How To Increase Onboarding Online Training Interactivity
New hires join your team with high hopes, enthusiasm, and great expectations. But most of them aren't equipped with one very important thing: on-the-job experience. Even if they are familiar with the industry, new staff members are still unaware of your particular policies and protocols. Fortunately, you have the ability to provide them with interactive and immersive online training resources that facilitate practical experience. Here are 7 creative tips to help you increase onboarding online training interactivity.
1. Add Virtual Workplace Walkthroughs
Why not take your new hires on a tour of the facility without making them leave the comfort of their home? Virtual walkthroughs give your staff the chance to explore their surroundings and work-related tools. You can even offer them an up-close look at their respective departments. In the case of remote employees, you might consider a tour of the warehouse or flagship store to raise brand awareness. This way they'll learn more about the company's distribution chain and processes.
2. Create A New Hire Microlearning Online Training Library
The first day on the job is usually nerve-wracking. New hires don't know what to expect, even if they've read the orientation manual. There's always the chance that they'll have to perform an unfamiliar task or deal with a difficult obstacle. This uncertainty has a direct impact on their self-confidence. Fortunately, you can supply them with microlearning online training resources that provide "just in time" support. For example, online training tutorials that help new employees master the steps of a complicated task. It's best to create a common online repository that features topic-centered categories, such as a separate section for new hire compliance protocols and another that contains "moment of need" resources for customer service or sales processes.
3. Incorporate Game Mechanics
Game mechanics give new hires the intrinsic nudge they need to engage with the online training content. For example, they are more likely to watch video demos or compliance online training presentations when badges or points are involved. Most new employees will be eager to learn, because they want to be able to showcase their knowledge and talents right away. They are enthusiastic and passionate about their jobs. However, the excitement may begin to subside as the onboarding online training progresses. This is when incentives come into play and keep them focused on the task at hand. Try to avoid using extrinsic rewards, like gift cards or money, as this usually defeats the purpose of gamification. Employees strive to earn the tangible incentives when they really should be concentrating on personal development.
4. Host Introductory Webinars
It doesn't get much more interactive than an engaging webinar where employees can ask questions and interact with co-workers even if they are thousands of miles away. Invite managers, online training facilitators, and other key members of your organization to host a live event. Send out evites to your new hires, along with a brief description of the topics you'll discuss. You should also consider a companion social media page or hashtag so that employees can share their own thoughts and ideas. Also, don't forget to record the event for later viewing. That way, new hires who aren't able to attend the webinar can still be part of the excitement.
5. Set Up Onboarding Social Media Groups
Your new employees are already familiar with social media. They use sites like Facebook and Twitter every day. As such, it's wise to start a social networking group where they can discuss their opinions and share valuable insights. In between chatting with friends and playing those addictive games, of course. Consider creating a closed social media group that allows employees to open up and provide their honest feedback. You can also use social media groups to provide more frequent updates and reminders. For example, you're hosting an impromptu webinar to address an important compliance issue. Corporate eLearning blogs and online discussions are another great way to interact with employees in a more direct manner.
6. Schedule Weekly Q&A Events
New staff members will probably have a number of questions on their first week on the job. After all, they're dealing with new tasks, teams, and tools. For this reason, you should consider weekly Q&A events that clear up confusion early on. Invite employees to submit their questions before the deadline, then post the answers on your corporate eLearning blog. Alternatively, you can host a live Q&A event where new hires ask the questions directly and offer their input. This also gives you the opportunity to follow-up to ensure that they fully understand the response. Another benefit of these events is that they are available for future reference. If an employee has a similar question weeks or months from now, you can invite them to view the Q&A section on your site.
7. Develop Online Group Collaboration Activities
Social interactions help new hires connect with the subject matter and see things from a different point of view. They can share experiences and deepen their comprehension, not to mention receive peer-based eLearning feedback that enables them to continually improve. Online group collaboration projects encourage employees to work together to achieve a common goal. They must use their collective skills and knowledge to solve the problem. Everyone has the chance to be heard and offer their input. An added advantage of online group collaboration projects is that they expand your employees' network. They get to know their fellow co-workers' personal strengths. Thus, they are able to enlist their help with an online project that calls for their specific talents.
Onboarding online training sets a precedence for your new hires. It lets them know what to expect from your online training moving forward. Don’t you want to give them a great first impression by offering engaging and interactive online training content?
Are your managers enthusiastic about onboarding online training? Read the article 8 Tips To Get Your Managers Actively Involved In Onboarding Online Training to discover tips to get your leaders actively involved in onboarding online training.
