If your training is helping people fall asleep faster than it’s helping them learn, there’s a problem. 

Bored learners don’t change behaviour, retain knowledge, or deliver results. And if that sounds like what’s happening in your organisation, it could be a sign your eLearning content needs a refresh.

Great training should do more than tick boxes. It should inspire learners, equip them with knowledge they’ll remember, and empower them to apply it in the real world. If your courses aren’t doing that, it’s time to take a closer look.

Here are five red flags to look out for:

Illustration of a person looking at images on a phone marked with the number 01 representing branding

1. Your content looks dated

Design matters more than many people think. Today’s learners are surrounded by sleek, modern digital experiences, so when your training looks like a recycled PowerPoint deck, it instantly feels outdated. A dated design not only hurts engagement, it can also damage how your brand is perceived. Learners should feel like the training they’re taking is an extension of your organisation: polished, professional, and on brand.

 

Illustration of a person celebrating at an arcade machine with the text ‘You Win’, symbolising predictable or outdated eLearning content, marked with the number 02

2. Learners aren’t engaging

If completion rates are low or learners are forgetting key takeaways, it might not be their attention span that’s at fault, it could be the format. Engagement comes from variety and interactivity. Content that is static, text-heavy, or overly linear leaves little room for learners to interact, reflect, or apply knowledge. The best eLearning invites participation through scenarios, quizzes, and practical challenges, keeping learners active rather than passive.

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3. Your business has evolved, but your training hasn’t

Businesses don’t stand still. Processes change, products are updated, and priorities shift. But if your training is still teaching yesterday’s way of doing things, it’s actively holding your people back. Training should be a living, evolving resource that adapts to your organisation’s needs. Out-of-date content not only wastes time but can also create confusion and mistakes. Aligning learning with current strategy and processes ensures employees are equipped to deliver real impact.

Illustration of a flying alarm clock with wings next to the number 04, representing wasted time in outdated eLearning training.

4. It drags on too long

Modern learners are used to consuming information in short bursts. Long, lecture-style courses are a quick way to lose them. Bite-sized learning, often called microlearning, is proven to boost both retention and completion rates. Shorter modules fit naturally into the flow of work, making it easier for employees to apply what they’ve learned straight away. The result? Training that sticks.

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5. There’s no clear goal

Every training programme should answer one question: What is in this for me? When there’s no clear purpose, learners feel like they’re completing training just to tick a box, and that’s when engagement drops. Clearly defined goals give learners context, motivation, and a sense of progress. For organisations, it also means results can be measured and tied back to business outcomes.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar, it’s time to move beyond an update and commit to a real eLearning content refresh.

Refreshing your eLearning isn’t just about giving it a facelift, it’s about delivering training that truly works.

  1. ✅ Modern design improves user experience and strengthens your brand.
  2. ✅ Short, focused modules help learners retain and apply knowledge.
  3. ✅ Alignment with business goals ensures training drives measurable results.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar, it’s time to move beyond an update and commit to a real eLearning content refresh.

The result? Training that engages learners, delivers value, and makes a lasting impact.

 


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