The rise of just-in-time learning: What it means for L&D professionals

In response to the ever-increasing pace of modern business environments, traditional L&D approaches are being reshaped by a growing demand for immediate, accessible, and relevant learning experiences.

Just-in-time learning has emerged as a powerful solution, enabling employees to acquire knowledge precisely when they need it. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for L&D professionals, who must adapt their strategies to provide effective, bite-sized learning solutions.

What is just-in-time learning?

Just-in-time learning is an instructional approach that delivers knowledge and skills on demand. Unlike traditional training programmes that follow a structured schedule, just-in-time learning provides quick access to information, allowing learners to immediately address the challenges encountered in their roles. This method aligns with modern workplace needs, where employees are expected to adapt rapidly to new tools, technologies, and workflows.

At the core of just-in-time learning is microlearning: short, focused learning modules designed for quick consumption.

These modules may take the form of:

• Short videos explaining a concept or demonstrating a process
• Infographics summarising key points or workflows
• Interactive quizzes reinforcing knowledge retention
• How-to guides or articles that offer step-by-step solutions
• AI-powered chatbots or FAQs providing real-time answers

A session of microlearning can last from 4 to 10 minutes, providing a quick injection of knowledge, which is easily understood and retained.

The accessibility of just-in-time learning ensures that employees can source knowledge exactly when it is needed, rather than relying on lengthy training sessions that may not be immediately applicable.

Why just-in-time learning is on the rise

Several key factors are driving the adoption of just-in-time learning in workplaces:

• Changing workforce expectations: Modern employees, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, expect learning to be accessible, engaging, and on-demand. Long training sessions are often perceived as time-consuming and ineffective. Instead, learners prefer quick, relevant insights that help them solve problems immediately
• The acceleration of digital transformation: With rapid technological advancements, employees frequently need to learn new tools and processes. Traditional training programmes struggle to keep pace, whereas just-in-time learning can provide updated content that aligns with emerging needs
• Increased remote and hybrid work: The rise of remote and hybrid work models has made traditional classroom-based training less practical. Employees need instant access to learning resources, regardless of their location. Digital on-demand learning solutions, such as mobile-friendly microlearning modules, address this challenge
• Focus on productivity and efficiency: Organisations are increasingly prioritising efficiency. Just-in-time learning supports this goal by reducing the time spent in formal training while still ensuring employees gain the knowledge necessary to perform their roles effectively
• The science of learning and retention: Studies suggest that learners forget up to 70% of new information within 24 hours if it isn’t applied. By delivering learning in small, digestible chunks at the moment of need, just-in-time learning improves knowledge retention and application

What this means for L&D professionals

As organisations embrace just-in-time learning, L&D professionals must rethink their approach to designing and delivering training. Here’s how they can create impactful learning solutions that adopt this new approach:

Develop microlearning content

Focus on creating bite-sized learning experiences that are highly relevant and accessible. These can include:

• Short instructional videos (2-5 minutes)
• Interactive quizzes and quick knowledge checks
• Flashcards or spaced repetition tools
• Concise, visually engaging infographics
• Quick-reference guides and FAQs

The key is to keep content focused on a single learning objective, making it easy for employees to absorb and apply immediately.

Leverage technology and AI

Technology plays a crucial role in enabling just-in-time learning. L&D teams should utilise:

• Mobile learning platforms to ensure accessibility
• AI-powered chatbots that provide instant answers to employee queries
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for immersive, on-the-job learning experiences
• Learning management systems (LMS) with adaptive features that personalise content based on learner needs

By leveraging these tools, L&D professionals can create a seamless, intuitive learning experience that integrates into employees’ daily workflows.

Make learning easily accessible

To be effective, just-in-time learning resources must be readily available within the systems employees already use. Embedding learning resources into the following tools ensures that employees can find and use learning materials without disrupting their work:

• Collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
• Company intranets or knowledge bases
• Workflow tools (e.g., CRM systems, project management platforms)
• Learning experience platforms (LXPs)

Personalise learning experiences

Generic, one-size-fits-all training is no longer effective. L&D teams should use data analytics and AI-driven personalisation to deliver tailored learning experiences. This involves:

• Tracking employee learning behaviours
• Using AI to recommend content based on individual needs
• Creating role-specific learning paths

Personalisation ensures that employees receive relevant learning experiences that align with their unique challenges and career goals.

Foster a culture of continuous learning

For just-in-time learning to be truly effective, organisations must cultivate a culture of learning where employees are encouraged to seek knowledge proactively. L&D professionals can support this by:

• Encouraging leaders to model continuous learning
• Recognising and rewarding employees who engage with learning resources
• Integrating learning into daily workflows through microlearning nudges or gamification

By nurturing a learning-first mindset, organisations can ensure employees embrace on demand learning as a valuable resource.

The future of just-in-time learning

The rise of just-in-time learning marks a shift towards more agile, efficient, and learner-centric training approaches. For L&D professionals, embracing this change means developing microlearning content, leveraging technology, ensuring accessibility, personalising learning experiences, and building a culture of continuous learning.

With support from ILX you can deliver just-in-time learning solutions that empower employees with the right knowledge at the right time, boosting engagement, productivity, and performance.

Be ready for anything with ILX.