In the fast-paced world of corporate learning and development, organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to train their workforce efficiently and effectively. Over the past decade, one tool has emerged as a game-changer in this arena—video. From onboarding programs to upskilling initiatives, video-based eLearning has revolutionized corporate training by enhancing engagement, improving retention, and delivering measurable results.
This article explores how video is transforming corporate eLearning, backed by compelling engagement statistics and real-world applications.
The Rise of Video in eLearning
The growing use of video in eLearning isn't surprising. People consume video content at unprecedented rates—globally, YouTube users watch over 1 billion hours of video daily. This appetite for video extends to corporate training, where employees increasingly prefer learning through short, engaging videos rather than traditional methods like lengthy manuals or in-person sessions.
Why Video Works for eLearning
Multi-Sensory Learning: Videos engage multiple senses—sight, sound, and even emotional responses. This multi-modal approach caters to various learning styles, making it effective for diverse teams.
Microlearning Potential: Videos can be condensed into bite-sized, easily digestible chunks, ideal for employees with limited time.
Emotional Connection: High-quality videos can tell stories, evoke emotions, and create memorable learning experiences.
Ease of Accessibility: With mobile devices, learners can access video training anytime, anywhere, fostering self-paced learning.
Key Engagement Statistics
1. Video Drives Higher Engagement
A study by Forrester Research revealed that employees are 75% more likely to watch a video than read documents, emails, or web articles. Furthermore, 59% of executives say they would rather watch a video than read text. This preference is pivotal in corporate training environments, where engagement levels directly influence learning outcomes.
2. Improved Retention Rates
The Research Institute of America found that video-based training increases retention rates by 25%–60%, compared to 8%–10% for traditional text-based methods. By presenting information visually and audibly, videos help learners better understand and retain complex concepts.
3. Completion Rates Soar
LinkedIn Learning’s 2022 Workplace Learning Report indicated that eLearning courses featuring videos achieve completion rates up to 40% higher than courses relying on text or slide decks alone. Employees find videos more engaging and are more likely to complete the training.
4. Mobile Compatibility Enhances Engagement
With 91% of employees using their smartphones for work-related tasks, video eLearning designed for mobile devices boasts significantly higher engagement rates. Bite-sized, mobile-friendly videos ensure learners can absorb information on the go.
5. Learning Outcomes Improve with Interactivity
Interactive videos—those featuring quizzes, clickable elements, or branching scenarios—boost engagement rates by 66%, according to a study by Kaltura. Interactivity keeps learners involved, promotes active learning, and enhances critical thinking.
The Benefits of Video for Corporate eLearning
1. Increased Accessibility and Inclusivity
Video makes learning accessible to diverse employee groups, including those with disabilities. Subtitles, transcripts, and multilingual options cater to various needs, while visual aids help non-native speakers grasp concepts quickly.
2. Scalability and Cost Efficiency
Once a video is created, it can be distributed to thousands of employees without additional costs. This scalability is particularly advantageous for global organizations. For instance, IBM reported saving $200 million after transitioning to video-based learning for employee training.
3. Real-Time Updates
Corporate environments evolve rapidly, necessitating quick updates to training materials. Video content can be edited and redistributed more efficiently than reprinting manuals or rescheduling live sessions.
4. Data-Driven Insights
Video platforms provide analytics on engagement metrics, such as views, completion rates, and interaction patterns. These insights enable organizations to refine their eLearning strategies and ensure maximum impact.
Video in Action: Real-World Applications
1. Onboarding New Employees
First impressions matter. A well-designed onboarding video introduces new hires to company culture, policies, and expectations in an engaging and efficient manner.
Stat to Know: Companies with strong onboarding programs improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%.
2. Upskilling and Reskilling
With technological advancements disrupting industries, upskilling is no longer optional. Interactive video modules allow employees to learn complex skills—coding, data analysis, or customer relationship management—at their own pace.
Example: Microsoft uses video tutorials to train employees on its Azure platform, enabling scalable upskilling across departments.
3. Compliance Training
Regulatory compliance is crucial but often perceived as dull. Videos featuring storytelling or gamified scenarios transform mundane compliance topics into engaging experiences.
Stat to Know: Organizations report a 45% increase in compliance knowledge retention with video-based learning.
4. Leadership Development
Leadership training benefits from real-world case studies, role-playing scenarios, and motivational speeches delivered via video. Personalized feedback in video format further enhances learning.
Example: Deloitte leverages video simulations to prepare future leaders for high-stakes decision-making.
5. Customer Training Programs
Many companies extend eLearning videos to customers, educating them on product use and best practices. This proactive approach reduces support queries and enhances user satisfaction.
Overcoming Challenges in Video-Based eLearning
Despite its advantages, video eLearning comes with challenges. Understanding these hurdles and addressing them ensures successful implementation.
1. Production Costs
High-quality video production requires an upfront investment. However, tools like Canva, Animoto, and in-house video teams can reduce costs without compromising quality.
2. Balancing Length and Depth
While microlearning is effective, overly short videos may oversimplify topics. Striking a balance between brevity and comprehensiveness is crucial.
3. Keeping Content Fresh
Stale or outdated content disengages learners. Organizations must regularly update video materials to stay relevant.
4. Bandwidth and Accessibility Issues
Remote employees in low-bandwidth regions may struggle to stream videos. Offering downloadable content or low-resolution formats mitigates this problem.
Future Trends: The Next Frontier of Video eLearning
1. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Immersive technologies like VR and AR enhance video eLearning by offering hands-on experiences in a virtual environment. From safety drills to medical training, these tools bridge the gap between theory and practice.
2. AI-Driven Personalization
Artificial intelligence is transforming eLearning by recommending personalized video content based on individual learning preferences and progress.
3. Live Video and Webinars
Live-streamed training sessions enable real-time interaction, fostering collaboration and deeper learning. Post-session recordings allow learners to revisit key points.
4. Gamified Video Experiences
Gamification adds an element of fun to corporate training, making videos more engaging. Interactive scenarios, rewards, and leaderboards motivate learners to participate actively.
Summary: Embrace the Video Revolution
Video is no longer a luxury in corporate eLearning—it’s a necessity. Its ability to engage learners, boost retention, and deliver scalable training solutions makes it indispensable for modern organizations. As video technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for innovation in corporate training are boundless.
For companies still on the fence, the statistics speak for themselves: higher engagement rates, improved retention, and cost-effective scalability. Whether it’s onboarding new hires, upskilling employees, or ensuring compliance, video eLearning is transforming the corporate learning landscape.
Investing in video-based training today is an investment in a smarter, more agile workforce tomorrow.
About LMS Portals
At LMS Portals, we provide our clients and partners with a mobile-responsive, SaaS-based, multi-tenant learning management system that allows you to launch a dedicated training environment (a portal) for each of your unique audiences.
The system includes built-in, SCORM-compliant rapid course development software that provides a drag and drop engine to enable most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily.
We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.
If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program. The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.
Together, these features make LMS Portals the ideal SaaS-based eLearning platform for our clients and our Reseller partners.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages
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