In the third instalment of our series of blogs, Alan Stevenson (Change Solutions Manager, Europe) explains the Electra approach to Change Management and our unique methodology: ‘Engage, Train, Sustain’. This edition focuses on the ‘Sustain’ phase and explores how we support the embedment of learning to each client’s unique needs.
Organisations invest enormous time and effort into designing and delivering training initiatives that equip people with the skills and understanding needed for a new system, process, or way of working. Yet research repeatedly shows that without ongoing reinforcement, much of this knowledge simply fades away.
According to Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve, up to 90% of newly learned information is forgotten within one month unless it is deliberately reinforced. This reality means that even the most engaging training session will have minimal long-term impact if the learning is not sustained.
For organisations undergoing change, this presents a critical challenge: how do you ensure that new knowledge sticks, is applied consistently, and ultimately supports long-term success?
At Electra, we approach this challenge with purpose. Embedding knowledge after training is not a “nice to have”—it is a strategic necessity.
The Need for Continuous Reinforcement
Training equips people with initial understanding, but change is rarely a one-off event. It evolves, matures, and deepens over time. Employees need ongoing access to support, reminders, and coaching to help them absorb new practices and adopt them as everyday behaviours.
Without reinforcement:
- Initial enthusiasm declines
- Confidence drops when problems arise
- Inconsistency creeps in
- Old habits quietly return
Sustained knowledge is what transforms training from a moment into a movement.
Structured Support That Embeds Learning
Electra offers a suite of practical, accessible, and deliberately designed resources. Each plays a unique role in reinforcing key messages, strengthening capability and supporting long-term adoption.
Quick Reference Cards (QRCs)
Our QRCs provide step-by-step guidance for key tasks and processes. They distil complex training content into clear visual prompts, acting as a “just-in-time” support tool for users.
QRCs:
- Provide clarity when staff are unsure
- Reduce errors and rework
- Offer reassurance during periods of adjustment
- Reinforce correct methods through repetition
eLearning and Recorded Video Sessions
Visual learning is powerful, especially when navigating new systems or processes. Our recorded video sessions and bespoke eLearning modules, developed by expert trainers, allow learners to revisit demonstrative information whenever they need.
Visual Learning formats enable:
- 24/7 on-demand support
- Repetition of complex steps
- Clear visual demonstrations
- Flexible learning at each person’s own pace
Ongoing Face-to-Face Training
Sustaining knowledge requires more than static resources—it requires relationships. That’s why Electra provides ongoing face-to-face training for both new and existing staff, often supporting some clients for more than a decade.
Continual training:
- Builds capability over time
- Ensures consistency even as teams change
- Reinforces behaviours until they’re embedded
- Supports updates and evolving processes
The Check–Verify Cycle: Ensuring Knowledge Is Applied Correctly
The Check–Verify cycle provides a structured way to ensure that training has truly taken hold—not just in theory, but in everyday practice. At Electra we like to revisit our client organisations to carry out Check-Verify surveys to measure the success of change embedment.
What is Check–Verify?
- Check: Observing how individuals or teams are applying the process or skill. This might involve reviewing completed work, assessing how systems are being used, or checking whether steps are being followed correctly.
- Verify: Confirming that what has been checked aligns with the trained method. If it doesn’t, the gap is identified, corrected, and reinforced with additional guidance or support.
The Check–Verify method:
- Stops bad habits or shortcuts taking root
- Ensures consistency across departments
- Identifies training gaps early, before they cause systemic issues
- Reinforces correct behaviours through real-world practice
- Builds confidence through clear feedback and validation
The Organisational Impact
When employees have continuous access to materials, support, and structured reinforcement methods, learning becomes part of the organisation’s culture.
This leads to:
- Better adoption of new ways of working
- Stronger confidence and independence
- Higher productivity and fewer errors
- Reduced reliance on support teams
- Greater alignment between people, processes, and systems
By addressing the forgetting curve proactively and verifying that learning is applied correctly, organisations protect their investment in change programmes and maximise the return on training efforts.
Ultimately, sustaining knowledge is not just about preventing forgetting—it is about enabling long-term excellence.
Should your goals align and resonate with ours, we warmly invite you to reach out to us at: info@electralearning.com