EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, providing reserve power, batteries, and accessories to customers worldwide. EnerSys solutions are leveraged across a wide range of industries, from military and aerospace to telecommunications to industrial vehicles and medical devices. When the company decided to launch a global employee training program, it sought a partner that could provide course content with a global reach.
Create a Global Learning Culture
The company’s 11,000 employees work in 30 countries and speak 18 languages, but until it implemented OpenSesame, EnerSys did not have a centralized, formal training program. “We had pockets of training across the organization but nothing cohesive or formalized,” recalls Drew Krajewski, director of global training and development for EnerSys. “We wanted to create a truly global learning culture spanning locations and languages. OpenSesame has the largest e-learning course catalog and provides it at the best available value.”
Integration With LMS
EnerSys had recently rolled out a new LMS across the organization and sought course content it could integrate into the platform. “We looked at another content provider, but when we made a price-per-course comparison. OpenSesame came out far ahead,” says Krajewski. “We have access to more than 5,000 courses as part of our subscription. The other option costs three times more and offered only 140 courses.”
Strategic Rollout
The company took a strategic approach to its e-learning initiative, starting with an opt-in program targeting its management team. “We emailed 1,000 managers to introduce them to the training program and invited them to participate by enrolling in a single course during the quarter,” explains Krajewski. “The response rate exceeded our expectations—44 percent of our managers signed up for the training, and we saw a 93 percent completion rate.”
6,000 Users Worldwide and Counting
EnerSys phased the rollout of its e-learning project geographically, with Asia-Pacific first, followed closely by Europe and the United States. More than 6,000 employees currently have access to OpenSesame. “We also may add some elearning kiosks for our staff that doesn’t have daily access to a computer,” notes Krajewski. “Our goal is to make e-learning accessible, convenient, and meaningful to all EnerSys employees.”
An Engaging Culture Shift
“We have what we call a careerpathing program to help employees identify their strengths and build on them and identify potential weaknesses and address them,” explains Melanie Moses, global manager of training and curriculum design at EnerSys. “OpenSesame offers courses from advanced leadership training to core communication skills, enabling us to meet people where they’re at and help them get to where they want to go.” The company’s investment in e-learning is proving to be a win for all involved. Employees are able to quickly log in to the LMS and access their courses from the desktop or mobile device, putting them in control and encouraging use. The company no longer has to pay training travel expenses to send employees off-site for training or to bring specialized trainers in. And managers no longer spend valuable time researching and vetting courses or administering basic skill-assessment tests. But the single largest benefit, Moses notes, is a noticeable culture shift within the organization. “We’re seeing a culture shift—employees are responding to the program. Educational opportunities build a more engaged workforce.”
Support done right
“We’ve been very impressed with OpenSesame—the product and the company,” say Moses. “Our customer success manager shares tips, tricks, and course recommendations with us. We almost feel like they’re part of the family.” Krajewski agrees, “Actual customer service of this caliber is a rarity, and OpenSesame does it right. We don’t consider OpenSesame a vendor. They’re our partner.”