Beyond the LMS: How to Build Personalized Learning at Scale
According to Deloitte's 2023 Human Capital Trends report, 91% of organizations report that they need to develop new skills and capabilities for their workforce (Deloitte, 2023). Yet despite this recognition, many companies continue to rely on traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS) that fail to address the evolving needs of today's workforce. The disconnect is clear: standardized, one-size-fits-all training programs no longer serve today's diverse, multi-generational employees effectively.
As Gartner's research reveals, 58% of the workforce needs new skills to get their jobs done (Gartner, 2022). This skills gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity for forward-thinking L&D leaders who are ready to move beyond conventional approaches. To explore this critical shift in depth, Brown Leadership is hosting an exclusive executive roundtable on April 17, 2025, bringing together L&D innovators to share strategies for building effective personalized learning experiences at scale.
The Shift Away from One-Size-Fits-All Training
The traditional LMS was designed for a different era—one where training primarily focused on compliance and standardized skill development. Today's workforce demands more personalized, adaptive approaches that recognize their unique needs and career aspirations.
LinkedIn's 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that 74% of L&D professionals agree that L&D has become more cross-functional, requiring a more integrated approach (LinkedIn, 2023). The same report indicated that 49% of employees say that they learn in the flow of work, highlighting the importance of accessible, timely learning resources.
The emergence of adaptive learning technologies powered by artificial intelligence has transformed what's possible in corporate learning. Research shows that organizations implementing AI-powered learning platforms have seen up to 32% higher course completion rates (McKinsey & Company, 2022).
Microlearning—delivering content in short, focused segments—has also proven highly effective in personalized learning environments. According to ATD research, organizations using microlearning see completion rates improve by an average of 50% compared to traditional courses (ATD, 2022).
Strategies for Implementing Personalized Learning
Creating truly personalized learning experiences at scale requires a strategic approach that balances individual needs with organizational capabilities. Here are key strategies that high-performing organizations are implementing:
Leveraging AI and machine learning has become essential for scaling personalization efforts. A global study by PwC found that organizations using AI for personalized learning reported a 29% improvement in learner engagement and a 26% increase in knowledge retention (PwC, 2022).
Building learner journeys based on career mobility connects learning directly to career growth. According to the Josh Bersin Company, organizations that excel at internal mobility see 3.5 times more likely to be productive and 2 times more likely to exceed financial targets (Bersin, 2022).
Mobile-first and self-paced options have become non-negotiable in effective learning programs. According to Brandon Hall Group's research, companies that provide mobile learning options see 43% higher engagement rates compared to those that don't (Brandon Hall Group, 2022).
Aligning Personalized L&D with Business Goals
For personalized learning to drive meaningful business impact, it must directly connect to organizational goals and individual career progression. This alignment can be achieved through several key approaches:
Data-driven measurement is essential for understanding the effectiveness of personalized learning initiatives. According to Gartner, organizations that use analytics to measure learning impact are 75% more likely to report that L&D positively affects business outcomes (Gartner, 2023).
Career progression frameworks linked to personalized learning paths create powerful motivation for employee engagement. The 2023 PwC Global Workforce Survey found that 40% of workers report that their employers have helped them improve their digital skills, and those who received such training were 31% more likely to feel satisfied with their job (PwC, 2023).
Demonstrating tangible business results is critical for sustaining investment in personalized learning. Research from Coursera for Business shows that personalized learning programs yield a 13% higher ROI compared to traditional training methods through improved productivity and retention (Coursera, 2022).
The Future of Personalized Learning
As we move further into this new era of work, personalized learning will continue to evolve, becoming more intelligent, contextual, and integrated into the flow of work. The 2023 PwC Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey revealed that 39% of workers believe their job will be significantly changed or made redundant by technology within 5 years, highlighting the urgent need for continuous, personalized skill development (PwC, 2023).
The key to success lies in striking the right balance—leveraging technology to enable personalization while maintaining the human connection that makes learning meaningful. According to ATD's 2022 State of the Industry report, companies that offer comprehensive training programs have 18% higher profit margins than those who spend less on training (ATD, 2022).
IBM's research reveals that employees who feel they cannot develop in the company are 12 times more likely to consider leaving (IBM Institute for Business Value, 2022). This statistic underscores the critical role that personalized learning plays not just in skill development, but in talent retention and organizational resilience.
Ready to transform your organization's approach to learning and development?
Join us on April 17, 2025, for an exclusive executive roundtable where industry leaders will share their experiences and insights on implementing personalized learning at scale.
Need Immediate Guidance?
Can't wait until our roundtable? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Brown Leadership Founder, Kimberly Brown, to get a personalized assessment of your current metrics and quick wins you can implement right away. Book Your Free Consultation
Works Cited
- ATD. (2022). State of the Industry Report. Association for Talent Development.
- Bersin, J. (2022). HR Technology 2022: The Definitive Guide. The Josh Bersin Company.
- Brandon Hall Group. (2022). Mobile Learning: Engagement and Effectiveness. Brandon Hall Research.
- Coursera. (2022). The ROI of Personalized Learning. Coursera for Business.
- Deloitte. (2023). 2023 Global Human Capital Trends Report. Deloitte Insights.
- Gartner. (2022). The Future of Skills: Top Priorities for L&D Leaders. Gartner Research.
- Gartner. (2023). Learning Analytics: Impact Measurement Guide. Gartner Research.
- IBM Institute for Business Value. (2022). Employee Retention Factors. IBM Corporation.
