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Learning that works (part 2 of 3): For learning to work, it has to be easy for lean HR and People teams

Make learning simple for HR and People teams—so they can launch, manage and scale training without burning out.

A two-person HR team is planning at a table in a common space.A two-person HR team is planning at a table in a common space.

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Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

HR and People teams juggle enough already. Adding training to the list shouldn’t be another heavy lift. For learning to actually work, it has to be simple to launch, manage and sustain—without burning out HR.

Here’s how to make training easy and still impactful.

Easy to launch and easy to use

  • Pick training you can launch fast: Go with solutions that are ready in days, not months.
  • Make sure it works with your tech: Training should plug right into what you’re already using.
  • Use ready-made learning paths: Focus on common skills like feedback, communication, and leadership—without building from scratch.

Start with strategy, not guesswork

  • Run a learning needs assessment: Figure out what employees actually need, so training lines up with real business goals.
  • Have strategy sessions with your training partner: Connect employee challenges to specific solutions.
  • Map out a plan for the long term: Build a learning roadmap that grows with your team and business.

Take admin work off HR’s plate

  • Outsource program coordination: Let your learning partner handle scheduling, invites, and registration.
  • Automate the reminders: Use tools that send calendar invites and nudge people to attend—so you don’t have to.
  • Get help with tech setup: Make sure someone else is managing Zoom links and troubleshooting—not HR.

Make internal communications simple

  • Use built-in promo materials: Look for platforms that give you email templates, posters and teaser videos to promote learning.
  • Ask for toolkits for managers: So managers can back up what people are learning and encourage follow-through.
  • Lean on pre-built communication plans: So you don’t have to write another email from scratch.

Let experts handle the expert stuff

  • Have training partners source instructors: Skip the work of finding and vetting instructors—let someone else do it.
  • Stick with live learning: People pay more attention when there’s a real expert they can ask questions.
  • Consolidate instructor logistics: Keep contracts, payments and scheduling all in one place.

Make reporting automatic

  • Use dashboards that update themselves: So you can see what’s working—without building a spreadsheet.
  • Get leadership-ready reports: Have reports that show engagement, results and ROI, ready to share with execs.
  • Tell a story with data: Show impact in a way that helps secure ongoing investment in learning.

Learning that grows with you

  • Offer on-demand content and AI Simulations: So people can keep practicing after class is over.
  • Build peer learning communities: So employees keep learning from each other.
  • Mix formats to fit everyone: Give options like live sessions, self-paced learning, and short microlearning.

Make learning simple so HR can focus on what matters

When learning is easy to manage, HR teams can spend less time on logistics and more time helping employees grow. Simple, scalable learning lets everyone focus on what really matters—building skills that make work better.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

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