Resource sharing is also enabled.

Myth #7. Only Specialized and Advanced Learning Programs are Available

eLearning, during its initial phases, had its focus on management and other advanced-level programs only. This was during the transition period when learners were slowly adapting to the virtual learning mode.

Now, the picture has changed completely. eLearning programs are available for a wide array of subjects and cover all knowledge domains. You can easily find bespoke programs for your chosen niche.

eLearning is now available for microlearning, mobile learning, corporate coaching, mentoring, upskilling, knowledge sharing, leadership development, focused training, cultivation of personal skills, etc. Apart from these, the majority of diploma, graduate, postgraduate, and school-level learning programs are available in eLearning mode.

Advantages of eLearning Solutions

eLearning solutions enable corporations to address a slew of training challenges through innovation and the creative use of technology.

1. A Flexible Solution

Today, corporate learning solutions need to serve companies of various scales through customized solutions. Small teams need to develop the skills to multitask and apply institutional knowledge intelligently.

On the other hand, large teams need to be able to evaluate skills gaps effectively and respond to learning needs with speed and accuracy. eLearning solutions are versatile and offer flexibility to companies to customize solutions based on their needs.

2. Streamline with a Platform Approach

Companies can bring all team members onto a single, unified eLearning platform and streamline and standardize the learning process, making it agile.

Through the platform approach, companies can onboard members located in any geography and time zone and customize learning based on individual learning needs.

3. Encourage Microlearning

Global learning trends point towards a culture of microlearning. This practice involves learning for short durations by leveraging byte-sized on-demand resources.

Content is available in various formats, including eBooks, videos, online assessments, audiobooks, collaborative assignments, webinars, and online lectures. A trigger for the popularity of microlearning is that on-demand resources are accessible via smartphones.

Contemporary corporate learning solutions encourage employees to learn via their smartphones. The introduction of corporate eLearning platforms makes it easy to create and distribute learning resources within minutes across smart devices.

4. Video Conferencing Facilities

The best corporate eLearning platforms come with state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities. Admins can quickly set up an in-house webinar or live-stream a guest from any location.

The video conferencing utility is well-designed with a focus on enabling engagement.

5. Engaged Learning via Gamification

Gamified learning is another innovation that has become part of eLearning solutions. The motivation of learners increases with the promise of rewards, challenges, and leaderboards.

It also generates healthy competition and collaboration between teammates.

6. Easy to Manage and Track

Access to a corporate eLearning platform makes it simple for admins of a company to manage the learning process end-to-end.

They can:

  • Add and manage new users with ease,
  • Offer a seamless, high-quality experience,
  • Collaborate with multiple stakeholders, and
  • Track the success of all initiatives and learning resources via in-depth, actionable insights.

Top Learning Experience Platforms for Employee Training

Several major organizations have already adopted an LXP to deliver their training since skills-based approaches are more beneficial for growth. There are various LXP service providers in the market, so choosing the right one can be tricky.

Below are some of the top learning experience platforms.

1. Degreed

Driven by AI, Degreed is a learning experience platform that helps workforce leaders identify and pinpoint the exact skills their employees will need with the processes and systems they have in place. As a result, they can tailor automated personalized learning to build employee skill sets and boost business goals.

The platform also helps organizations calculate their own capabilities and shortcomings.

2. Valamis

Headquartered in Finland, Valamis has positioned itself as a top learning experience platform over the last two decades. Known for its work in the healthcare, manufacturing, and space sectors, Valamis empowers learning and development through real-time updates and complete content-authoring capability.

Businesses can leverage the platform for intergenerational learning, identify potential skill gaps, and equip the L&D teams to create informed strategies.

3. Edcast

Edcast is one of the more comprehensive LXP platforms that combine AI-powered content curation with seamless access to learning resources, upskilling opportunities, and knowledge sharing across organizations.

This cloud-based LXP platform and intuitive interface enable companies to train employees through personalized learning paths and collaborative features to enhance workforce development, leading to continuous learning and improved employee engagement.

4. Cornerstone

Cornerstone uniquely combines learning with comprehensive talent management. Based on its principle of workforce agility, it integrates skill development with performance reviews, career planning, and succession tracking.

