How Different Generations Learn

Training is one of the most valuable aspects of an employee development plan that contributes to increased sales, employee retention, and job satisfaction. Nowadays, most companies employ different eLearning tools and technologies to keep employees updated with industry standards, policies, and other training material. 

Digital behaviors vary in companies that have employees from different generations. And companies feel this pressure while designing a learning platform to ensure all ages learn at the same pace. Read through the blog to understand how different generations perceive technology. 

The Relationship Between Different Generations and eLearning 

A company can consist of a workforce from four generations:

1) Baby Boomers (born mid-1940s to mid-1960s)

Boomers prefer dialogue over technology, but that doesn’t mean they are not open to experimenting with technology. It’s just that they have followed the traditional ways to get things done, like attending in-person seminars/events for employee training and development. 

Interestingly, due to the global pandemic, baby boomers got the opportunity to catch up with technology, and with that, 39% of baby boomers now feel more confident in using technology. If baby boomers are your eLearning audience, keep a few things in mind to ensure an easy and convenient learning process. These things may include building a comprehensive and straightforward training program, setting up an easy-to-access guide, and setting up schedules for team learning.  

2) Generation X (born in the mid-1960s to early 1980s) 

We like to call them the “sorted generation” because Gen Xers are more open-minded when trying new things or adapting to change. Interestingly, 74% of Gen Xers are on social media, which means they like experimenting with new technologies. If you wonder how to increase employee engagement with Gen Xers, the best way would be to let them try new things. They’re good at finding their way. 

It’s easier to introduce an eLearning tool to Gen Xers than to baby boomers because their learning is purpose-driven. Gen X doesn’t find meaning in the training material. Instead, they get it done as part of their employee development plan or training.  

3) Gen Y or Millennials (born after the early 1980s)  

Computers were invented much earlier, but Gen Y is the generation that actually used them. This generation is better educated than the previous generations; in fact, 39% of millennials have a bachelor’s or higher degree. Therefore, LMS’ offer them new and intriguing ways to learn and grow by introducing different employee training programs. 

Millennials love challenges and staying competitive, so they tend to finish eLearning training material faster than baby boomers and Gen Xers. Moreover, one out of every two employees will be a millennial, which forces companies to innovate and optimize their talent acquisition methods. 

4) Gen Z (born late 90s-2000 to present)

They are young, energetic, and, most importantly, tech-savvy. Gen Z grew up in an environment where they’d witness a new technology disruptor every day. This generation submits online assignments and attends virtual classes, making it pros at using and accepting eLearning training material. 

As per a study, 65% of Gen Z communicate online through different platforms, making them more receptive to online discussions, threads, and meetings. Gen Z has a strong desire to learn and upskill to match the ever-growing competition.

What Does 1Huddle Bring to eLearning?

Gamification makes learning fast, easy, and fun! 

1Huddle transforms different training material from LMS, including images, videos, presentations, and infographics, into quick-burst, interactive games. Through science-backed games, it aims to reduce the time it takes for employee training and onboarding. 

The number of older gamers increased to 50.6 million in 2019, and it’s likely to rise over the years. It makes the introduction of 1Huddle to the baby boomer and Gen X workforce easy and convenient.

With millennials spending more than 10,000 hours playing games, it makes it easier for companies to introduce training games to the generation. They perform better with constant feedback, review, performance analysis, and badges. 

1Huddle is a game marketplace platform that has more than 1,000 games. These games are designed across sixteen different workforce skill areas, including communication, sales, and customer service. To play 1Huddle games, you don’t require pre-existing knowledge or understanding of the platform. They’re just science-backed games that you can play anytime and anywhere. In fact, companies or training managers can build a game in minutes using our mobile game builder. 

You don’t have to worry about technological complexities because all these games are easy to play. Moreover, you can also choose the platform you’re most comfortable with to play these games, including iOS, Android, tablet, desktop, and browser.

Don’t believe us? Request a demo and see for yourself what difference we can make in employee training and onboarding.