Whether we realize it or not, our current digital world is personalized to us based on the content we like and how we engage it. Think about the ads you see on social media or the shows that are recommended to you on just about every streaming platform. Personalization is everywhere, so why should training be any different?

Gone are the days of the one-size-fits-all approach to training. To be more inclusive of individual needs, a one-size-fits-one approach is at the forefront of training and development. Trainers and instructors are recognizing that generalized training falls short due to not meeting individual needs. In response, companies are focusing on their employees and are recognizing how they can further personalize the learning and development (L&D) journeys they offer.

Personalized learning helps transform the way people learn, retain and use knowledge in their everyday roles. This is accomplished by training programs delivering the right education at the right time in a way that works best for the individual learner.

As new generations, like Generation Z, continue to enter the professional world, they are expecting more from their employers. Growing up in a digital world, Gen Z is used to having information at their fingertips when they need it. They also value autonomy in choosing what information they get and where they get it from. Having a personalized learning experience aligns with the way they want to acquire knowledge.

Personalized learning can also boost learner engagement. Giving learners a choice in the way their education is delivered, based on their interests or goals, will keep them more engaged than generic content. They will be more likely to stay focused on developing a new skill or upskilling an existing one when it’s on their own terms. The more engaged an employee is, the greater commitment that employee has to helping their company achieve its goals and succeed.

Along with learner engagement, personalized learning can also increase the efficiency and effectiveness of training tools. Having a choice in how they learn can better motivate learners, helping them complete training in less time. Because the education aligns to the learner’s needs and abilities, personalized learning has also been shown to include higher retention rates and better assessment performance.

Technological advancements like adaptive learning technologies are making it easier to implement a personalized learning approach. Adaptive learning technologies are transforming the landscape by customizing a learner’s experience based on their individual profiles. This is quickly becoming the future of training. With advancements in technology and adaptive learning platforms, captured learner data can be used to personalize the experience based on the individual strengths and weaknesses.

Adaptive learning platforms may use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to generate these personalized pathways, including the learner assessments provided. This advancement means that learners are being challenged at the right skill level and receiving a more effective learning experience. And while real-time feedback is always an important component of learning, having it personalized or created to the learner’s unique journey will help reinforce the content and make it as relevant as possible.

As we look to the future, the principles of personalized learning will continue to shape how we develop talent, ensuring that training not only meets the immediate needs of the workforce but also prepares individuals for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Personalized learning will only continue to evolve, and it will remain an important strategic training approach for years to come.