A learning management system, or LMS, is a software platform that delivers educational materials and training courses to employees. Such a system functions as a repository of resources and materials while also tracking employee progress through training modules. But how, exactly, does a learning management system work and how can it help your company?
Create Learning Content for Employees
One of the primary functions of a learning management system is that it enables administrators to create their own courses and materials. These courses are stored digitally within the system so that employees can access them whenever it fits into their schedules rather than having a scheduled training session.
Customizable Courses
Because you can design courses and provide the materials yourself, an LMS is completely customizable. You can set learning tracks for each department or each position so that employees are recommended training in skills that they’ll need to better perform their jobs.
Track Employee Progress
Once the training courses have been developed, managers can track their employees’ progress through the course materials. If certain modules are required as part of regular job training, supervisors can see who has completed them and who hasn’t.
Succession Planning
An LMS can also be used in succession planning. Employees interested in advancing within the company can learn skills marked as necessary for the role they’re aiming for. Managers can track who is ready for promotion by looking at what modules within the LMS an employee has completed.
Remote Learning Opportunities
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic saw millions of employees start working from home, remote work was becoming increasingly popular. Not only can it benefit employees by better enabling them to maintain a work life balance but it can save companies money by reducing overhead. Many have found hybrid models to work best.
No matter what your company has decided on in regards to remote work, a learning management system is the best way to train employees no matter where they work.
Collaborative, Social Learning
Remote work is more common than it ever has been before. This means that training also needs to be remote or the company will end up paying a lot in travel costs. With a learning management system, employees can learn at their own pace. But this doesn’t mean that they’re learning alone. They can still connect with others who are working on the same modules that they are. There are social features that employees can use to provide advice and ask questions. Working together on training is a great way for employees to share what they know and also for employees to work together as a team.
Reports and Analytics
One of the most valuable tools that a learning management system provides is its data collecting features. Software can gather data over time and then put together automatically generated reports so that HR and managers can see what skills the company may be lacking. Insights into employee learning can be extremely valuable in hiring strategies, succession planning, and more.
