> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://herd-security.gitbook.io/herd-security-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://herd-security.gitbook.io/herd-security-docs/how-to-documentation/achieve-100-completion-rate.md). # Achieve 100% Completion Rate ## How to Automatically Get 100% Completion Rate {% hint style="info" %} **Example scenario:** You've just joined a company and your audit is less than 30 days away. You need every employee through training as quickly as possible. In this situation, you're optimizing for **completion**, not retention. Let's dig in. {% endhint %} *** ### 1. Set Your Deadline — 30 Days Away Get the message out immediately. You don't want employees to see a training for the first time without understanding its importance. Announce the deadline clearly in your kickoff message so there's no ambiguity — and if possible, have leadership reinforce it to signal that this is required, not optional. {% hint style="success" %} **Example kickoff message:** *"Required training is due in 30 days. You'll be receiving trainings through Slack/Teams that take about 2 minutes each."* {% endhint %} The keys to this opening message: * Get to the point and stress urgency * Let everyone know they can complete trainings in Slack, Teams, or mobile * Secure leadership's backing before sending *** ### 2. Create Short, Focused Microlessons When it comes to completion rates, **shorter is always better**. The goal is to eliminate friction and get people through training with as little resistance as possible. Your first decision: how do you want to create the content? | Option | Best For | | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Herd's preexisting catalog | Fastest setup — some trainings are already mapped to compliance frameworks | | AI-generated lessons | Custom content in under 30 minutes | | Manually created trainings | Full control over messaging and format | {% hint style="info" %} If speed is your priority, start with Herd's preexisting compliance-mapped trainings. If you need something custom, Herd AI can generate a full set of trainings across multiple subjects in under 30 minutes. {% endhint %} *** ### 3. Set Up Automated Reminders The single biggest driver of fast completion is a well-timed reminder cadence that escalates as the deadline approaches. Start with a pre-launch heads-up so employees know what's coming, how long it will take, and when it's due. Then follow up on a regular schedule — increasing urgency the closer you get to the deadline. #### Recommended Cadence | Timing | Message | | -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Week 0 (pre-launch)** | *"A quick heads-up: our Annual Security Compliance training goes live next week in Herd. It takes about 2 minutes and will be due on \[DATE]. You'll get a link directly in Slack/Teams when it's ready."* | | **Week 1 (launch)** | Friendly kickoff message with clear deadline and time estimate | | **Weeks 2–3 (midpoint)** | Automated nudges based on your scheduled cadence | | **3 days before deadline** | *"3 days left — takes 2 minutes, due Friday."* | | **Deadline day** | *"Training Due Today: \[Training Name]"* | | **Post-deadline** | *"Overdue Training: \[Track/Training] was due on \[DATE]. This training is now overdue."* — sent to incomplete users and their managers | {% hint style="info" %} **In Herd:** Configure automated reminder schedules in your campaign settings and enable manager escalation for anyone still incomplete 1–2 days past the deadline. {% endhint %} *** ### 4. Loop in Managers to Maintain Accountability Managers are your most effective tool for fast completion. * **Send targeted lists** — share exactly which direct reports haven't completed training so managers know who to follow up with * **Make it easy to act** — include direct links or instructions so managers can follow up in Slack or a 1:1 * **Set the expectation** — make it clear that 100% completion on their team is expected, and that compliance leadership is tracking by department {% hint style="success" %} **Example manager message (2 days before deadline):** *"Hi \[Manager], your team is at 85% completion for the Q1 Security Compliance training (due Friday). The following 3 people still need to complete it: \[Names]. Can you check in with them today? The training takes about 20 minutes. Thanks for helping us hit 100%."* {% endhint %} *** ### 5. Use Positive Incentives Compliance can feel like a chore. A little friendly competition or recognition makes people move faster. * **Celebrate early completers** — post a Slack message or send an email highlighting teams or departments that hit 100% first * **Gamify it** — use Herd's leaderboards to create friendly competition between departments or offices * **Avoid public shaming** — never call out individuals who haven't completed training publicly; have managers follow up privately and frame it as support, not punishment {% hint style="success" %} **Example mid-campaign Slack post:** *"Shoutout to the Finance and Engineering teams — both are at 100% completion for Q1 Security Compliance with 5 days remaining! 🎉 Who's next?"* {% endhint %} *** ### Putting It All Together {% hint style="info" %} You don't need a massive campaign to hit your compliance goals quickly. When deadlines, reminders, manager follow-up, and positive incentives all work together, 100% completion becomes predictable instead of painful. {% endhint %} By focusing on short trainings, smart automation, and clear ownership, you can turn Herd into a low-effort engine for fast, reliable completion — without chasing stragglers all day.