Microlearning 101

Introduction

Organizational competence development refers to the systematic enhancement of employees' skills, knowledge, and behaviors to align with business goals, improve performance, and foster adaptability in dynamic work environments. In an era of rapid technological change and increasing demands for continuous learning, tools like microlearning and various software platforms have emerged as pivotal solutions. Microlearning delivers bite-sized, focused content for quick knowledge acquisition, while other software—such as e-learning platforms, skills management systems, and competency frameworks—supports broader training and resource allocation. This article draws on high-quality scientific sources to explore these approaches, their effectiveness, and applications in organizational settings.

Understanding Microlearning: Concept and Effectiveness

Microlearning is an instructional approach providing bite-sized, action-oriented content to achieve specific objectives quickly, often via apps or digital platforms (Hassan et al., 2025). A systematic review of 40 studies shows it positively impacts cognitive (e.g., knowledge retention), behavioral (e.g., performance), and affective (e.g., motivation) outcomes, aligned with theories like Cognitive Load Theory (Hassan et al., 2025). Trends indicate growing adoption in workplace training, with publications surging (Sung et al., 2019).

Empirical evidence supports its efficacy. In corporate settings, a mixed-methods study with 200 employees found 85% rated it more engaging and 75% noted better retention (Choudhary and Potdar, 2024). In older adult care, an app-based intervention improved competencies in hygiene and dementia care, boosting performance despite device challenges (Richardson et al., 2023). Healthcare studies affirm its role in skill enhancement and retention (Weeks, 2025).

Benefits and Applications of Microlearning in Organizations

Microlearning enhances engagement, reduces cognitive load, and integrates into workflows. For soft skills, it improved communication and teamwork among university students, relevant for organizational hires (Luo and Li, 2025). In corporate training, it boosts skill enhancement via spaced repetition and interactivity (Oyeyipo et al., 2024).

It supports retention and development, with frameworks integrating andragogy for personalized content (Hassan et al., 2025). Limitations include lack of depth for complex topics (Choudhary and Potdar, 2024).

Other Software Tools for Organizational Competence Development

Software tools like competency frameworks and AI systems support broader development. A systematic mapping identified 49 essential software engineering competencies, integrating hard and soft skills (Bass et al., 2022). Behavioral frameworks aid HRM processes (Orsoni and Colaco, 2013).

Digital transformation frameworks cover skills in digital work and collaboration via tools like cloud platforms (Bouwmans et al., 2024). AI competencies enhance marketing capabilities and performance (Mikalef et al., 2023). For SMEs, models build digital competences (González-Varona et al., 2021).

Generic frameworks use tools like MS Excel and AHP for rating competencies (Ali et al., 2021). Enterprise architecture models incorporate competences via ArchiMate (Calhau et al., 2024). Organizational practices reduce turnover by boosting employability (Moreira et al., 2022).

Examples include:

• Competency Frameworks: Integrate skills management (Bass et al., 2022).
• AI Tools: Foster innovative behaviors (Mikalef et al., 2023).
• EA Software: Model competences to capabilities (Calhau et al., 2024).

Integration and Comparison

Microlearning often integrates with broader software ecosystems, such as embedding short modules in e-learning platforms to enhance traditional LMS. Compared to comprehensive tools like skills management systems, microlearning excels in speed and engagement but may require combination for depth. A taxonomy of microlearning applications suggests it complements organizational learning by focusing on specific competencies.

Future research should explore hybrid models, addressing gaps like evolving competencies in Agile environments and leveraging analytics for e-learning. Organizations can maximize impact by aligning tools with employee needs, promoting a culture of continuous learning.

Conclusion

Microlearning and software tools provide evidence-based strategies for competence development, fostering resilient organizations when tailored appropriately.

Extra:

You can explore what Whyhoy has to offer for enabling Microlearning for your organization at: Whyhoy

To start building microlearning resources jump to our tools at Whyhoy admin application

Learn more about how to create high quality microlearning content in our article: Principles of great microlearning content

References

Ali, M. M., Qureshi, S. M., Memon, M. S., Mari, S. I. and Ramzan, M. B. (2021) 'Competency framework development for effective human resource management', SAGE Open, 11(2), pp. 1-25. doi: 10.1177/21582440211006124.

Bass, J. M., Beecham, S., Noll, J., Razzak, M. A., & Clarke, P. (2022) 'The essential competencies of software professionals: A unified competence framework', Information and Software Technology, 152, pp. 107020. doi: 10.1016/j.infsof.2022.107020.

Bouwmans, M., Lub, X., Orlowski, M. and Nguyen, T.-V. (2024) 'Developing the digital transformation skills framework: A systematic literature review approach', PLOS One, 19(7), p.e0304127. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304127.

Calhau, R. F., Guizzardi, G., and Proper, H. A. (2024) 'An ontology-based approach to competence management: zooming in and out on competences', Software & Systems Modeling, 23(4), pp. 1123-1160. doi: 10.1007/s10270-024-01151-7.

Choudhary, P. and Potdar, P. (2024) 'The impact of microlearning on employee training and development in corporate settings', International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology, 4(7), pp. 192-195. doi: 10.48175/IJARSCT-22671192.

González-Varona, J.M., López-Paredes, A., Poza, D. and Acebes, F. (2021) 'Building and development of an organizational competence for digital transformation in SMEs', Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 14(1), pp. 15-24. doi: https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.3279

Hassan, A., Li, X., and Zhang, Y. (2025) 'Microlearning beyond boundaries: A systematic review and a novel framework for improving learning outcomes', Heliyon, 11(2), p. e41413. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41413.

Luo, H. and Li, W. (2025) 'Impact of microlearning on developing soft skills of university students across disciplines', Frontiers in Psychology, 16. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1491265.

Mikalef, P., Islam, N., Parida, V., Harkamaljit, N. and Altwaijry, N. (2023) 'Artificial intelligence (AI) competencies for organizational performance: A B2B marketing capabilities perspective', Journal of Business Research, 162, p. 113998. doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113998.

Moreira, A., Sousa, M.J. and Cesário, F. (2022) 'Competencies development: The role of organizational commitment and the perception of employability', Social Sciences, 11(3), p.125. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11030125.

Orsoni, A. and Colaco, B. (2013) 'A competency framework for software development organisations'.

Oyeyipo, I., Isibor, N. J., Attipoe, V., Ayodeji, D. C., Mayienga, B. A., Alonge, E. and Onwuzulike, O. C. (2024) 'Investigating the effectiveness of microlearning approaches in corporate training programs for skill enhancement', Gulf Journal of Advance Business Research, 2(6), pp. 493–505. doi: https://doi.org/10.51594/gjabr.v2i6.122.

Richardson, M.X., et al. (2023) 'Digital microlearning for training and competency development of older adult care personnel: mixed methods intervention study to assess needs, effectiveness, and areas of application', JMIR Medical Education, 9(1), p.e45177. doi: 10.2196/45177. Available at: https://www.emerald.com/jwam/article/13/1/88/250078/A-review-of-the-trend-of-microlearning

Sung, A., Leong, K., Sironi, P., O'Reilly, T. and McMillan, A. (2019) 'An exploratory study of the FinTech (financial technology) education and retraining in UK', Journal of Work-Applied Management, 11(2), pp. 187–198. doi: 10.1108/JWAM-10-2020-0044. Available at: https://www.emerald.com/jwam/article/13/1/88/250078/A-review-of-the-trend-of-microlearning

Weeks, L. (2025) 'Microlearning as an effective training method for healthcare employees to improve competencies and organizational success', Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. Available at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=19444&context=dissertations