What is the knowledge retention strategy?
                     WHAT IS THE 
KNOWLEDGE RETENTION 
STRATEGY?
INTRODUCTION
In general, knowledge retention refers to the 
process of absorbing and retaining information. 
For an individual, that typically looks like taking 
in information and transferring it from short-
term to long-term memory. 
Source: bloomfire.com
Why Does Knowledge Retention Matter?
Knowledge retention isn’t just a nice-to-have—
it’s an essential to help companies run 
efficiently and maintain a competitive 
advantage.
Source: bloomfire.com
Knowledge retention makes information 
transferrable
Knowledge retention takes information out of 
employees’ heads and puts it into a company-
owned hub, such as a knowledge base.
Source: bloomfire.com
Critical knowledge stays within the company 
When knowledge is solely within an individual’s 
head, that person holds the key to the 
information—and if they decide to leave the 
organization, that knowledge is gone forever. 
Source: bloomfire.com
New employees are onboarded more quickly
One of the biggest benefits of a knowledge 
base is streamlined onboarding and training. 
New employees know exactly where they can 
access up-to-date information, which allows 
them to get up to speed quicker. 
Source: bloomfire.com
Current employees access the knowledge they 
need more efficiently 
Knowledge retention also provides current 
employees with a trustworthy source of 
information. 
Rather than spending valuable time searching 
through files and emails, they can go straight 
to the knowledge hub and find the information 
they need to perform their jobs at a high level. 
Source: bloomfire.com
What Makes Knowledge Retention So Hard?
Of course, knowledge retention isn’t always 
easy—which explains why so many companies 
simply go without it. Here are a few common 
knowledge retention challenges that 
companies face.
Source: bloomfire.com
Most businesses start too late
Too often, companies attempt to capture 
employees’ knowledge when they’re already 
halfway out the door.
Source: bloomfire.com
Complex knowledge can be challenging to 
document
Company information can’t always be distilled 
into quick bullet points or checklists. 
Knowledge is often complex, requiring details 
and nuance.
Source: bloomfire.com
Keys to a Successful Knowledge Retention 
Strategy
To encourage knowledge sharing and retention, 
companies must incorporate it into their 
culture. One of the best ways to do that is to 
recognize and reward employees who 
consistently share knowledge.
Source: bloomfire.com