Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are free or low-cost classes created by experts, may be an option for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) train and retain Gen Y workers. Software Advice surveyed 1,538 adults in the U.S. to see how they felt about using MOOCs in the workplace. Here we explore the results of this survey and its implications for small businesses.

1. Can MOOCs Help SMBs Attract
and Retain Gen Y Talent?

2. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are free or low-cost classes
created by experts, may be an option for small-to-medium-sized businesses
(SMBs) train and retain Gen Y workers.
Software Advice surveyed 1,538 adults in the U.S. to see how they felt about
using MOOCs in the workplace. Here we explore the results of this survey and its
implications for small businesses.
• Over half of 18-24 year olds noted that access to training through MOOCs
would positively affect their decision to apply to a company.
• 73 percent of 18-24 year olds and 60 percent of 25-34 year olds said they
would participate in MOOC based training.
• 58 percent of 18-24 year olds said access to MOOCs would impact their
decision to stay with a company, while over half of 25-34 year olds agreed.
Abstract

3. MOOCs Can Encourage Younger Workers to Apply
Gen Y workers want to gain professional skills. It makes sense that 52% of 18-24
year olds said access to MOOC-based training would affect their decision to apply.
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
75%
66%
62.5%
65%
50%
48%
25%
34%
37.5%
35%
50%
52%
Yes No

4. Gen Y More Likely to Participate in MOOC-Based Training
Gen Y projected participation in MOOC training is impressive, given that one study
found that, on average, only 32% of workers participate in voluntary training.
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
74%
56%
60%
45%
40%
27%
26%
44%
40%
55%
60%
73%
Yes No

5. Over Half of Millennials Would Stay at a Company Offering MOOCs
Replacing employees is expensive, and as Gen Y workers are more likely to job-
hop, MOOCs can be an inexpensive way to retain these employees.
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
70%
66%
67%
49%
47%
42%
30%
34%
33%
51%
53%
58%
Yes No

6. Software Advice™ is a trusted resource for software buyers. The company's
website, www.softwareadvice.com, provides detailed reviews, comparisons and
research to help organizations choose the right software. Meanwhile, the company’s
team of software analysts provide free telephone consultations to help each
software buyer identify systems that best fit their needs. In the process, Software
Advice connects software buyers and sellers, generating high-quality opportunities
for software vendors.
@SoftwareAdvice /company/software-advice
@SoftwareAdvice/SoftwareAdvice
Read about our findings in more detail.Read Report