We live in an era of information overload, and knowledge retention has become a strategic priority for companies. Training employees isn’t enough today; an organization must ensure they retain and apply what they’ve learned over time.
Without effective retention of knowledge, training efforts lose value, productivity drops, and the same knowledge must be relearned repeatedly. Measuring knowledge retention allows companies to maximise training ROI, minimise skill gaps and build a more competent workforce.
Why Measuring Knowledge Retention Matters
Companies spend a lot of money on employee training, but most of the time they don’t focus on deploying processes to determine how much of that knowledge is remembered.
Here are a few reasons why knowledge retention matters:
Avoids Knowledge Loss
Leaving employees may take unwritten knowledge with them. Monitoring knowledge retention assures vital information is recorded and transferred.
Enhances Performance
Knowledge-retaining employees execute tasks with higher precision and efficiency.
Why Measuring Knowledge Retention Matters
Understanding what training approaches work enables organisations to enhance subsequent learning endeavours.
Best Practices for Measuring Knowledge Retention
Here are four tried-and-tested techniques to get the complete picture:
1. Retention Rate Over Time
It calculates the proportion of information learned and retained over a particular time period. A retention decline could indicate poor learning or a lack of follow-up.
2. Time-to-Competency
Time-to-Competency is a metric that monitors the time it takes for new employees to gain proficiency in the processes followed by their new employer. Lower time-to-competency shows that onboarding and knowledge retention are effective.
3. Quiz/Test Scores Post-Training
This is a test taken immediately after a training session and then again after 30, 60, or 90 days. Comparing scores of all tests shows how employees were able to maintain knowledge in the long term. These scores can also help the organisation in determining which information was easily retained and which was forgotten, so that they can plan more training sessions for the information forgotten.
4. Knowledge Search Frequency
High frequency of searches and queries for the same subject or topic in your internal systems might reflect poor knowledge retention or inadequate documentation. It also helps in highlighting areas of training that require reinforcement.
Tools to Measure and Support Knowledge Retention
1. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Platforms such as Moodle, Docebo, or TalentLMS have built-in quizzes, tracking of progress, and reporting capabilities. These features allow managers to monitor knowledge retention and intervene early if they notice signs of learning gaps.
2. Knowledge Management Systems (KMS)
Tools such as Confluence, SharePoint, or Bloomfire monitor content views, usage, and updates, giving visibility into what knowledge is being viewed, how frequently, and by whom.
3. AI-Powered Assistants and Analytics
AI-based platforms like Moveworks or Leena AI apply machine learning to identify patterns of knowledge use and engagement. They are also capable of sending reminders or automating refresh reminders.
4. Employee Survey Tools
Tools like Google Forms, Typeform, and SurveyMonkey assist in collecting qualitative feedback regarding employees’ confidence levels in applying gained knowledge
Conclusion
Measuring knowledge retention is no longer a choice, but it’s a necessary step in creating a high-performing and future-focused workforce. When workers retain and use what they’ve learned, their productivity increases, turnover is reduced, and businesses result in growth.
FAQs
1. What is the best method of measuring knowledge retention?
Using a combination of tests, peer evaluation, and long-term simulations of real-world applications is one of the best and effective methods to measure knowledge retention.
2. When should retention be tested?
The best time to test it is right after a training session, and then again after 30, 60 and 90 days to monitor knowledge rate of knowledge loss and retained.
3. What is a good retention rate?
The definition of a good retention varies from industry to industry, but a standard is maintaining at least 80% of training material after 60 days of a training session
