Dive Brief:

• Lessonly recently received $8 million in funding to develop training for employees on the go. The company helps organizations create digital coursework to enhance worker skills and serves as a communication tool for company-wide information dissemination.
• Aimed at sales and service professionals, the platform allows companies to combine text, videos and photos to create custom content in an approachable manner. Quizzes help verify knowledge, and an “Ask An Expert” feature allows them to request specific information.
• The company is one of many working to address the training and communication needs of businesses whose employees don’t sit at computers during the workday. In addition to providing training, many platforms offer the ability to keep employees continuously updated on information, like price changes, inventory and more. 

Dive Insight:

Platforms that focus on the deskless employee are a growing aspect of the learning technology boom. The challenge for many employers with free-range staffers who are not tied to a terminal or desk has been to provide training in a timely manner that doesn’t detract from time on the sales floor. For employees without a dedicated email address, training and other information dissemination can be spotty. Many companies use a variety of communication means including texts, bulletin boards and other non-efficient tools.  

The new e-learning platforms address the needs of millions of workers in the food service, retail, health care, sales and other spaces. In addition to providing staffers with needed training and information, many companies are seeing growth in engagement and retention in response. When employees see their company is making an investment in their development, they're more likely to stay with the firm.