SHRM Rocks Essential HR Training with Microlearning Playlists

Human resources (HR) professionals face the challenge of navigating the collective impact of evolving technology, new legislation, shifting economic conditions, and changing employee attitudes on their people while also combatting unfair stereotypes of the HR function.

The perception of HR as an administrative, "nagging" function that operates at a remove from the rest of the business harms HR professionals and hinders organizations from achieving their full potential through their people.  

With its commitment to “building a world of work that works for all,” The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) seeks to elevate the practice and perception of HR. Since 1948, SHRM has offered a wealth of resources—including learning, original research, and community—to its global membership of over 340,000 HR professionals.

One such resource was SHRM Essentials of Human Resources^®, an incredibly successful, first-of-its-kind introductory program launched in 2001 for newcomers to HR—as well as small business owners and people managers in emerging organizations who found themselves responsible for HR duties. 

Though the program had evolved with the business landscape, the SHRM team realized in late 2024 that the time was right for a full reimagining. The SHRM-SweetRush team rose to the occasion and reimagined foundational HR skills training as flexible, self-paced, and digital-first. 

Microlearning Playlists for a Future-Ready HR Practice

The reimagined SHRM Essentials of Human Resources immerses learners in a modern, empowering vision of the HR craft via six “playlists,” each focused on a vital HR core competency. Every playlist features podcasts, videos, downloadable resources, and story-driven microlearning modules focused on HR challenges experienced by real industry professionals. As they acquire foundational knowledge and skills, learners shift their view of the HR function as compliance-focused and administrative to forward-thinking and strategic. 

Bite-sized microlearning “playlists” help emerging HR professionals elevate their craft and mindset…all on their own time. Discover how SHRM remixed its foundational HR training and gained 5,200+ new members.

SHRM’s transformation of its flagship program into a digital-first hub that feels like one of the streaming platforms its learners love. Instead of clicking through traditional, one-size-fits-all eLearning modules, learners explore engaging, interactive, relevant content in familiar, digestible formats. SHRM’s busy learners “tune in” on any device, on their own schedule. 

Playlist Features

The Hub

A Spotify-style intuitive digital home for the six multi-modal playlists consisting of microlearning modules, videos, podcasts, and downloadable digital resources

Relatable Characters and Scenarios

‍Microlearning modules featuring a cast of 15 characters facing real-world HR obstacles

Expert Guidance from Industry Leaders

Podcasts and videos connect learners to advice and experiences shared by HR industry superstars

Scenario-Based Summative Assessment

‍A cumulative simulation that challenges learners to step into the shoes of a fellow HR professional and apply their knowledge and skills to nuanced, real-world HR challenges

How It’s Going: SHRM’s Success, by the Numbers

• 7,300 (and counting) learners achieved an 80% average score.
• Learners rated the overall learning experience an average of 80%, with a Net Promoter Score of 50. 
• Since its launch, the reimagined SHRM Essentials of Human Resources program has brought 5,228 new members to SHRM.
• 89% of learners reported they are likely to renew their SHRM membership after completing the training. 

Tune in to the details of SHRM’s remixed SHRM Essentials of Human Resources experience with the complete case study. 

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