Experimental learning is the game-changer not just for any corporate training or workshops, but for any type of learning people do nowadays. According to the Forgetting Curve research, employees forget 70% of training content within 24 hours if it’s not reinforced through action. Harvard Business Review says: Only 12% of employees actually use the new skills they learn in training. Just 25% feel the training made a real difference in their work. And if we don’t use what we learn, we forget 75% of it within six days.

Most corporate training doesn’t stick; it’s like pouring water into a bucket with holes. If people don’t experience and apply what they learn, they quickly forget it.

The best solution here is “Experiential Learning”!

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential Learning means learning by doing. Employees build skills and knowledge through hands-on experiential learning activities and thinking about what they learned from the experience.

Credit David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle:

1. Concrete Experience (doing the task)
2. Reflective Observation (thinking about what happened)
3. Abstract Conceptualisation (understanding the why)
4. Active Experimentation (trying again with improvements)

Why Experiential Learning Delivers Better Outcomes in the Workplace?

1. Enhanced Knowledge Retention and Application

Experiential learning ensures that employees don’t just hear concepts, they live them.

• Hands-on Experience Strengthens Memory – People remember up to 90% of what they do, but only about 10% of what they read. That’s why hands-on activities make a big difference.
• Direct Problem-Solving in Context – When employees practice real work situations during training, they learn how to respond fast and handle problems better.
• Immediate Transfer to Work Tasks – The skills learned can be used right away, so there’s no delay between training and doing the job well.
• Boosts Confidence in Skill Execution – Practising again and again in real-like situations helps people feel confident and sure when doing actual work.

2. Stronger Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

Workplace challenges rarely have a “textbook answer.” Experiential learning builds mental agility.

• Think on Their Feet – Activities make employees think quickly and change their plans as things happen.
• Encourages Innovative Thinking – Instead of following pre-defined steps, participants experiment and explore unconventional solutions.
• Develops Decision-Making Under Pressure – Simulations copy real deadlines and pressure, helping employees make faster decisions.
• Turns Mistakes into Learning Tools – Safe failure zones help identify weak areas without damaging actual work outcomes.

3. Improved Team Collaboration and Communication

Teams learn together and build trust through shared experiences.

• Authentic Team-Building Exercises – Team activities are like real work situations, helping people understand each other better and build trust.
• Conflict Resolution in Practice – Employees practice handling disagreements in a safe environment, so they are better prepared for what can really cause conflict.
• Enhances Listening and Expression Skills – Experiential projects help employees practice listening carefully and communicating clearly, which is important for getting work done well.
• Promotes Cross-Department Understanding – Working in mixed teams helps break down barriers and encourages different departments to work together better.

4. Higher Employee Engagement and Motivation

When learning feels engaging, employees invest more energy and enthusiasm.

• Learning Becomes Fun and Memorable – Use experiential learning activities like role plays and simulations.
• Increases Emotional Connection to the Material – When activities create strong feelings, employees remember the lessons better and for longer.
• Drives Healthy Competition and Participation – Challenges and team goals boost excitement and motivate people to support each other.
• Builds a Sense of Purpose in Training – Employees see how what they learn helps them do their actual jobs better.

5. Faster Skill Development and Workplace Impact

Experiential learning shortens the time from “training” to “tangible results.”

• Accelerates Mastery of Complex Skills – Practising real tasks helps employees learn technical and people skills faster.
• Incorporates Feedback Immediately – Trainers and peers provide real-time corrections, making improvements instantly.
• Reduces Knowledge Decay Over Time – Continuous active involvement prevents employees from forgetting newly acquired skills.
• Delivers Immediate ROI for Employers – Faster application means improved productivity and measurable business benefits sooner.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-moving workplaces, just knowing something isn’t enough; what matters is how well you can use that knowledge. Experiential learning programs turn ideas into action by letting employees learn through real experiences. It turns them from just listeners into active thinkers, team players, and problem-solvers. Involving their mind, emotions, and actions, it helps them remember better and apply skills faster in real situations.

When companies embrace the advantages of experiential learning, they’re not just teaching skills — they’re building a culture of confidence, adaptability, and motivation. The benefits of experiential learning extend beyond productivity, creating a stronger and more positive workplace culture.

If you want your workforce to remember more, apply skills faster, and stay highly engaged, it’s time to invest in a powerful experiential learning program. At Corporate Compass, we design customised experiential learning activities that deliver real-world impact — boosting retention, improving problem-solving, and strengthening collaboration. Contact us today to bring the benefits of experiential learning to your workplace and watch your teams thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is experiential learning in the workplace?

Experiential learning is a way of training where employees learn by doing real tasks, activities, or projects, not just by listening to lectures or reading manuals.
It’s all about learning through hands-on experience.

2. How is experiential learning different from traditional training?

Traditional training usually involves listening to presentations and taking notes. Experiential learning is different; it puts employees into real-life-like activities, so they can practice and use their skills right away.

3. Does experiential learning work for all types of jobs?

Yes. Experiential learning works for all kinds of jobs — from technical roles and customer service to leadership and creative work. It can be customised to match the needs and challenges of each role.

4. Is experiential learning time-consuming?

Not really. These activities might take more planning than a regular lecture, but they help people learn faster and remember better, which saves time in the long run.

5. Can small businesses also implement experiential learning?

Absolutely. Small businesses can use things like role plays, team problem-solving, and hands-on projects without spending a lot of money or needing fancy setups.

6. What are some common examples of experiential learning activities?

Examples are things like practising real situations, acting out roles, talking about real cases, watching how others work, team challenges, learning while working, and fun group workshops.