How To Turn Your Distributed Workforce Into Lifelong Learners
Lifelong learning is a state of mind. It's a constant thirst for knowledge and pursuit of personal growth. As such, it's a good trait for your employees to have. A distributed workforce that's comprised of self-starters and lifelong learners has the power to boost your bottom line. Employees are more productive in the workplace and continually hone their talents and skills in order to reach their potential. Here are 8 helpful tips to turn your distributed workforce into lifelong learners.
1. Create A "Moment Of Need" Repository
Your remote employees require round-the-clock access to online resources. They shouldn't have to wait until the next online training session to overcome challenges or build their skills. As such, you might consider a "moment of need" microlearning online training repository that features online tutorials, modules, and interactive simulations. Employees have the ability to login to the system and quickly locate the online training materials they need. For example, a member of your distributed sales team is about to meet with a client. They have the opportunity to brush up on product knowledge or communication skills before they head into the conference room. This ease of accessibility fosters lifelong learning because your employees know that knowledge is always within reach.
2. Host Regular Webinars
Webinars keep your distributed workforce in the loop. These live events also give them the chance to address their concerns and ask questions. As a result, they are able to remove roadblocks that stand in the way of continual development, such as confusion about a specific task that hinders their workplace productivity. Send participants a general outline in advance so that they can prepare their questions. Also, try to schedule them on a weekly or monthly basis, and record them for employees who are unable to attend.
3. Offer Personalized Online Training Paths
Every member of your team needs something different from their online training. Their job duties, positions, departments, and individual gaps all play a pivotal role. Personalized online training paths give them the targeted online training activities and resources they require. Better still, they can complete online training materials at their own pace and when it's most convenient for them. Give employees the ability to choose their own online training activities and assessments, or include a clickable navigation map that gives them free reign of the online training content.
4. Find The Right Project Management Online Platform
Online training may take your distributed workforce in different directions, based on their individual needs and preferences. However, you still need a base of operations where everyone can collaborate and communicate. One of the most effective tools for this task is a Project Management online platform. Project Management online tools allow your remote employees to share ideas and feedback, as well as track assignments and delegate tasks. This is particularly useful for group collaboration projects that need a good dose of organization and time management.
5. Cultivate A Supportive Corporate eLearning Culture
Lifelong learning is rarely a solo endeavor. Employees can always benefit from a supportive and communicative corporate eLearning culture that encourages individual growth. This corporate eLearning culture should also include a thriving learning community. Create online forums and social media groups where employees can exchange information online. Start a corporate eLearning blog that sparks conversation among your distributed workforce. The key is to give them an outlet where they can share their opinions, as well as tap into the power of peer-based online training experience and skills.
6. Create An Effective Feedback System
One of the pillars of lifelong learning is active involvement. Employees must be empowered to take charge of their own online training during every stage of the process. From the initial eLearning storyboard to post-launch. Invite employees to share their feedback regarding their overall online training experience. Do they connect with the online training content on personal level? Is there enough eLearning interactivity? Can they actually apply what they've learned in the real world? Are they satisfied with instructor or manager involvement? Online surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews are all effective feedback tools for online training. Pre-assessments can also reveal gaps in your online training program that you need to address. For example, assessment results help you identify the key take-aways and create more engaging online training content for your corporate learners.
7. Research Their Personal Preferences And Interests
Distributed employees need personalized resources to address performance and skill gaps. This requires a thorough audience research to disclose their preferences, interests, and goals. Conduct online surveys and polls to create relevant online training content that resonates with them, or hold focus groups to identify issues with your current online training program. You can also use this data to develop online training scenarios, simulations, and serious games that increase employee engagement. For example, emotionally-compelling stories that include their personal hobbies and interests.
8. Emphasize The Real World Applications
Necessity tends to spark lifelong learning. Employees need to improve their skills or overcome a common challenge. This leads them to seek out information on their own to remedy the issue. In the process, they realize their thirst for knowledge and experience, and the many benefits these can bring to their lives. For this reason, it's important to emphasize the real world applications of your online training. Let your remote employees know how active participation will help them improve their work practices, or solve a problem that they face on a regular basis. Doing so, allows them to see how their involvement and dedication pays off in the real world.
These 8 tips can help you promote lifelong learning in your corporate eLearning program. Regardless of your corporate eLearning budget or overall learning objectives. As a result, your staff members are going to make the most of online training resources, which improves ROI, reduces turnover, and increases employee engagement.
One of the cornerstones of lifelong learning is a supportive online training community. Read the article 7 Reasons Why Your Organization Needs A Strong Corporate eLearning Culture to explore the reasons why it's essential to build a strong corporate eLearning culture within your organization.
