[RECORDING] June 2025 Customer Conversation - How The Container Store and Colonial Group are Building Inclusive Training Programs with OpenSesame and Axonify

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daniel.byun

• July 25, 2025 00:01
• Edited

In this month's Customer Conversation, Patrick Walsh (The Container Store) and Mark Strickland & Joey Zebacara (Colonial Group) share how they are supporting and engaging frontline employees through targeted learning strategies. Both organizations use the Axonify LMS and OpenSesame content to deliver role-specific, accessible training that aligns with compliance and business goals.

Topics include building manager and employee buy-in, using reinforcement and observation tools, integrating learning with operational systems, and measuring impact through data and reporting. The panelists discuss practical approaches to content selection, customization for different roles, and increasing training accessibility through mobile devices and shared workstations. 

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• Official comment

  

  daniel.byun

  • June 26, 2025 21:18

  Company Highlights and L&D Strategies

  The Container Store

  • Uses Axonify as the LMS across distribution centers.

  • Oversees 12 trainers across two distribution centers.

  • Training content covers:

    • Operational training

    • Safety and legal compliance

    • Continuing education

  • Leverages OpenSesame content including OSHA modules, Jeff Havens soft skills content, and Six Sigma certification courses.

  • Engagement Strategies:

    • Posters, in-person huddles, broadcast messages

    • Gamification via Axonify’s point system

    • Access via kiosks, iPads, and personal mobile devices (with company policy safeguards)

  • Results:

    • 21 fewer workplace injuries; estimated $140,000 savings

    • 28% improvement in employee retention

    • 25% drop in HR investigations post soft-skills training

  • Metrics-Driven: Training data now central to performance reviews and company dashboards.

  Colonial Group

  • Undergoing a digital transformation from paper-based to digital training.

  • Uses Axonify for compliance and behavioral training, OpenSesame for skill development.

  • Six business units with varying needs (from tugboat operators to chemical handlers).

  • Engagement and Accessibility:

    • iPads, laptops, personal devices

    • Microsoft Teams integration for LMS access

    • Compliance training is mandatory and role-specific

  • Content Approach:

    • Mix of OpenSesame off-the-shelf courses + custom-built training

    • Strong focus on EHS (Environmental Health and Safety)

  • Manager Buy-In: Achieved through compliance dashboards, gamified comparisons, and internal communications.

   

  Common Challenges & Solutions

  ➕ Building Buy-In

  • Container Store: Managerial competition, weekly reports, tangible rewards (gift cards, attendance point buybacks).

  • Colonial Group: Highlighting time/resource savings, monthly newsletters, leadership support.

  Tying Training to Business Goals

  • Safety, performance, and retention are common benchmarks.

  • Training programs are built around business KPIs.

  • Use of real data to connect training to incident reduction and engagement scores.

  Data & Reporting

  • Axonify reports used to:

    • Track knowledge growth

    • Identify at-risk behaviors

    • Monitor compliance and adjust training paths

  • Custom reporting models in development to tailor insights for stakeholders.

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