Illinois State Retirement System

The Illinois State Retirement System offers workshops for state employees and retirees, informing them what they need to do pre- and post-retirement. Prior to partnering with Learning Stream, ISRS used an internal system that involved some paper forms and a lot of data input.

Employees or their supervisors or liaisons would complete the training request forms, administrators with the ISRS would enter that data into their system, and trainings would be scheduled. Participation would be monitored and reported manually.

Internet Ubiquity = A Better Way

With Internet access pervasive, the ISRS shopped for a better process to manage registrations around its workshops. They researched various online options, and chose Learning Stream. Today, employees sign up online and then need approval from their agency through Learning Stream. Once they are approved, they are automatically scheduled. They receive confirmation emails via Learning Stream, and their participation can be recorded for accurate reporting.

After one-year with Learning Stream, the ISRS registration process is more simple and efficient.

“So far, so very good,” said ISRS’s David Bain. “A lot of our liaisons like it because it requires less paperwork on their end as well. Everything seems to be running well and our users find it very easy. We don’t have any complaints.”

Checks and Balances

Since employees are allowed to attend the workshops on paid time, it is essential for the ISRS to ensure that participation is monitored for accuracy and required levels. Having Learning Stream’s easy-to-access registrant database allows ISRS to keep track of such information. Bain believes these types of accountability features likely make Learning Stream more attractive to government entities.

“The reporting/auditing kind of scenario is really important to us, and I think it might be to most government agencies,” he said.

Serving its Customers

The ISRS is looking to expand its use of reporting tools and exploring other means to take advantage of Learning Stream’s many features, according to Bain.

“We’re very pleased with where we are, and where we are headed,” he said.