Custom Learning: Boosting Engagement and Growth

Imagine a mid-sized consumer packaged goods (CPG) company — let’s call them “FreshBite” — facing a critical challenge: Mid-level managers, many of whom were first-time leaders, needed comprehensive training. But with no in-house expertise in leadership development or instructional design, the company needed an assist. That’s when they partnered with a custom learning vendor, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions they’ve made for the company’s growth. Let us take you on their journey and show you the benefits of working with a custom learning vendor. 

Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges 

FreshBite’s HR Director recalls, "We had tried off-the-shelf solutions, but they just didn't resonate with our team or address our unique industry challenges. We needed something tailored to our culture and specific leadership needs in the fast-paced CPG world.” Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, a custom learning vendor will take the time to understand your employees and your organization. This might take the shape of in-depth interviews with executives, shadowing of managers, and analyzing existing workflows and processes. The result is a customized manager program that’s created just for your organization.  

Increased Engagement and Retention 

Instead of asking managers to complete a rather generic program, the entire learning experience is tailored to learners’ needs — speaking directly to the challenges first-time managers face daily. Learners will feel like you are reading their minds. This has a direct impact on employee engagement and FreshBite saw immediate and measurable results. Internal surveys confirmed that managers’ confidence and team productivity increased. More engaged managers are a recipe for success when it comes to overall employee retention, too.   

But What About the Costs? 

Initially, FreshBite wasn’t sure if the cost of a custom training program was justifiable. It’s important to break down the long-term savings, such as reduced turnover and increased productivity, and do a cost-benefit analysis to show that custom learning content most likely will have long-term benefits, aside from the initial investment. Savings include areas such as recruitment and onboarding costs.  

Flexibility and Scalability 

Aside from the long-term cost benefits, a custom learning vendor proves their worth in flexibility and scalability. Expanding into new product lines? No problem — a custom vendor can quickly adapt the training to include modules on managing cross-functional teams and innovative leadership. The ease of maintaining and updating content is crucial in fast-paced industries to stay competitive. FreshBite experienced this first-hand and having the vendor take care of these updates allowed them to focus on more strategic initiatives.  

Enhanced Learning Experience 

The learning experience itself was a revelation to FreshBite. Gone were the days of dull PowerPoint presentations. The new program featured interactive simulations, gamified learning modules, and even a virtual reality component for practicing difficult conversations. "It's engaging and actually fun," admitted a skeptical veteran manager who initially resisted the new training. 

Custom training often leverages existing technology infrastructures to integrate seamlessly with an organization’s LMS and other available technology tools. Custom programs meet learners where they are. This not only enhances adoption but also provides robust analytics that can help to continuously refine the experience.  

Custom Training Is for Everyone 

FreshBite’s story is just one example. Custom training can work for all organizations, no matter their size and in-house knowledge. It can support an internal L&D team and help them free up time to work on strategic initiatives while the vendor focuses on designing and developing a new program. But a custom vendor can also be a thought partner for strategic projects. No matter the situation, effective programs that support collaboration across the board will benefit your learners and your organization in the long run.

If you want to learn more about how custom learning can work in your organization, contact an Ardent specialist today and we will be happy to jump on a call with you!