How Technology Can Improve Corporate Training For Global Workforce: 5 Ways
Today, having a multinational taskforce is common place, irrespective of whether the company is big or small. In such cases, the traditional method of classroom training will not work. When managing colossal and/or geographically dispersed workforces, integrating aptitude management processes and systems is categorically essential as it provides a holistic view of a global workforce. By cumulating many of the disparate processes that can engender costly fragmentations and inefficiencies, integrated aptitude management can enhance all stages of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retention and from onboarding to succession.
Some of the biggest hurdles faced in training a global workforce are differences in language and accents, time zones, and skill sets. While some of these are hurdles have to be taken into account when setting up a training program, it is essential to ensure that every individual is given the same training, such that processes are unified across the organization, to ensure quality.
The easiest way to achieve this is to provide the training to all employees across the globe, simultaneously. While this saves time and provides a consistent environment, with all employees being able to listen to the questions raised and the responses provided by the trainer, it is not a financially viable option. This is where technology comes to the rescue. Technology-enabled online training programs and resources are extremely useful when attempting a multinational training program.
eLearning services are growing at a rapid pace. It is a well-known fact that eLearning programs are used for various purposes, including compliance training, onboarding, product training, and soft skills training. eLearning solutions are generally customizable and budget-friendly.
Webinars and video training sessions are two of the options available to train a global workforce. In cases where the majority of the employees are in overlapping time zones, webinars are the best asset. However, when there is a large gap in the time zones and it is not possible to get all employees online at the same time, video training sessions come in handy.
Video recordings of classroom sessions can be given to learners who’ve missed the session or as performance support to reinforce learning. There is no necessity to have all employees on at the same time. This is also helpful for smaller companies where there isn’t a lot of space to accommodate all employees in the same session.
Let’s look at a few solutions to overcome the hurdles of training the global workforce, using technology.
1. Mobile Learning
Mobile learning has transformed the way organizations and learners work, interact, and collaborate. With the increase in global penetration rates, organizations are embracing mobile learning solutions. Regardless of the obstacles, many organizations are opting to make mobile learning part of the equation and determine their requirements in order to select a technology partner.
2. Social Learning
Social media tools have become the norm. Investing in social collaboration tools to better engage employees and foster a learning culture has improved the way learners interact. Discussion forums and blogs are more effective to improve learning functions. Most companies are investing in social learning that offers solutions that drive business outcomes.
3. Simulation-Based Scenarios In Training
Simulation has been used in the aviation industry since time immemorial. The success of simulations has been adapted by various industries owing to technological and pedagogical advancements, making learning engaging and easy to understand. Technology-based simulation practice allows learners to experience the practical adaptation of theoretical learning. They are offered a fail-safe environment with defined parameters and are required to achieve business growth using concepts, rules, proficiencies, and the strategies they learn in the theoretical training sessions.
4. Virtual Classroom
With the advancements in technology, many training managers are opting to organize real-time, cohort-based virtual classrooms that allow learners to participate in live training sessions using online video conferencing tools, no matter where they are.
5. Online Assessments
Organizations are capitalizing on online assessments to gauge the performance of learners and make the learning process faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. Modern Learning Management Systems offer a wide range of reports and Learning Analytics is paving the way toward ensuring organizations roll out training programs that yield results.
Ascertaining that organizations can capitalize on the current and future opportunities available to them in this emerging market requires that the aptitude management practices of old be put aside. As the millennial generation is more used to a world with 24/7 internet access, always-on telecommunications, and an uber-connected workplace, it becomes essential to rethink, reframe, and reinvigorate corporate training to effectively train the current workforce, so that organizational business plans are in place to maintain a competitive place in the market.
