Why Learning Fades After Workshops (And How To Fix It)

Workshops are an incredibly effective way to spark new ideas, develop essential skills, and motivate teams to reach their full potential. They serve as a dynamic platform where individuals come together, experience those enlightening “aha” moments, and establish a solid foundation for both personal and professional growth.

However, let’s be candid… if the insights and knowledge gained during these sessions dissipate just a week later, then the workshop isn’t providing the lasting value it should.

The reality is that even the most engaging and well-structured workshops can fall prey to the “forgetting curve.” This is a well-researched phenomenon identified by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, which shows that people tend to forget a significant portion of what they’ve learned - up to 70% - within just 24 hours if the information isn’t reinforced. Without consistent repetition and reinforcement, even the most impactful insights can quickly fade from memory.

At Excel Communications, we understand that workshops are not just about the immediate experience; they are about achieving tangible, long-term results. That’s why we’ve launched our innovative video creation service, specifically designed to ensure that the valuable learnings from workshops don’t just vanish - they become ingrained and enduring.

So, let’s delve deeper into the reasons why learning tends to fade after workshops and, more importantly, explore effective strategies to counteract this and make learning truly stick.

Why Does Learning Fade?

1. The Forgetting Curve

Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, through his pioneering research, uncovered a fascinating yet challenging phenomenon known as the "forgetting curve." This concept illustrates how our brains are wired to forget a significant portion of newly acquired information - up to a staggering 70% - within just 24 hours if that information isn't actively reinforced. This rapid decline in memory retention highlights the natural tendency of our minds to prioritise and retain only the most frequently revisited or reinforced data.

Without consistent repetition and strategic reinforcement, even the most profound and impactful insights, those that initially seem unforgettable, can gradually fade into obscurity. This underscores the importance of employing effective learning strategies to combat this natural forgetfulness and ensure that valuable knowledge remains accessible and actionable over time.

2. Busy Work Environments

After a workshop, employees often find themselves thrust back into the whirlwind of their daily professional lives, where overflowing inboxes, pressing deadlines, and a myriad of day-to-day tasks demand their immediate attention. The transition from the focused, idea-rich environment of a workshop to the hustle and bustle of regular work can be jarring. In this fast-paced setting, the valuable insights and innovative strategies gained during the workshop, despite their potential to drive significant improvements, frequently get pushed to the back burner.

The urgent nature of everyday responsibilities tends to overshadow these newfound learnings, making it challenging for employees to prioritise and integrate them into their routine. As a result, the transformative potential of the workshop is at risk of being lost amidst the noise of immediate demands and obligations.

3. Lack of Reinforcement Tools

Without practical, ongoing reinforcement, the knowledge and skills gained in a workshop risk becoming nothing more than theoretical concepts, floating in the realm of ideas without ever anchoring themselves in the reality of daily tasks. This lack of reinforcement tools means that the valuable insights and techniques introduced during the workshop may never transition into practical, everyday application. Participants might leave the session feeling inspired and equipped with new strategies, but without a structured system to revisit and practise these learnings, they often struggle to integrate them into their routine.

The absence of reinforcement tools can lead to a disconnect between what was learned and how it can be applied, ultimately diminishing the potential impact of the workshop. To truly benefit from the knowledge acquired, it is essential to have mechanisms in place that consistently remind and encourage individuals to apply what they've learned, transforming theoretical understanding into tangible skills that enhance their professional performance.

How to Make Learning Stick

The good news? You don’t have to accept the forgetting curve as inevitable. With the right strategies, you can make learning last. Here’s how:

1. Reinforce Learning with On-Demand Videos

This is where our innovative video creation service becomes a game-changer in the realm of learning retention. We understand that the key to making workshop insights stick is to provide participants with the tools they need to revisit and reinforce their learning at their own pace. That's why we craft custom, bite-sized videos that are meticulously tailored to encapsulate the essential points of your workshop. These videos are designed to be easily digestible, allowing participants to engage with the material in a way that suits their busy schedules.

Picture this: the highlights of your workshop, distilled into concise, engaging video segments, available at the click of a button. Whether it's the day after the workshop when the ideas are still fresh or right before a crucial meeting when a quick refresher is needed, these videos serve as a reliable resource to keep critical concepts top of mind. They transform passive learning into an active, ongoing process, ensuring that the knowledge gained is not only remembered but also applied effectively.

Think of it as equipping your team with a digital learning coach that’s always ready to assist, without the awkwardness of traditional pep talks. These videos empower your team to continuously engage with the material, fostering a culture of learning that is both dynamic and enduring. By integrating these on-demand videos into your learning strategy, you're not just reinforcing knowledge; you're building a foundation for sustained professional growth and success.

2. Create Personal Action Plans

Workshops shouldn’t end without participants having a clear roadmap for applying what they’ve learned. Action plans with specific goals, timelines, and next steps bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world application.

3. Encourage Peer Discussions

Team discussions after a workshop can reinforce learning and encourage practical application. Whether through peer learning groups or informal chats, participants can share experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate wins.

4. Provide Flexible Resources

Pair workshop content with additional resources like templates, guides, and our on-demand videos. These tools make it easy for participants to refresh their knowledge in formats that suit their learning style.

5. Celebrate Success Stories

Recognise and reward employees who successfully apply workshop learnings. Celebrating their wins not only boosts morale but also motivates others to follow suit.

Why Our Video Service Makes a Difference

Workshops are impactful in the moment, but our on-demand videos ensure that impact doesn’t fade. These short, engaging clips:

• Reinforce the most critical workshop themes.

• Provide practical insights exactly when participants need them.

• Are accessible anytime, anywhere - perfect for busy professionals.

By combining workshops with our videos, you’re creating a learning ecosystem that drives real, lasting change.

Workshops That Stick

Workshops are just the beginning. The key to lasting impact lies in what happens after the session. With tools like custom on-demand videos, personal action plans, and ongoing reinforcement, you can transform short-term learning into long-term success.

At Excel Communications, we’re here to help you make it happen.

Ready to ensure your workshops deliver lasting results?

Contact us today to learn more about our video creation service and how we can help you embed learning that truly sticks.

Many thanks,

Alex & The Excel Team

P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.

About Excel Communications

Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.  

Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.   

We work with you to create unforgettably, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.   

View our case studies here.