As a thought leader in your industry, you know how important it is to provide your employees with all the training they need. It could be for work-related specializations, mindset training, or a presentation on work-life balance.
Comprehensive employee training and development is a critical factor in any organization's success. When you have well-trained employees, their success, commitment, and excitement can drive organizational growth with improved productivity and efficiency.
But your organization needs to find the ideal approach that best supports both your business goals and the objectives and goals of individual team members. The right training for employees can make a significant difference in their personal success and the success of your business.
Different kinds of employee training methods bring different benefits, challenges, and goals. Chief among the challenges is gaining insight into each employee's preferred learning styles (for example, visual learners vs. those who prefer a hands-on experience). So, along with cost and timeline, your Learning and Development team needs to consider how employees learn best.
Instructor-led classes
Similar to most high school or college experiences, instructor-led classes are some of the most common employee training programs. These sessions are typically led by an experienced trainer who provides a lecture or presentation with handouts, quizzes, and other activities.
This method works especially well when introducing complex concepts to learners or for teaching new employees about processes and procedures. It’s also a great way to provide teambuilding or other interpersonal development activities because participants have the opportunity to engage with and learn from each other in a group setting.
eLearning
eLearning or online learning is a type of employee training that can be used for learners who prefer self-paced instruction and assessment. This can be an ideal solution when employees need to learn new skills quickly or if they are geographically dispersed, because it allows everyone to study at their own pace regardless of location.
One-on-one coaching
One-on-one coaching is also an effective method for providing personalized instruction and feedback, which can help reinforce training objectives. It may involve either an internal supervisor coach or an outside coach. The coach works with individual employees on specific goals or tasks, such as mastering a new software program or learning how to use the latest equipment.
On-the-job training
On-the-job training (OJT) is an excellent way to provide employees with hands-on learning experiences. Offer this type of employee training to a kinesthetic learner. It gives them an opportunity to work with a more experienced team member in order to learn job duties and improve their skills. On-the-job training can be especially effective when combined with other methods, such as instructor-led classes or eLearning modules.
Job shadowing
Job shadowing is a great way to introduce employees to new roles and responsibilities. This involves watching experienced team members as they perform their duties throughout the day, providing an insider’s view of what it takes to be successful in a certain job.
Simulations
Simulations can be used for both technical and interpersonal skills development by creating lifelike scenarios that test and challenge employees. This can be an effective way to practice skills in a safe environment, as mistakes can be minimized or eliminated entirely.
Case studies
Case studies provide participants with real-world problems to analyze and solve. This type of learning helps employees use the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired in a classroom setting, while also fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Role playing
Roleplaying is another way to practice skills in a controlled environment. This method can be used for both technical and interpersonal development, as employees take on different roles and act out scenarios. It’s also an effective way to practice customer service or other communication-based activities.
Conferences/workshops
Conferences and workshops are useful for providing employees with insights into new topics or industry trends. These events can be presented in-person or online, and help to keep teams up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.
Peer-to-peer learning
Peer-to-peer learning is a great way to foster collaboration and build relationships between team members. This type of learning typically involves pairs or small groups of employees who work together to share knowledge, solve problems, and discuss new ideas.
Gamification
Gamification has become increasingly popular as a way to engage and motivate employees. This type of training involves the use of rewards, points, levels, and other elements found in video games in order to encourage participation and provide feedback.
Collaborative training
Collaborative training is a great way to get employees working together on projects, problem-solving, and other activities. This type of training typically involves teams coming together to work on tasks and objectives, providing an opportunity for people with different skill sets to contribute in unique ways.
Cross-training
Cross-training ensures that knowledge and skills are spread out throughout the organization. This type of learning involves employees switching roles or departments temporarily in order to gain experience in different areas. This can be especially useful for companies with multiple locations or departments.
Webinars/online seminars
Webinars and online seminars can be used to provide employees with access to industry experts. This type of training enables organizations to "bring in" speakers from around the world without having to cover travel expenses.
Mentoring
Mentoring is not only beneficial for employees in terms of career development, but it can also be a great way to improve employee retention. A mentor-mentee relationship provides an opportunity for both the mentor and mentee to learn, grow, and develop their skills together.
eBooks and other self-study materials
eBooks and other self-study materials can be used to supplement instructor-led classes, eLearning courses, or other training methods. This type of learning allows employees to have control over their own education by reviewing material at their own pace and revisiting topics as needed.
Mobile learning platform
Mobile learning platforms are becoming increasingly popular as they provide employees with access to information and instruction 24/7. This type of training is ideal for companies with remote or geographically dispersed teams, as it allows them to remain connected and learn wherever they are.
Blended approaches
Finally, there are blended learning approaches that leverage a combination of instructor-led classes, e-learning, and one-on-one coaching to create a comprehensive training program. This can be especially effective when trying to build complex skills or behaviors within an organization, as it allows for targeted instruction from multiple perspectives.
Takeaways
There are a variety of possible training methods and styles you can offer your employees. There is no "one size fits all", so you may need to offer several different options. No matter what methods you choose, it’s important to regularly assess employee feedback and measure the effectiveness of your training program. Doing so will help ensure that your organization is using the most effective approach for its specific needs.
One way to make sure you’re providing the right training for your employees is to confer with others in a business networking organization. Not only are other businesses asking the same questions you are, but you may get valuable suggestions from your colleagues.
No matter which training program you choose, it's important to look at the overall objectives of your organization as well as the specific needs of each individual employee. With a bit of research and consideration, you can choose the perfect training program for your team and ensure that everyone has access to the instruction they need. With the right approach in place, your employees will be better equipped to achieve success – and in turn, your organization will reap the rewards of their improved performance.