The standout features of the platform include AI-driven skills graphing that identifies precise learning needs, in-depth content aggregation across multiple sources, and advanced analytics to measure training’s impact on business objectives.

5. Bridge

Built on an industry-leading platform, Bridge provides all performance management tools such as performance reviews, goal tracking, manager/employee one-on-one, planning tools, employee engagement analytics, and surveys.

This LXP is an integrated solution for training in performance management, learning management, engagement measurement, and career development. Its various communication and collaboration tools enable remote employees to connect beyond boundaries.

6. 360Learning

360Learning is a collaborative learning platform emphasizing peer-driven content creation and social interaction.

Designed for team-based learning, it allows employees to co-author courses, exchange feedback, and engage in discussions. Features like in-app messaging, notifications, and collaborative reviews create a dynamic, community-centric learning environment that lays the foundation for efficient and optimal knowledge sharing.

7. Axonify

For training frontline employees and bringing about the required behavioral change to make a meaningful impact on the business, Axonify is the go-to option for many enterprises and organizations. It provides an entertaining and personalized educational experience that has employees coming back to train again.

The high engagement can be attributed to its AI-powered platform that offers many opportunities to reinforce important concepts encapsulated in bite-sized microlearning content and other modern techniques.

8. Coursera for Business

Everyone’s heard of Coursera—that’s how popular the platform is!

This unmatched technology-driven LXP is another powerful enterprise learning solution that provides a range of content options to meet business challenges.

Some of its powerful features include targeted content from over 170 top universities and industry-leading companies like Google and Amazon, an easy-to-use mobile platform, centralized program management, progress tracking tools, and universally accepted certifications.

9. EdApp

This microlearning-based LXP is integrated with an authoring tool, reward and analytics, and delivery app to provide a smooth experience on both mobile and the web.

EdApp includes features such as gamification, spaced repetition, and push notifications to make learning fun, interactive, and engaging while simultaneously delivering simple and smart workplace learning.

10. Rallyware

Rallyware is an LXP ideal for businesses with a vast and diversified workforce. It delivers the right training activity to the right audience at the right time. The platform supports over 20 languages and leverages its proprietary algorithms to connect workforce performance data with business-specific experience.

Rallyware’s ability to link learning activities with measurable goals and KPIs supports improved productivity. This makes it a standout for organizations seeking data-backed skill optimization, particularly excelling in industries like retail and direct sales.

11. NovoEd

NovoEd’s proven approach to learning and development effectively connects mentors, leaders, and diverse groups of learners to deliver high-impact training, unlock collective knowledge, and achieve measurable outcomes.

This collaborative LXP platform enables organizations to create, design, and deliver experiential learning. Companies rely on its algorithms and high-value capabilities to provide training, mentorship, and group collaboration.

12. OpenSesame

With its comprehensive range of eLearning courses, OpenSesame is the top learning experience platform of choice for publishers worldwide. It supports them every step of the way, from mapping their core competencies to finding courses to improving their L&D programs.

Moreover, the software is easy to use and administer online courses.

13. Inkling

Inkling is an experiential LXP designed to provide interactive and intuitive training that immerses employees and guarantees improved learning outcomes and long-term retention. Content is easy to create, store, and maintain, ensuring employees have access to information anywhere and anytime on the device of their choice.

The platform also has a searchable reference library that helps employees in their moment of need.

14. Udemy for Business

Another well-known LXP, Udemy, guides companies in remaining competitive in the ever-evolving workplace by offering relevant and on-demand content to meet their business needs. The platform features a vast library of over 3,000 top-rated courses taught by more than 1,000 leading experts worldwide, covering a wide range of topics including development and IT, leadership, marketing, design, and stress management.

Companies can also host and distribute their own proprietary content.

To Wrap Up

Corporate eLearning solutions play an important role in effective change management in any forward-looking business. The agile and real-time virtues of e-Learning solutions are best geared to empower employees to learn new skills at an accelerated pace and stay productive at work.

In today’s agile business environment, a productive workforce is a competitive workforce and the key to companies staying relevant in a crowded market.

If your small business is looking to adopt an agile e-learning platform, Hurix Digital can support you in meeting all your company’s learning needs.

Contact us to learn more about leveraging the best corporate learning solutions for your small business.