Microlearning: How Bite-Sized Training Boosts Employee Skills

Microlearning: How Bite-Sized Training Boosts Employee Skills

Introduction 

Training is important in all workplaces, but lengthy training can be tedious, overwhelming, and hard to retain. This rings especially true for the hospitality industry, as team members work long shifts in a fast-paced environment and do not have a full day to attend a workshop. 

This is why microlearning has become one of the most popular training methods in HR today. Microlearning is delivering training in small, bite-sized lessons - typically 3 - 7 minutes - using video, quizzes, infographics, and mobile apps. 

Training is easy, fast, and convenient to use, which is perfect for hospitality teams such as housekeeping, front office, kitchen, and food & beverage (F&B).

What Is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a technique used to educate in small bits of information, that is focused on a single topic. Rather than a 2-hour lecture, employees will watch a 3-minute video, or simply use quick bits of steps.

The theory behind microlearning is grounded in:

1. Cognitive Load Theory - Sweller (1988)

Human beings learn better when information can be associated in smaller bits. When too much information is given, it can overload the brain.

2. Adult Learning Theory - Knowles (1980)

Adults learn better when learning is:

• practical

• short

• immediately useful

• self-directed

Microlearning fits these all perfectly.

The reasons Microlearning is successful

• Fast learn time

Short lessons allow employees to learn on their breaks or in between tasks. 

• Easy to recall

Small chunks of information increase retention.

• Cheaper cost

Micro-videos and basic digital modules are less expensive than full programs. 

• Flexible delivery

Employees can learn on their phones at a time that is best for them.

• More engaging

Microlearning employs video, animation, quizzes, and gamification to keep the learner engaged.

Microlearning in Hospitality: Actual Impact on Housekeeping & F&B Teams

The service experience in hospitality and travel is largely dependent on the frontline employee. These employees are usually scheduled for long shifts, which impacts the time they can spend attending long form learning sessions.

Housekeeping Teams: Quick Skill Videos

Hotels are increasingly using microlearning to train housekeeping staff in:

• "standards of bed-making"

• "methods of cleaning bathrooms"

• "how to greet a guest"

• "how to respond to a guest complaint"

• "employee safety protocols"

The use of a 2–3 minute video that shows the "standard method" is a more effective way of learning than reading a long manual on the topic.

For example, brands around the world, such as Hilton and Marriott, use short mobile videos for demonstrating the “perfect room setup” or “cleaning sequence”. The beauty of these is that staff can watch then at any time, and even during off-peak hours.

F&B (Food & Beverage) Teams: Bite-Sized Refreshers

As menu items change, drinks are added, hygiene is updated, etc., F&B employees need a way to refresh and update their knowledge each day. By providing them with “microlearning” strategies they can stay up to date in:

• 1-minute videos on how to set a table

• quick tutorials on service techniques

• short clips on serving allergens

• mini-quizzes in food safety protocols and practices.

Overall, microlearning helps to keep the employees fresh in their knowledge and skill set without losing any time from their shifts.

The Benefits of Microlearning in Hotel Operations

1. Faster onboarding

New employees can grasp key job tasks in just a few minutes.

2. Consistency across teams

Every employee receives the same training standard.

3. Better guest satisfaction

When staff are trained on procedures, service execution will get better.

4. Minimized mistakes

Short, simple and clear trainings reduce confusion.

5. Continuous improvement

Employees can always revisit the videos to refresh of their skills.

A Simple Example of Microlearning in a Hotel

Let's just imagine that a hotel decided they wanted to improve their standards for making beds.

Rather than setting up a longer workshop, their HR team found a 3-minute video they could simply upload that showed:

• how to tuck sheets tightly and correctly

• how to fold the towels interactively

• how to check for dust

• how to do the final inspection of the room

The housekeeping staff learned the system by watching it on their phones. The next day, the supervisors noted the bed-making was much improved.

This is the benefit of microlearning, small lessons, extraordinarily great outcomes.

Why Should HR Managers be Using Microlearning?

Microlearning encourages HR teams:

• to train more people in less time

• to reduce training costs

• to create lessons for mobile-device learning

• to assist shift workers

• to improve employee engagement

• to create a culture of continual learning

This will, of course, help hotels be more efficient, keep them more professional, and continue to be more guest oriented.

References

Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2).

Knowles, M. (1980). The Modern Practice of Adult Education. Cambridge Books.

Thalheimer, W. (2017). Spacing learning over time: What the research says. Work-Learning Research.

Marriott International (2024). Training and Development Resources.

Hilton Hotels Learning Portal (2023). Frontline Employee Training Modules.

YouTube Link

https://youtu.be/pBeD0myqpyg?si=fWoXl3Pt3RaSVMoS