When people say your employees are the backbone of your business, they aren’t kidding. Imagine one day when employees don’t show up, and you’re left frazzled and frantic. Large corporations may have unions that can go on strike. However, a small coffee shop can also come to a standstill without any baristas coming in for work. Therefore, it is imperative to train multiple employees in case of an emergency.
As a bonus, training can also help boost morale since employees learn new skills and feel like their employers are interested in their professional growth. A well-crafted employee training program not only equips your workforce with the necessary skills, but can also boost productivity, and retention.
With the pace of change accelerating, taking your employee training program to the next level requires innovative approaches and a commitment to continuous improvement. Here are four ways to elevate your employee training program.
1. Tech-Based Learning
If you need to train large numbers of employees, it makes sense to invest in making good tutorials and videos, so you can simply replay them each time. This can save costs and the potential for any lag in training if the trainer isn’t available. Employees can work their way through onboarding content at their own pace. In this digital age, not everyone likes to flip through lengthy manuals of instructions. Printed manuals can also get outdated, lost, or damaged.
With so many industries relying on technology, it only makes sense to train employees with tech too. You can leverage top-notch work instruction software, which offers employees an engaging way to learn new skills and practice tasks. For example, a manufacturing company might use virtual training software to immerse new hires in a virtual environment where they can practice assembling complex machinery, ensuring they gain hands-on experience without any risk of costly mistakes or injuries.
Thoughtfully created software is intuitive. It can help employees learn step by step in less time. Software training can also reduce the margin of error. Employees can also be trained in multiple locations simultaneously instead of flying trainers across the country—or world. In this era of advanced technology, it just makes sense to include interactive and immersive tools in employee training.
2. Interactive Learning
Passive learning through boring lectures can lead to disengagement and limited retention. Embrace interactive learning methodologies such as simulations, case studies, role-plays, and group discussions. Incorporate gamification elements like quizzes, badges, and leaderboards to make learning enjoyable and competitive. Interactive learning not only enhances comprehension but also encourages active participation and collaboration among employees.
Consider using VR and augmented reality (AR) when possible and include some prizes for raffles to add an element of competition and fun. When learning is interactive, there is less likelihood of employees dozing off or trying to skip boring lectures. If they feel the need to stay attentive to win some prizes in a game of Kahoot, they have a higher likelihood of retaining the training information.
Prizes do not have to be very expensive if you have a tight budget. Even an employee-of-the-month parking space excites many. It’s not just for the proximity in the parking lot, but the recognition and feeling of being appreciated. Sometimes just putting up a photo of your distinguished employee is enough to make them feel proud.
3. Continuous Learning
It’s beneficial to shift from a one-time training mindset to a culture of continuous learning and development. Encourage employees to learn new things through self-directed learning. There are plenty of online workshops, webinars, and professional certifications. Many libraries offer free courses, and LinkedIn Learning is a great resource.
By fostering a supportive environment where learning is valued, you encourage innovation, adaptability, and resilience within the organization. For example, if employees take a course on the basics of artificial intelligence, they’ll be less worried about whether or not it’ll “steal their jobs.” Instead, they’ll be better equipped to use new tools as they become available.
Ensure that your training program is closely aligned with your organization’s strategic goals and priorities. Identify key competencies and skills needed to drive business success in the short and long term. If one of your main business goals is to improve customer satisfaction, it would make sense to train your employees on effective communication skills and CRM tools.
4. Collaborative Learning
Training doesn’t just have to come from outside experts or the top-down. Harness the knowledge and expertise within your organization by facilitating peer learning and mentoring programs too. A lunch and learn program is a popular option. Each day, week, or month, you’ll have an employee present information during a communal lunch. Encourage employees to share best practices and unique insights with their colleagues. If someone on your marketing team has been geeking out about Google’s latest updates, encourage them to teach the team about it.
Peer learning and mentoring foster a sense of community, foster cross-functional collaboration, and accelerate skill development. Additionally, it helps in transferring tacit knowledge and institutional wisdom across generations. Pair experienced employees with newcomers to provide support and mentorship.
Engage senior leaders and managers in championing the importance of employee training and development too. Encourage managers to actively participate in training activities. They could even lead the first lunch and learn. Cultivating a supportive leadership culture that prioritizes employee growth helps build a skilled and capable workforce.
By embracing these strategies, organizations can empower their workforce with the knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment. Remember, investing in employee training is an investment in your organization.