As the L&D field continues to grow and evolve, so do the methods and strategies used to train employees. And while there is no one-size-fits-all solution, more and more companies are turning to video and animation to serve as a learning solution for professional development.

There are several reasons for this shift. For one, videos and animations are highly engaging, which can help keep employees focused on the material. They also provide a unique way of presenting information, which makes complex concepts easier to understand and new skills easier to grasp.

Finally, they can be used again and again, meaning a company’s L&D investment will continue to pay off long after the initial training is complete. With careful planning and execution, a video or animation-based L&D strategy can be a powerful tool for talent development for keeping employees up to date with the latest job skills.

Organizations that invest in the L&D of their employees will see a wide range of benefits, including improved employee retention rates, higher company morale, and increased productivity. In fact, 93 percent of employees say they will stay longer at a company when that company invests in their career development.

As video becomes more ubiquitous in the realm of L&D, we’re seeing data that illustrates the potential of this powerful medium. According to Google, 86 percent of US YouTube viewers use their video platform to learn new things.

With such high stakes and a proven return on investment, it’s no wonder companies are turning to an animation-based L&D Strategy.

One of the standout benefits of video-based learning is practical application. Animated videos show skills and knowledge in action. For instance, employees can see how to complete every step in the process and which mistakes to avoid.

It’s a visual representation that gives learners the chance to reflect on what they witness firsthand instead of only reading about protocols. Animated video allows for employees to simultaneously apply experiential knowledge to deepen their understanding of a topic or concept in real time.

To fully realize the benefits of animated videos, however, L&D professionals must work to create training content for diverse learners. Every individual has a different personality, different preferences, and different learning styles. The challenge for any talent development professional is how to create a one-size-fits-all training program that can accommodate the diverse needs of each individual.

A recent study by the software company Adobe found that people absorb information differently based on their learning style. Some people are visual learners and prefer to see information in a graph or chart. Others are auditory learners and prefer to listen to audio instructions. And still others are kinesthetic learners who prefer to learn through experience and trial and error.

The study found that the most successful training programs use a mix of all three learning styles. Animated videos are a great way to cater to all three learning styles at once.

Similar consideration is due for learners of varied age groups. As the workforce becomes increasingly multigenerational, it’s important to tailor your learning content to appeal to people of all ages. Video is a great way to reach employees of all generations, as it can be customized to suit individual needs and goals. For instance, you can include references that your Gen X staffers will relate to, but also include something for your baby boomer employees.

The key is to find a balance that speaks to everyone and gets them emotionally invested in the learning experience. By tailoring your video learning to the specific needs of your employees, you can create an unforgettable learning and development strategy that speaks to people of all ages.