Based on the white paper "Overcoming the Challenges of Training Deskless Workers" by Frank Russell
Picture a bridge suspended between two landscapes—one for traditional training and the other representing deskless, frontline workers. These individuals, over 2.7 billion globally in fields like healthcare, retail, and logistics, are often underserved by conventional training. With nanolearning and mobile learning, however, we can bridge this gap, delivering accessible, flexible training to workers who rely primarily on mobile devices.
The Gaps in Traditional Training
Imagine trying to cross a bridge that’s only partially built. This is the reality for deskless workers, who lack access to traditional corporate training due to limited internet access and tight schedules. Many have no regular access to email, computers, or intranets, and training must adapt to high turnover rates and varied skill levels. This bridge must provide learning in short, digestible segments that fit into a busy workday without causing disruptions.
Pillar One: Nanolearning for Quick Insights
Nanolearning is the first pillar of this bridge, offering bite-sized training modules, 45 seconds to 3 minutes long, that workers can complete during brief pauses. Each module provides value without overwhelming, like a quick customer service tip for a retail associate or a daily maintenance reminder for a technician. These short modules support the bridge by linking day-to-day tasks with continuous learning, increasing retention while minimizing downtime.
Pillar Two: Mobile Learning as a Training Superhighway
The second pillar, mobile learning, is the superhighway of information that puts training right in the hands of deskless workers. By designing content for small screens and offline access, workers can review safety procedures, watch tutorials, and access essential information from anywhere. Mobile learning’s adaptability makes it a crucial component of the bridge, providing consistent support even for workers in areas with limited connectivity.
Supporting Cables: Microvideos and SMS for Engaging Delivery
While nanolearning and mobile platforms form the main bridge structure, microvideos and SMS function like suspension cables, adding flexibility and strength. Microvideos under three minutes provide clear, actionable information in an engaging format that is familiar to workers who already use platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and TikTok. For those with limited internet, SMS-based learning is invaluable, delivering reminders, quick tips, and training modules directly to their phones. Chatbots offer on-demand access to information, letting workers seek out guidance and support instantly. These components ensure the bridge remains stable and responsive to worker needs.
Guardrails for Success: Rethinking LMS for Deskless Workers
Traditional learning management systems (LMS) often act as barriers rather than supports for deskless workers, designed as they are for desktop use and lengthy content. By optimizing LMS for mobile devices and modular content, organizations can create a bridge that remains accessible and effective. This shift is essential for providing training that resonates with deskless workers and supports their unique circumstances.
Maintaining and Expanding the Bridge
Building a bridge is just the beginning; keeping it strong requires piloting these mobile and nanolearning solutions, gathering continuous feedback, and refining content based on real-world needs. HR and training professionals can ensure that this bridge is resilient and ready to adapt to future demands, aligning learning with the true conditions of deskless work.
Conclusion
Deskless workers are essential to operations, and constructing a bridge to meet their training needs is a valuable investment. With pillars of nanolearning and mobile learning, supported by microvideos and SMS, this bridge provides a clear path to knowledge, empowering deskless workers to grow, perform, and stay connected. By designing for access and adaptability, we’re not only bridging a gap—we’re building a pathway to a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
For a complete copy of the source whitepaper with more details and research references, click here.
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