How You Can Use Personalized Training To Boost Employee Productivity
Chances are, you're always looking for ways to boost your employees' morale and productivity. Training your workforce can contribute to that, but only if done with precision. Personalized online training is innovative as it's a flexible and more efficient way to train your people. This method of training for employees applies technology to personalize educational content to individual learners' needs and interests. Personalized training offers numerous advantages; in this article, we'll look at several examples of this type of learning approach that can boost your workforce's productivity.
7 Personalized Training Examples That Actually Work
1. Microlearning
Microlearning gives information in brief bursts that can be quickly consumed no matter where or when, as opposed to requiring employees to spend hours in classrooms or lengthy eLearning courses. This method allows individuals to learn at their own pace and retain more material of their choice, which can boost workplace productivity. It also lets them have more time to focus on other tasks. You can train them through short videos, presentations with infographics, short interactive quizzes, and other material that doesn't last more than five or ten minutes.
2. Gamification
Gamification can be especially beneficial for employees who are not driven to learn. It can inspire them to interact with the content and retain more information by turning the training into a game. Points, badges, and leaderboards can foster a sense of competition and achievement, which can drive employees to learn and improve their skills. At the same time, they'll be more productive in their work, as they'll appreciate the effort of providing them with training material that's fun and not stressful, and of offering them the freedom to choose their own path in-game.
3. Personalized Learning Paths
Personalized learning paths involve creating a training program that is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of each learner. This can be particularly effective in the workplace, as employees have different skill levels, learning styles, interests, and training needs. By creating a customized learning path, employees can focus on the specific areas that they need to improve, consequently increasing productivity and effectiveness in their roles. To do this, let employees choose the lessons they feel will benefit them most, and encourage them to set personal training goals that they can achieve through their tailored learning program.
4. Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) training uses simulations, allowing employees to practice and develop their skills safely in controlled environments. This is extremely important for training employees on complex machinery, equipment, or other dangerous activities. Giving your people the ability to experience realistic and immersive training, VR increases their confidence, as they feel more prepared to face various conditions. This also makes them more productive and resilient in the workplace. However, you first need to train them on using the VR equipment and make sure the whole process is monitored by experts in the field so that your employees can have support if needed.
5. Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create personalized training content fitting the needs of each learner. It uses algorithms that can deliver personalized recommendations for future learning by analyzing employee performance data. For example, if an employee is having difficulty understanding or studying a subject, the algorithm can suggest additional resources and support to help them succeed in the course. Likewise, if an employee does well in a lesson, the algorithm can suggest similar ones to help them enhance their skills further. This approach is particularly useful for employees who have learning disabilities or experience attention deficit disorders.
6. Social Learning
Social learning is collaborative, in the sense that it requires learning from and with others. This can happen through forums, user-generated content in social media and Learning Management Systems (LMSs) platforms, feedback from peers, or mentorship programs. This one is going to be the favorite practice of team players, knowing they will definitely perform better while learning this way. If employees learn from each other and collaborate effectively, they'll discover new perspectives and ways of thinking that will be beneficial for their productivity. However, don't forget to add some communication skills and active listening training.
7. Just-In-Time Learning
Just-in-time learning provides trainees with the information they need at the precise moment they need it. This eLearning practice is perfect for employees who need to acquire new knowledge or abilities quickly in order to finish a task. For example, if an employee has to learn how to use a new software or application to complete a project, they can use just-in-time learning materials to help them get started. Also, if an emergency occurs and they need to correct a mistake quickly, this method can help them resolve the issue faster.
How To Ace Personalized eLearning
Define Objectives
To begin, you must define what skills or information employees must acquire in order to do their tasks efficiently. Surveys, interviews with managers and top management, and examination of job descriptions and performance statistics are all techniques for gathering this information. Also, think of outsourcing the process by finding professionals that can conduct a Training Needs Analysis for you.
Identify The Target Audience
To identify the right audience for the personalized training program, you must know which employees require the training that was specified in the previous phase. Performance and skill evaluations, as well as other forms of employee data, can be used to obtain every piece of information you need for this step. Don't forget to ask your employees' opinions on that, too, as many of them could volunteer to enhance their skills.
Choose The Right Digital Tools
There are many different types of technology that can be used to deliver personalized eLearning content, including Learning Management Systems, gamification platforms, Virtual Reality Tools, and others. Most importantly, though, you must choose the platform that best fits your training needs and budget. Additionally, whatever choice you make, have in mind that it must be user-friendly and easily integrated with your existing systems or other newly acquired ones.
Launch The Program
Lastly, it's time to launch the program. Inform your employees by sending them invitations for the new training materials, or introduce the project to a meeting. Make sure to highlight all the benefits, and when your employees start using it, constantly ask for feedback. This will help you monitor the whole process and make adjustments if needed.
Conclusion
Creating an effective personalized training program for your employees requires careful planning. You should also have a deep understanding of the trainees' needs. However, by following the above examples and tips, you can confidently create personalized training material that will stick and help your employees grow personally and professionally. Leverage the right digital tools, carefully craft a training plan, and see your people and your company thrive.
