In a world where technology drives rapid workplace transformation, digital learning has become essential for employee training and development.
With nearly 90% of businesses now offering online learning or training solutions, it’s clear that digital platforms are important to both employers and employees. In fact, 67% of the UK workforce agree that personal development opportunities play a crucial role in maintaining job satisfaction.
Yet, despite its popularity, digital learning still falls short for some employees. Too many online courses lack the interactivity to engage learners, reducing the experience to passively watching videos or clicking through slides. Unsurprisingly, these approaches struggle to capture attention or deliver content in a meaningful way.
For digital learning to deliver real value, it needs to be more than just accessible—it needs to be interactive, personalised and focused on bridging the gap between knowledge and application.
Hands-on over passive
Digital learning holds a lot of promise, aiming to bring the most dynamic and engaging elements of in-person training into the digital space. Interactive tools like quizzes, breakout rooms, and mini-tasks demonstrate just how far we’ve come in replicating real-world engagement online.
However, we continue to see issues with retention and follow through. Recent research shows that 66% of employees still find on-the-job learning to be more effective than formal online courses. This disconnect often stems from a lack of deep, meaningful engagement. Without it, employees are less likely to retain knowledge or apply their skills effectively in the workplace.
This is particularly crucial when it comes to human skills—broader soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. Unlike technical skills that are typically learned ‘by the book’, softer skills are learned and applied every day. The solution lies in moving beyond passive consumption to real-world, interactive learning simulations. By immersing employees in practical, personalised scenarios, HR leaders can promote stronger skill retention and application, helping individuals and teams thrive in the modern workplace.
But the question is: how can organisations design digital learning experiences that are both interactive and personalised?
AI-powered personalised learning
Like many things these days, some of the answers lie in AI. Learning platforms, powered by AI, can analyse each learner’s progress and provide tailored learning paths that evolve alongside the individual. By focusing on areas for improvement, these platforms help reinforce learning without overwhelming the employees.
AI-based technology also excels at providing instant and personalised feedback through assessments and gamified experiences, which are growing in popularity with 70% of employees already feeling more engaged. For example, gamified training uses elements like leaderboards, badges, and challenges, increasing active participation.
By helping HR and business leaders shift digital learning from passive consumption to active engagement, training will become more memorable, applicable, and impactful for individuals.
The bite-sized and tailored future
In today’s fast-paced workplace, bite-sized content is becoming the norm. It caters to the multitasking habits of Gen Z and millennial workers, but it’s relevant for all generations battling shorter attention spans. A study by King College’s London found that nearly half of adults believe their attention spans have decreased due to the constant stream of digital notifications. For workplace learning, content must be concise and focused if we want a fighting chance for people to pay attention and absorb it. Bite-size modules break down complex topics turning them into digestible chunks of knowledge, enabling employees to quickly absorb information without lengthy training sessions. Eliminating unnecessary material not only saves time but makes learning cost-effective for employers.
The path forward
The shift to digital learning offers incredible potential, but realising that potential requires a thoughtful approach. By embracing AI-powered technologies and prioritising interactive, personalised and bite-sized content, organisations can create learning experiences that are engaging, practical and transformative.
As the workplace continues to evolve, investing in innovative learning isn’t just a strategic advantage— it’s a necessity for growth, engagement, and productivity.
About the Author
Chris Chen is Chief Technology Officer at GoodHabitz. Chris Chen is an accomplished technology leader with over 22 years of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, and educational technology. As the Chief Technology Officer at GoodHabitz, oversees the company’s technological and AI strategies, supporting its mission to advance human skills development.
Before joining GoodHabitz, Chris held leadership roles at CoslAI Ltd. and EF Education First, where he spearheaded AI architecture transformations and expanded services globally. As a founder of multiple tech startups, he has a proven ability to build high-performing teams and transform innovative ideas into impactful, scalable solutions that drive business growth.
At GoodHabitz, Chris leads the development of cutting-edge learning platforms that empower both businesses and employees. Known for reducing time-to-market and cultivating exceptional talent, he combines his technical expertise with a passion for education and technology, consistently turning visions into reality and positioning companies for long-term success.
