Investing in Employees Through Online Learning is the Cornerstone to Workforce Retention

Online learning systems are no longer one-time solutions to onboard employees, show them the ropes and send them off for a great career with the company. Most multifamily companies onboard new employees with training for as long as 90 days, but they approach ongoing learning in a desultory fashion. After a few months, there may be some follow-up training. But the rest is often left up to the School of Hard Knocks. “This is a common theme we see in the market and hear from our customers: Learning is centered mostly on new-hire and annual refresher training and not necessarily on the long–term,” says Katie McCaslin, Vice President of Learning Solutions at RealPage. Online learning solutions that educate employees throughout their tenure are finding fast acceptance in an industry that has about a 32.7% employee turnover rate. The approach is based on engaging employees through, among other things, gamification and social connectivity with peers. The platforms allow employees to gain knowledge in small doses at their convenience and to develop their careers with manager support. They help keep property management companies from having to fight to hold on to their people. Online learning with EasyLMS® In addition to serving up online learning, RealPage’s EasyLMS® lets an employee and their supervisor plot a motivating career path. It's gamified with earned badges to provide emotional rewards for new learning. The top reason that people leave jobs is to pursue what they feel are better opportunities elsewhere, McCaslin says. The secret to preventing this is to make sure they are constantly learning and pursuing opportunities where they work.  “While a lack of training can cause some employees to leave their current employers, others leave when they feel locked into a position with no room for growth,” McCaslin says. “Giving people a path forward and showing you are invested in their success is a huge drivi...