What Is Microlearning?
Microlearning is an approach to learning and development that delivers content in short, focused modules — typically 2 to 10 minutes long. Rather than traditional lengthy training sessions, microlearning breaks knowledge down into digestible, targeted pieces that employees can access when and where they need them.
Why Microlearning Works
Research supports the effectiveness of microlearning. Short, spaced learning sessions improve knowledge retention compared to longer, one-time training events. Microlearning also fits naturally into the flow of work, making it easier for employees to learn without stepping away from their responsibilities.
Microlearning Formats and Examples
Microlearning comes in many formats: short videos, infographics, quizzes, interactive scenarios, checklists, and push notifications with key tips. During onboarding, for example, a new hire might receive a daily two-minute video introducing a different aspect of company culture over their first two weeks.
How to Incorporate Microlearning Into Your L&D Strategy
Start by identifying knowledge gaps that can be addressed through short, targeted content. Map microlearning modules to specific moments in the employee journey where the knowledge is most relevant. Use workflow automation to deliver content at the right time, rather than dumping it all at once during onboarding.
