How To Conduct A Training Needs Analysis With Limited Resources
Training gaps are one of the most overlooked causes for dwindling sales and inadequate customer service. They can even increase the risk of workplace injuries. But how do you know what’s lacking from your online training program so that you can remedy the problem? The first step to the solution is taking a closer look at the L&D requirements versus your current online training strategy. Here are 8 tips to carry out a training needs analysis, even if you’re on a tight eLearning budget.
1. Conduct Pre-Assessments
You need to know where your employees stand today versus where they need to be. Specifically, how your online training strategy can help them bridge performance and skill gaps. This involves pre-assessments that identify areas for improvement and shine the spotlight on training inefficiencies. eLearning assessments also allow you to detect patterns that other evaluation methods may overlook. Most LMS platforms feature assessment engines with built-in reporting. You can view data visualizations for test results that highlight areas of concern. For example, a large portion of your employees struggled with the product handling procedures online assessment. Thus, you may need to revise the corresponding online training course or create additional online training materials to impart the necessary knowledge.
2. Poll Employees
Your employees may already have a clear idea of what your current online training lacks, as well as how to address the issue. They are the ones who must follow company policy and complete work-related tasks. Thus, your staff experiences training gaps firsthand. For instance, they are unable to achieve their sales targets because they don’t have the necessary skill-building resources. Collect employee feedback to evaluate your training needs from a different perspective. This may be in the form of online surveys, questionnaires, or even social media polls.
3. Analyze Simulation Performance
Traditional exams tell you how much employees know, but an online training simulation reveals how they apply the information and utilize their skills. As such, you’re able to identify which aspects of your online training are up to par, and which are falling short. Employees must tap into their knowledge base and experiences to complete an online training simulation. If they are unable to achieve the desired outcome, you may need to reevaluate related online training materials, or take a closer look at your overall online training strategy to uncover weaknesses. For example, you might consider more real-world activities so that employees can apply their knowledge in practical settings instead of merely memorizing as much information as possible.
4. Evaluate LMS Metrics
If you already have an online training program in place, LMS metrics can help analyze every aspect of your online training strategy from employee performance to eLearning assessment results. Big Data allows you to root out training gaps and plot a course of action. For example, employees aren’t progressing as rapidly as expected and still lack essential skills. In response, you can conduct online surveys to disclose their preferences and expectations. Then develop personalized online training resources to make online training courses more engaging and interactive to speed their progress.
5. Host Diagnostic Webinars
Webinars are often perceived as a more exciting and interactive version of lectures. However, when done correctly, they can provide valuable eLearning feedback. Diagnostic webinars involve an open dialogue between the host and employee attendees. The presenter asks questions to help gauge employee knowledge and understanding of the online training topics, as well as uncover aspects of the online training strategy that may need some work. For example, employees voice their concerns about the latest compliance online training module that involves too much text or they are unable to summarize the updated sales process that you just covered in an online training simulation.
6. Schedule Video Conferencing Interviews
Gathering employee input can be more challenging in remote work environments. However, video conferencing tools make it easy to reach out to corporate learners and get their take on the online training program, as well as what they would like to see in future online training courses. Most video conferencing tools are either free or low cost, which makes them ideal for organizations with limited resources. They also save you the expense of having to travel to physical locations to survey your staff and conduct face-to-face interviews.
7. Collect Customer Feedback
Customers are also beneficiaries of an effective online training program. Their feedback can help with your training needs analysis from a different angle. For instance, surveys disclose that a high percentage of your customers are unhappy about the service they received. In fact, they provide specific examples of poor employee attitudes or lack of product knowledge. The stories they share allow you to deal with training issues that impact customer loyalty and overall sales. You can even host a live event to give customers the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns, which offers you the chance to clarify their responses and ask follow-up questions.
8. Ask For Team Leader Input
Managers and team leaders work with employees on a more personal basis. They are on hand to answer questions and observe online training challenges as they occur. Therefore, leadership can help you compile a more accurate picture of what your employees need to get the job done, such as additional "moment of need" resources or interactive online training tools that offer ongoing support. Host management webinars and create closed social media groups to give them a platform to share their thoughts.
Conducting a training needs analysis can be a daunting task, as you must be willing to acknowledge current training inefficiencies. However, delving into these areas for improvement gives you the power to unlock your full L&D potential thanks to the fact that you can provide your employees with the online training resources they need. This way, they continually develop their talents instead of being weighed down by an online training plan that’s outdated or irrelevant for corporate learners.
Employees are more likely to evaluate their skills and knowledge when eLearning assessments are easily accessible. Read the article 9 Best Practices For Creating Multiplatform-Friendly eLearning Assessments to discover the best practices for creating multiplatform-friendly eLearning assessments for your modern workforce.
