Microlearning: Employee Competence Development

Introduction

Microlearning is an educational approach that delivers content in small, focused segments, typically lasting a few minutes, to facilitate quick absorption and application of knowledge. This method contrasts with traditional long-form training by emphasizing bite-sized, actionable information that fits into busy schedules. In corporate settings, microlearning has gained traction for employee education and competence development, addressing the need for continuous learning amid rapid technological and market changes. Research indicates that microlearning enhances engagement and retention, making it particularly suitable for workforce training (Zheng et al., 2025).

Microlearning for Employee Development

One of the primary advantages of microlearning is its ability to improve knowledge retention and application. Studies show that shorter, targeted content leads to better recall compared to extended sessions, as it aligns with human attention spans and reduces cognitive overload (HSI, n.d.). For instance, in corporate environments, employees reported a 75% increase in confidence in retaining and using information after microlearning interventions, with 85% finding it more engaging than conventional methods (Choudhary and Potdar, 2024). This engagement stems from interactive elements like quizzes and multimedia, which make learning more relevant to daily tasks.

Microlearning also supports competence development by fostering soft skills such as communication, time management, and emotional intelligence. A study involving university students across disciplines demonstrated significant improvements in these areas post-microlearning, with mean scores rising by over 18 points on average (Luo and Li, 2025). While the research focused on students, the findings translate to employees, where similar interventions enhance teamwork and leadership, crucial for professional growth.

In specialized sectors like older adult care, digital microlearning has proven effective for competency building. Participants in a mixed-methods study perceived app-based microlearning as accessible and efficient, boosting confidence in work performance and potentially improving safety and quality outcomes (Richardson et al., 2023). However, challenges such as language barriers or device restrictions highlight the need for tailored implementations.

Overall, systematic reviews confirm microlearning's positive impact on cognitive, behavioral, and affective outcomes, including better task performance and motivation (Zheng et al., 2025). It reduces development time by up to 300%, making it cost-effective for organizations (Shift eLearning, n.d.).

Equipment Training

Microlearning is particularly effective for hands-on training, such as teaching employees to operate equipment, by breaking down complex procedures into manageable, just-in-time modules that can be accessed on the job. This approach minimizes downtime and enhances safety, as workers can quickly reference specific steps without undergoing lengthy sessions. For example, in dairy farming, an interactive online microlearning course on milking equipment checks improved workers' confidence in performing tasks, with participants reporting higher feelings of competence in equipment handling after completing short, targeted units (Bello et al., 2019).

In healthcare settings, microlearning via quick response (QR) codes attached to medical devices has been adopted to deliver instant educational content. Nurses using this method for device training showed increased adoption rates and better retention of operational knowledge, reducing errors in equipment use (Gao et al., 2024). Similarly, in manufacturing, low-threshold microlearning concepts for Internet of Things (IoT) technologies enable employees to upskill on equipment interfaces through short, mobile-accessible lessons, supporting digital transformation without disrupting workflows (Bohlouli et al., 2021).

Research on e-learning systems for equipment training, such as milking parlors, demonstrates that microlearning formats lead to practical skill gains, with trainees applying knowledge directly to machinery maintenance and operation (Schirmbrand et al., 2023). Overall, this method promotes on-the-job learning, reduces training costs, and improves proficiency in equipment use across industries like agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing (From “prepare for the unknown” to “train for what's coming”, 2023).

Microlearning-Related Software for Corporate Training

To implement microlearning, various software platforms offer tools for creating, distributing, and tracking content. These platforms enable organizations to design bite-sized modules, often with features like mobile accessibility, analytics, and integration with learning management systems (LMS).

One highly cost-effective option is Whyhoy.com, a platform specifically designed for microlearning in business contexts. It allows users to create concise skill decks with images, videos, and questions, share them via mobile apps on iOS and Android, and track session details like responses and time spent. With freemium plans starting at $0 and premium options at $

Other notable platforms include 7taps, which enables rapid rollout of enterprise-ready microlearning and is used by over 15,000 organizations for its simplicity in employee training (Absorb Software Inc., 2025). Elucidat balances ease of use with customization, supporting slick microlearning creation for corporate upskilling (Arlo Training Management Software, 2025). Absorb LMS stands out for bite-sized training solutions, focusing on faster results in employee development (Absorb Software Inc., 2025). Centrical offers gamified microlearning to enhance engagement, while Synthesia provides AI-driven video authoring for personalized content (Synthesia, 2025). These tools often integrate quizzes, infographics, and analytics to measure competence gains.

