Editors Note
This month, we’re excited to explore learning the Gen Z Way, offering fresh insights into how different generations approach education. We’re also proud to share our latest case study highlighting innovation and impact at Velonol. Additionally, we’re pleased to introduce the newest feature in our Learning Management System—AI Corner—designed to enhance the learning experience in myriad ways.
Happy reading!!
Lens Insight
Rethinking Learning: The Gen Z Way
The modern workplace is a melting pot of generations, each with unique learning styles and preferences. As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce, it’s essential for learning and development professionals to understand their distinct needs and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Understanding Gen Z Needs
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are digital natives, having grown up with technology at their fingertips and their learning preferences reflect this. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z values concise, interactive and relevant learning experiences. Gen Z’s career trajectory isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder or chasing paychecks, it’s driven by a desire for purpose, growth and impact – a shift that’s redefining what success means in the modern workplace. Additionally, Gen Z prioritizes job security, practical benefits, and work-life balance, while also being more outspoken about mental health, setting them apart from Millennials and Boomers.
The Short Attention Span Conundrum
One of the most significant challenges in engaging Gen Z learners is their notoriously short attention span, reportedly around 8-12 seconds. This means that learning experiences need to be focused and visually appealing to capture their attention. For instance, a study by Microsoft found that the average attention span decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2013.
The Paradox of Gen Z’s Learning Style
53% of Gen Z workers view learning and development as a way to explore career paths at their company, according to research. Gen Z’s short attention span seems to contradict their desire for meaningful, in-depth learning experiences. Given their focus on rapid career progression and professional growth, this paradox can be leveraged by incorporating micro-moments of knowledge, where learners engage in focused, intense learning activities and breathing spaces, where learners can reflect and process information. The question remains: for more intense in depth learning going beyond the micro – does this really work and is there a learning compromise?
Learning Preferences of Gen Z
So, what do Gen Z learners prefer? According to research, they thrive in environments that incorporate:
- Gamification: Gen Z learners enjoy interactive experiences that challenge and engage them. For example, apps like Duolingo, a language-learning app, use gamification elements like points, badges, and leaderboards to motivate learners.
- Simulations: Simulations provide a safe space for Gen Z learners to experiment and learn from their mistakes. For instance, medical students can use virtual reality simulations to practice surgeries, developing their skills in a risk-free environment.
- Personalized learning: Gen Z learners value learning experiences that are tailored to their interests and needs.
- Video based Contextual Learning: Video based learning with real life contextualization help subliminal absorption of 3 dimensional learning in a specific environment e.g. new RMs in a bank learn about the subtleties of dealing with customers watching good, bad and ugly handling of customers by RMs
- Real-world applications: According to a study, Gen Z who participate in project-based learning experience improved professional outcomes and increased engagement. For instance, projects that require developing a marketing strategy for a company, such as analyzing consumer behavior and creating targeted advertisements.
Entering the Professional World
Effective onboarding programs are crucial for setting Gen Z learners up for success. This includes:
- Workplace etiquette: Teaching Gen Z learners the unwritten rules of corporate life, such as communication styles and professional norms.
- Personal branding: Helping Gen Z learners develop a professional identity and build a strong reputation.
- Emotional intelligence: Gen Z’s emotional intelligence plays a significant role in their learning experiences. By incorporating emotional awareness exercises and empathetic feedback mechanisms, educators can create a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters engagement and motivation.
- Core Domain Induction
Strategies for Engaging Gen Z Learners
So, how can learning and development professionals engage Gen Z learners? Here are a few strategies that can be effective:
- Microlearning: Break down learning content into bite-sized chunks that can be easily consumed on-the-go. For example, a series of short videos on a specific topic can be more effective than a single, lengthy video or a web series broken into episodes
- Assessment-based learning modules: Incorporate quizzes and polls, to increase engagement and motivation.
- Collaborative learning: Encourage Gen Z learners to work together on projects and share ideas. This can help foster a sense of community and promote teamwork skills. For instance, group projects can be assigned that require learners to work together to solve a real-world problem.
- Flexible learning options: Offer flexible learning options, such as online or hybrid learning models, to accommodate Gen Z’s preference for work-life integration.
Conclusion
As Gen Z continues to shape the future of work, it’s clear that learning and development professionals must embrace the paradox of their short attention span and desire for depth by;
- Auditing the content: Ensure learning experiences are concise, visually appealing and relevant to Gen Z’s needs.
- Experimenting with new formats: Incorporate gamification, simulations and Assessment-based learning to boost engagement.
- Fostering a culture of feedback: Encourage open communication and empathetic feedback to support Gen Z learners.
The future of learning and development isn’t just about technology, it’s about creating human-centered experiences that foster growth, creativity and connection. The question is: are you ready to rethink learning for the Gen Z way?
Inside Knowlens
Showcasing Innovation & Impact at Velonol
Client Brief
This time we take a look at an interesting story set in one of India’s leading industrial manufacturing hubs….the Pimpri Chinchwad area of Pune. Velonol, a challenger brand in the engine oil and lubricant market, sought to establish its differentiation against large legacy players like Castrol. The objective was to find a way to capture the brand’s product innovation, R&D strength, manufacturing capability, and commitment to sustainability.
Knowlens partnered with Velonol to bring their story to life in a dynamic and visually engaging 2-minute video which communicated the USPs, depth of engineering technology ..all in a manner easily understood by an external audience. .
Key components of our execution:
- Live shoot at Velonol’s advanced manufacturing facility in Pune.
- Integration of rich motion graphics and high-resolution imagery to enhance storytelling.
- Clear articulation of the core USP: Velonol products improve mileage by 15%, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability.
The film is now used across Velonol’s marketing, sales, and partner presentations, helping the brand punch above its weight in a competitive market. For Knowlens it’s been an interesting extension from the world of internal employees to communication in masse to external stakeholders like partners and customers, and of course showcasing India’s impressive engineering capabilities in the process.
Knowbyte
Approximately 53% of Gen Z workers are inclined towards learning and development opportunities at their workplaces, compared to 37% of older generations.
Upgrade Hub
We are pleased to launch the AI Corner within our Learning Management System. With all the possibilities opened up through AI, Knowlens has over the past few months been focussing on complementary capabilities which would accelerate learning content generation as well as improve end user learning effectiveness.
The AI Corner currently features 4 pillars:
Generate Quiz: Auto generation of assessments on the fly from an existing course or document
Generate Microlearning: Autogeneration of micro learning to ensure byte sized reinforcement learning for learners enrolled for a specific course
Subtitles: Auto generation of subtitles for all video content
Dubbing: Auto dubbing of video content into multiple Indian languages