What is Just-In-Time Learning?

In 2017 when my manager came to me and said: “Lily, we are shifting towards J.I.T and we need to change some of the learning modules”

I asked: “What is J.I.T?” (looking worried and concerned of what is happening, but I used my Adaptability to evolve)

Sounds like a disaster? No, it was not, it was one of the best decisions that Walmart ever made investing in the Learning & Development of the Associates. 

J.I.T stands for Just-In-Time - meaning you will get the answer to your questions on the job right there at the time and place using whatever electronic device you have access to including your personal cell phone (BYOD), tablet, laptop or the computer lab. In addition, it goes hand in hand with the Micro-Learning which is programmed to find you exactly what you need to know instead of pulling the entire course.

E.g.: If you are disposing a hazardous material in the claims area, you don’t have the luxury of time to go to your GLMS and take the entire module for 45 minutes as a refresher, you can simply search the Academy: “How to dispose a neon light in the claims bins?” (Neon lights have toxic gas) Or how to safely dispose a bleach detergent? and get the right answer immediately.

Using JIT technology along with Micro-Learning allows the associates to freely access all the info they need to perform their daily jobs without going through the hassle of calling a supervisor to ask that question or having to go in the backroom to log in to their GLMS or quietly ignoring and moving on because the store environment is way too chaotic. By the way, the store associates do a phenomenal job in staying focused because it is not easy to constantly keep engaged (1) perform your job (2) lead your team (3) respond to every single customer that approaches you (4) take calls from the Home Office, vendors etc. I know your challenges because I worked in the store operations prior to the Home Office. 

Overall the Just-In-Time learning has made the store experience better for our associates. 

If you have feedback for us let us know, we will make sure to discuss it with our leaders and see how we could accommodate or make things better. 

Thank you to all the store associates for doing an outstanding job every day! There is never a dull moment in Retail and you guys keep our stores lively. Big Thank You! 

From a former store associate and now a servant at the Home Office. 

Lily