This month, we explore the fundamental unit of corporate learning – LMS and content in LMS – A Boon or a Bane? We’re also excited to showcase our case study on Product Training in FMCG – through the example of work done with Reckitt Benckiser. Additionally, we’re unveiling a fresh new look for our LMS, featuring a redesigned interface with both light and dark themes for a more comfortable, personalized experience.
LMS: A Boon or a Bane
LMS implementation activity and its utilization often seem to be at odds. Often when we talk to some of our L & D colleagues, when they are in LMS implementation mode, for weeks and months on end, they have no bandwidth for anything else. Often seen as the gateway and the first baby step in setting up a sustainable learning environment, why is it that so often LMS utilization remains a bugbear for so many Organizations?
The average LMS utilization in Indian corporations hovers around 30%, despite increasing technology adoption across sectors. This article examines the key factors affecting learner engagement and provides actionable solutions for learning leaders. Recent studies predict that the LMS market could reach $28.1 billion by 2025 due to factors like government support and the rise of digital learning Platforms. The India Learning Management System Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.58% during 2021-2026.
The Psychology of Learning Resistance
Natural Learners vs. Guided Learners
Research indicates that only about 20% of employees actively seek learning opportunities without prompting. In the Indian corporate context, where traditional education systems have emphasized structured learning, this pattern is particularly evident. This leaves the organization with a massive problem: 80 % of staff are not natural learners which means they either need the stick or at least regimented learning programs just like their formal learning degrees.
Cultural and Organizational Barriers
The Impact of Work Pressure
In India’s fast-paced business environment, several factors contribute to reduced learning engagement:
- Extended working hours in most sectors
- High delivery pressures and lack of mental space for learning
- Limited dedicated learning time during work hours
- Perception of training as additional workload
Building a Learning Culture
Organizations must address fundamental cultural elements:
- Creating protected learning time slots
- Implementing learning-linked career progression or at least linkage to performance
- Recognizing and rewarding continuous learners
Some companies even have learning hours policies that mandate minimum quarterly learning requirements tied to performance evaluations.
Content Relevance and Overload
With the proliferation of content providers and internal learning materials, Indian organizations face unique challenges:
- Multiple global and local content providers
- Varying quality standards across sources
- Language and contextualization needs
An employee searching for “Project Management” might find over 50 courses, leading to decision paralysis. This problem is further accentuated with LXPs.
Content Localization and Relevance
Addressing India-specific needs is also crucial. A lot of the content is globally generated and designed for one size fits all consumption – this doesn’t exactly work here in India. Some of the factors for the audience are
- Language preferences across regions
- Cultural context in case studies
- Industry-specific examples
- Local regulatory requirements
Sustained Content Availablity
Lack of a sustainable pool of content. Habits help sustain a strong learning culture and if there is nothing for the learner to consume, the habit of coming back to the LMS tends to dissipate.
Technology and Access Considerations
Further there are numerous technology and infrastructure challenges
- Variable internet connectivity across locations
- Device accessibility issues
- Platform compatibility problems
- Mobile optimization needs
Solutions and Best Practices
There are certain things which organizations need to do :
Clear Content Plan
This needs to be worked out for the long term keeping in mind content relevance, feasibility of development, quality of content presentation etc.
Defined Learning Journeys
With 80 % not being natural learners, it is important to define and facilitate learning journeys for employees at different stages of learning evolution. Role based learning paths are a way forward
AI can be useful in this context to provide adaptive learning as well though skill based recommendations.
Linkage to career and performance tracks
Establish clear certification tracks linked to performance and career growth
Tactical Engagement Strategies
Develop programs that drive sustained engagement:
- Learning championships across departments
- Quarterly learning festivals
- Peer learning networks
- Mobile-first learning initiatives
Gamification
- Gamification using the right rewards and recognition for good learning behaviour will certainly support a longer term learning environment
Future Outlook
Addressing low LMS utilization requires a multi-faceted approach that considers India’s unique corporate culture, technological landscape, and learner preferences. By focusing on creating engaging, relevant content and supporting it with the right cultural and technological framework, organizations can significantly improve learning adoption rates.
Inside Knowlens
Case Study: Product Training in FMCG – Reckitt
The core of corporate training initiatives is often around products and Reckitt Benckiser was a wonderful example of creating impactful product communication for the sales force. Reckitt of course is a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, with a strong presence in India. Its diverse product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dettol, Veet, Disprin, and others.
Given its extensive product range, Reckitt wanted to create a structured training module covering 32 of its products and brands. The challenge was to ensure that both its direct sales employees and outsourced distributor workforce had a clear and consistent understanding of each product’s benefits, positioning, and key selling points. Additionally, the training content had to be engaging, easy to consume, and available in multiple regional languages to ensure widespread accessibility.
Solution
Knowlens designed and developed a series of anchor-led video modules, each lasting 3-4 minutes each. These videos combined expert narration with supporting graphics to deliver a clear and engaging learning experience. To ensure last mile impact, the modules were dubbed into 8 Indian languages hosted on Knowlens’ Learning Platform, enabling seamless access and tracking of learning progress.
Knowlens was involved through the entire content cycle from research and scripting to video production, dubbing and deployment on the platform.
The solution was successfully rolled out to 4,000+ sales workforce members across Reckitt’s distribution network.
Conclusion
This project demonstrated how engaging, localized, and structured training content can significantly enhance product knowledge among sales teams. By leveraging Knowlens’ expertise in film-based learning, Reckitt was able to empower its salesforce with the knowledge they needed to sell more effectively. This case study serves as a model for other FMCG companies looking to improve their product training initiatives
Knowbyte
Out of 2,000 companies, 74% of trainers reported using video learning as a part of their training delivery.
Product of the Month
For a long time, since the launch of the Knowlens LMS we had been evaluating new generation interfaces. With the explosion in generative AI with the advent of ChatGPT, this became crucial and obsessive for us.
We’re thrilled to introduce a fresh new look for our LMS, featuring a redesigned interface with both light and dark themes for a more comfortable and personalized experience. Along with this, we’ve streamlined navigation, making it easier to access tools and content seamlessly.
With these additions to the UI enhancements, we’re bringing the power of AI-driven tools to help content creators build courses more efficiently and enable learners to engage more effectively. These intelligent features are designed to simplify course creation and make learning more interactive and engaging.
We look forward to engaging with our audiences for an enhanced learning experience.