Whether to meet legal requirements or stay ahead of the competition, training is essential to today's employer.

The problem? Too often, training is dense. Dull. Unrelatable. Employers struggle to tailor content and curriculums in a way that actually engages workers and promotes the individual ways by which they process information. Improving the process isn't just about winning points for style. The difference between a good and bad training program could be the success — or failure — of the organization.

And so the techniques of yesterday are getting a much-needed update. Training vendors are helping employers support varied learning styles, schedules and occupations with increasingly relevant modules and experiential learning. HR is doing the work of incorporating employer brand into training, resulting in thoughtful initiatives like nationwide competitions. On the horizon: the specter of virtual and augmented reality, already adopted for use in some high-risk jobs.

Walk through these and other trends changing the way employees learn.

1. 8 behavioral science tips to boost employee learning

   As employers come to grips with a constant need to upgrade skills, the science of learning is making its way into mainstream training for workers. Read More »

2. L&D in the age of 'Netflixation'

   Three experts gauge how employee learning has changed as tech has taken over. Read More »

3. Top learning programs combine instructor-led training and digital courses

   Classroom learning continues to be replaced by its digital counterparts in many areas, but data suggests there may be room for both in the L&D toolkit. Read More »

4. Employee-led learning: Allowing workers to stray from the beaten path

   Giving employees the power and responsibility to direct their growth can be an effective way to engage and upskill, experts say. Read More »

5. L&D pros expect increased engagement, agility from lifelong learning approach

   Personalized training strategies that show employees a place in an organization have a better shot at improving engagement, which may explain the results of a recent survey. Read More »

6. Ready, set, skate: Sonic adds a dash of competition to employee training

   With the Dr Pepper Sonic Games, the fast food chain's employees participate in a nine-month, nationwide competition that aims to boost engagement in a fun way. Read More »

7. As L&D evolves, practitioners must move fast and look forward

   Talent development professionals are seeing their role expand to become a trusted advisor to the C-suite. Read More »