When selecting software, organizations should consider factors like scalability, mobile compatibility, and cost. Platforms like Whyhoy.com provide a low-barrier entry, while more robust options like Docebo offer AI customizations and ready libraries for comprehensive corporate training (Synthesia, 2025).

Conclusion

Microlearning represents a transformative approach to employee education, backed by evidence of improved retention, engagement, and skill development. By leveraging platforms such as the cost-effective Whyhoy.com alongside others like 7taps and Elucidat, businesses can efficiently build competent workforces ready for modern challenges, including equipment operation.

Extra

For a general overview on microlearning for organizations refer to our article: An introduction to microlearning

Read more about applying microlearning at: Case Study: Vidrala and Vertical Knits

To create microlearning content for your employees or customers try our cost-effective products at: Whyhoy admin application

References

Absorb Software Inc. (2025) 27 of the best microlearning platforms for bite-sized learning. Available at: https://www.absorblms.com/blog/top-27-microlearning-platforms/

Arlo Training Management Software (2025) 13 Great Microlearning Tools for Training Providers to Try in 2025. Available at: https://www.arlo.co/blog/microlearning-tools

Bello, A., Blowey, R.W., Carter, S.D. and Bell, N.J. (2019) 'Microlearning courses are effective at increasing the feelings of confidence and accuracy in the work of dairy staff', Journal of Dairy Science, 102(10), pp. 9505-9511. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030219306605

Bohlouli, M., Ehsani, R., Golpayegani, N., Reiche, R. and Kreuzberger, G. (2021) 'Supporting the Digital Transformation: A Low-Threshold Approach for Manufacturing Related Higher Education and Employee Training', Procedia CIRP, 104, pp. 657-662. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212827121010076

Choudhary, P. and Potdar, P. (2024) The Impact of Microlearning on Employee Training and Development in Corporate Settings. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT), 4(7). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386742946_The_Impact_of_Microlearning_on_Employee_Training_and_Development_in_Corporate_Settings

From “prepare for the unknown” to “train for what's coming”: A digital training paradigm for the industrial workforce (2023) Smart Learning Environments, 10(1). Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452414X23000109

Gao, L., Zhang, Y., Chen, Y., Zhao, Y. and Zhang, X. (2024) 'Adoption of quick response codes as a digital microlearning tool for medical devices in a hospital setting: A case study', Nurse Education Today, 133, p. 106082. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39501213/ (Accessed: 20 August 2025).

HSI (n.d.) What Does the Science Say About Microlearning? Available at: https://hsi.com/blog/what-does-the-science-say-about-microlearning

Luo, H. and Li, W. (2025) 'Impact of microlearning on developing soft skills of university students across disciplines', Frontiers in Psychology, 16. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1491265. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1491265/full

Richardson, M.X., Aytar, O., Hess-Wiktor, K. and Wamala-Andersson, S. (2023) 'Digital Microlearning for Training and Competency Development of Older Adult Care Personnel: Mixed Methods Intervention Study to Assess Needs, Effectiveness, and Areas of Application', JMIR Medical Education, 9, e46278. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38048152/

Schirmbrand, A., Schagerl, M., Krenn, S. and Baumgartner, C. (2023) 'Dairy farm worker milking equipment training with an E-learning system', Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 205, p. 107615. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666910222000813

Shift eLearning (n.d.) The Ultimate Guide to Creating Effective Microlearning. Available at: https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/guide-microlearning-workplace

Synthesia (2025) The 15 Best Employee Training Software & Platforms (2025). Available at: https://www.synthesia.io/post/employee-training-software

Whyhoy (n.d.) Whyhoy - Microlearning for business. Available at: https://whyhoy.com/

Zheng, X., Gyasi, J.F., Chen, L. and Deng, J. (2025) 'Microlearning beyond boundaries: A systematic review and a novel framework for improving learning outcomes', Heliyon, 11(18), e37444. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024174440