How To Create Successful Business Ethics Online Training
Business ethics has an impact on every aspect of your day-to-day operations. Sales staff must conduct honest transactions with customers and your marketing employees must be forthright when promoting your products and services. Every member of the team has to act in accordance with the rules, policies, and fiduciary responsibilities of your organization. Here are the 9 essential components for successful business ethics online training.
1. Clear Expectations And Outcomes
Employees need to know what's expected of them, what the business ethics online training involves, and the desired outcomes. This typically involves detailed guidelines and policies that focus on company ethics. For example, how employees should conduct themselves during client meetings or during a sales transaction. Clearly defined expectations give employees the opportunity to focus on the key rules and regulations that pertain to their job position. Thus, they are able to devote their attention to relevant online ethics training materials that tie into their work responsibilities.
2. Real-World Simulations
Online training simulations allow employees to put their business ethics online training into action. They also serve as valuable assessment tools, given that employees must use their skills and preexisting knowledge to navigate the situation. For example, the online training simulation involves a financial consultation with an important client. You can see how the employee interacts with the client and handles ethical obstacles. These interactive online training resources serve another important purpose, which is to mimic real-world pressure. You have the chance to see how employees perform under stress, and how this stress affects their moral code.
3. Microlearning Reinforcement Tools
Employees need a little memory boost from time to time in order to beat the forgetting curve. For this reason, no business ethics online training is complete without microlearning reinforcements. These bite-sized online training tools are easy to access on the job. Thus, employees are able to get the information they need whenever necessary. Serious games, podcasts, online training videos, and infographics are ideal microlearning resources to add to your repository.
4. Effective Self-Assessments
Self-assessments give employees the power to identify their own ethical strengths and weaknesses. Thus, they can seek out additional resources to continually develop their knowledge and skill sets. These eLearning assessments typically fall into two categories: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative eLearning assessments determine how well they know the topic and if they can apply it in real-world settings. For example, branching scenarios or online training simulations that feature realistic situations. Quantitative eLearning assessments are ideal for fact-based knowledge. For example, a multiple choice exam that tests their mastery of company policies.
5. Real-World Examples, Case Studies, And Stories
Case studies, real-world examples, and stories form a connection between online training content and practical application. Employees get to see how ethics plays out in the workplace. For example, violating a code of ethics leads to certain consequences. These online training tools also add a level of emotional connectivity to your online training, as they feature eLearning characters and situations that employees can relate to. You can even add multimedia to your stories and case studies to enhance interactivity and engagement. For instance, images of the main character or background audio to set the mood.
6. Stat-Packed Infographics
Statistics may help emphasize the importance of ethical business practices. For example, stating that 85% of customers rely on sales staff for product information stresses the importance of honest sales pitches. Otherwise, customer loyalty and satisfaction might be at stake. However, stats are often difficult to remember, especially in the long term. This is why infographics are a great addition to your business ethics online training. These visual aids highlight statistics, facts, and ideas that employees need to know and remember on the job. They also serve as effective "moment of need" online training tools for those who need a quick knowledge refresher.
7. Supportive Online Learning Community
There are times when employees need immediate guidance or support, and a thriving online learning community can offer them the help they require. Online learning communities are comprised of numerous online training resources, including social media groups, online discussions, corporate eLearning blogs, video sharing online platforms, and company websites. These platforms give employees the opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and share helpful tips. They can even stay up to date with the latest business ethics news and topics. For example, important changes to federal regulations that have a direct impact on their job duties.
8. Decision-Making Branching Scenarios
Branching scenarios feature different decision-making paths that build and test ethical standards. Your employees must make wise and moral choices during the branching scenario to achieve the desired outcome. If not, they can see where they went wrong and where they need to improve. This also allows them to gauge how they react in certain situations. For example, if a client tries to subtly offer a bribe or requests an unethical business practice, the employee can practice resolving the situation in a cool and calm manner, instead of letting their emotions take over. Thus, they are better equipped to handle the same issue in the real world, if the need ever arises.
9. Built-In Feedback System
Business ethics online training requires two-way eLearning feedback. Employees must be able to provide their honest feedback regarding the online training content and overall experience, and your organization must provide employees with timely feedback to bridge gaps. For example, after the employee completes a simulation, the LMS automatically highlights areas for improvement. This should be followed by recommendations and supplemental online training resources to broaden their understanding.
These 9 business ethics online training must-haves can equip your employees with the experience and skills they require. Thus, they are able to advocate your brand with integrity and honesty, which builds customer loyalty and prevents compliance violations and penalties. Just make sure that you re-evaluate federal regulations and industry standards periodically to keep your online training content current.
Are your employees less than thrilled about the upcoming business ethics online training course? Read the article 8 Secrets To Spark Excitement In Compliance Online Training to discover the secrets to spark excitement and engagement in compliance online training.