Conducting A Successful Task Analysis: 6 Benefits You Cannot Overlook

Conducting A Successful Task Analysis: 6 Benefits You Cannot Overlook
Summary: The first step in conducting a successful task analysis is identifying the skills and steps involved in every single process related to employees performance. In this article, I will discuss the 6 benefits of conducting an in depth task analysis before designing your online training program.

6 Benefits Of Conducting A Successful Task Analysis

A task analysis offers a comprehensive look at every aspect of the eLearning development process. Not only does it help you identify performance goals for your employees, but it gives you the power to develop a cost-effective online training program. This is just the tip of the corporate eLearning iceberg, however. In fact, a thorough task analysis can deliver a wide range of other benefits. Here are just some of the rewards that organizations can expect to receive by investing in a detailed task analysis of work processes and procedures.

  1. Improves comprehension by simplifying complex tasks. 
    More complicated tasks typically require a variety of different steps. This can make it increasingly difficult for employees to remember all of the steps they must carry out in order to complete a process. Keep in mind that employees are dealing with busy schedules and other work responsibilities. A task analysis breaks even the most complicated procedures down to its most basic components, making it easier for corporate learners to master each step before moving on to the next. They can take their time absorbing and retaining the information without having to worry about all of the stages at once. It also displays the relationship between all of the steps and highlights their importance. Essentially, a task analysis makes employees aware of why they need to complete each step to the best of their ability and what can happen if they do not.
  2. Reduces on-the-job mistakes. 
    A task analysis increases productivity, streamlines work processes, and clarifies every aspect of a task. This, inevitably, reduces the number of errors that are made in the workplaceIf an organization takes the time to, in essence, dissect their processes and break them down into easily digestible elements, then employees have the opportunity to explore every component at length. If they are struggling with a specific step they can pinpoint what they are doing wrong and how they can improve, without having to first identify which step is causing the issue. For example, an employee who cannot complete a computer repair can view the complete list of steps and figure out where he is faltering. He can then receive the support he needs to practice that step until mastering it.
  3. Identify which skills and resources are required for the process.
    Aside from the steps that are involved, a task analysis can also identify what skills and resources are needed to complete the process. Many online training initiatives focus on the stages of the task, but fail to give the employees the tools they need to carry out these steps successfully. For instance, if you want them to be able to carry out a sales transaction you must ensure that they know how to use the terminal, communicate with customers, and have basic accounting skills. Through a task analysis you can narrow down these essential resources and skill sets and then integrate them into your online training course. Therefore, your employees have all of the knowledge they require to do their job effectively.
  4. Improve existing processes and procedures.
    Many organizations use task analysis to create online training for current processes. However, it also gives you the opportunity to improve the procedures that you currently have in place and identify their weaknesses. If you find that a specific task is outdated or not making the best use of resources, then you can modify or add steps, rearrange the stages of the process, or even eliminate the procedure altogether. In fact, all organizations should make this a top priority when conducting a task analysis. Before you start to develop online training courses based upon your findings, you must decide whether or not the task is serving your goals and objectives. Is it the most efficient way to carry out the business process, or is there another approach that may be more affordable and effective?
  5. Helps to develop new tasks that may be more productive.
    If you discover that a task is not living up to expectations, a task analysis can help you develop new processes that improve productivity. This can be done by using the task analysis as a framework for every new task. From the very start you can break the task down into more manageable steps and ensure that every phase is in-line with the overall goals of your organization. In essence, you’re working in reverse: Rather than analyzing an existing task, you are creating an entirely new task by analyzing data based on its structure. Just make sure that you have clearly identified your objectives beforehand, as well as the resources your employees must have to get the job done.
  6. Reduces the risk of compliance fees and penalties.
    There are some compliance procedures, such as those regulated by the state or country that can incur hefty fines and penalties. A task analysis can help you avoid these fees by improving task mastery and keeping your employees well informed. In fact, it may be wise to conduct a periodic task analysis for compliance online training,  just to be on the safe side. This will help you stay current and integrate any new components that were recently added.

A task analysis gives you the power to identify every skill, piece of information, and talent that employees must master. Though it may take time and resources, learning as much as possible about the task analysis process can significantly increase your online training ROI.

Now that you know about the benefits of conducting task analysis, take a moment to discover some tips that can help you carry out a successful analysis for your online training program. Read the article 6 Tips To Conduct A Successful Task Analysis For Corporate eLearning to identify the skills and knowledge your corporate learners need to know to enjoy all the above benefits.