Are Your Employees Ready For Online Training? 6 Tell-Tale Signs To Consider
Online training offers a myriad of advantages. Employees gain the opportunity to build their skill sets, master complicated tasks, and improve their performance. This is probably why an increasing number of corporate learners are ready to take their training online. But how do you really know when it's time to leave your current initiatives behind and take a corporate eLearning approach? Thankfully, there are a handful of signs that you can look for that may tell you the answer to that all-important question.
- They want access to online training anytime, anywhere.
Online training, gives your employees the power to access online training material whenever it’s most convenient for them. They can pick their ideal location, which means that they are less likely to be distracted during their online training experience. Hence, if employees are requesting anytime, anywhere online training, it’s safe to say that virtual training strategy is your best bet. It also happens to be one of the most cost efficient and effective options. So, it’s a win-win for all parties involved. - They crave a good dose of interactivity.
There is only so much that you can do with a printed job manual. Employees do not have the opportunity to interact with it in any way, short of flipping through the pages and reading the key points. Online training, on the other hand, allows them to form a connection with the online training materials and engage in a more profound and meaningful way. If they want to learn how to complete an online task they can participate in an online scenario. If they need to brush up on company policy they have the chance to watch an online presentation or click through an interactive tutorial. eLearning adds a completely different dynamic to your online training program, because employees now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the online training environment. When your printed training materials are falling short and employees are asking for a more exciting and tactile experience, then it’s time for online training. - They need an online training program that meets THEIR learning needs.
Ultimately, employees are looking for online training that helps them meet their learning goals and objectives. Online training can be fully customized based on the individual needs, wants, and preferences of your corporate learners. Those who prefer to take a more visual approach can watch an eLearning video or participate in an online scenario. Employees who favor reading can access text-based modules that build skills and impart knowledge. The bottom line is that online training can be custom tailored for every employee, regardless of their experience level or background. While traditional training usually takes a "cookie cutter" approach, online training is versatile, flexible, and personalized. - They don’t know how to apply the knowledge they’ve learned.
Organizations are now turning to online training for all of their corporate training needs because it adds more realism and practicality. Instead of just reading about the ideas or tasks, corporate learners can put their knowledge and skills into practice. Simulations allow them to complete processes without the risk, and serious games give them the chance to master skills as they advance through the levels. They can apply every bit of information they acquire, which improves retention and recall. It also stresses the real world benefits of mastering the skills, so that they are more likely to actively participate in the online training process. - They don’t have any support in their "moment of need".
Employees need to feel as though they are supported, respected, and well-informed. Online training checks all of these boxes. It offers the "moment of need" support they need to do their job effectively, such as mobile-friendly tutorials, manuals, and presentations. If your employees simply cannot wait until the next online training session to develop a skill or learn a new task, then online training is the ideal option. They receive all the knowledge they need via their tablets, smartphones, or work computers, so that they can correct performance behaviors and go about their work day as usual. - They are asking for online training courses.
Of course, this sign is the most cut-and-dry of them all. If your employees are requesting online training during company meetings or leaving you not-so-subtle hints in the suggestion box, you can rest assured that they are ready to make the switch. Just make certain that you still conduct a detailed analysis beforehand to determine their preferred devices and tech tools, as well as their technology comfort levels.
Are your employees ready for online training? If so, then the first step is carrying out an in depth audience analysis to discover their preferences and goals. Conducting surveys, focus groups, and interviews gives you the opportunity to customize your online training strategy to meet their unique learning needs.
If you think your employees might benefit from a mix of face-to-face and online training, then you may want to consider a blended learning approach. Read the article 10 Blended Learning Best Practices For Effective Corporate Training to discover the best practices of a successful blended training strategy.