Stephen Holderness, Digital Learning Team Leader for AO, delves into how Assemble You’s audio library and Microsoft shorts have helped his teams engage with learning.
In response to the growing demand for modern learning methods, AO recently embarked on a complete overhaul of its digital learning strategy, driven by the needs and preferences of its diverse workforce.
AOers, as the company affectionately refers to its employees, shared clear feedback:
1/3
preferred audio-based learning
and there was a noticeable uptick in requests for Microsoft-related training. With a workforce spanning both operational and office environments, the flexibility to learn on the go became a critical requirement.
Founded: 2000
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HQ: Bolton, UK
Staff: 3k+
Workforce: Mix of desk-based, frontline and industrial
AY Engagement: 5k+ in the first 6 months
To meet this growing demand for audio learning, AO introduced Assemble You, who offer high-quality audio training covering business critical skills as well as succinct social media style Microsoft 365 videos.
Assemble You's content is designed to be both comprehensive and actionable, delivering skills enhancements aligned with AO’s business goals and values. This alignment ensures that no matter the department—be it the contact centre, logistics, legal, or learning and development—there is relevant and engaging content that promotes both personal and professional growth for all AOers.
"The ability to learn on the go is essential for us," says Stephen, "Assemble You’s podcast-style lessons enable our teams to easily integrate learning into their day-to-day activities, whether they are in the office, on the road, or working from home. It’s a perfect fit for our company culture."
The feedback from learners has exceeded expectations. AOers across all departments have embraced the content, with engagement levels far surpassing initial goals. From employees in logistics and recycling to those in corporate functions, there is excitement about the breadth of topics covered by Assemble You, and how the platform facilitates ongoing growth.
“We’ve been blown away by how engaged our people have been. The response from the teams, especially those in customer service and operations, has been incredibly positive. They love the format, and it’s making learning accessible at a time and place that suits them,” Stephen notes.
Assemble You has not only met the audio learning needs but has also seamlessly integrated into AO’s wider learning ecosystem. Its content complements other ongoing learning programs, including apprenticeships and leadership campaigns.
Whether it’s training on communication, leadership, productivity, well-being, or Microsoft 365, Assemble You fills an important gap and supports AO’s mission to empower its employees with the business-critical skills they need to thrive.
“The combination of well-researched audio lessons and Microsoft learning hits the nail on the head. It’s exactly what our AOers have been asking for, and it perfectly aligns with our existing learning programs,” Stephen shares.
One of the clearest indicators of Assemble You’s success is the shift in learning behaviour among AOers. Whereas digital learning was previously confined to office hours, there is now a significant increase in engagement during commutes and even during downtime at home, like cooking dinner.
“Our people are learning on the go now. We’ve seen learning habits change dramatically,” says Stephen. “The fact that our CEO and other senior leaders are discussing the Assemble You content highlights just how impactful it’s been.”
Assemble You has become an integral part of AO’s learning culture, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing flexible, accessible, and high-quality learning opportunities that support personal development across all levels of the business.
