How to Change Your Training Programs for the “New Normal”

As a result of the pandemic, an increasing number of employees work remotely, either entirely or at least part of the time. As a result, in-person training isn’t as efficient of a solution. Instead, companies need solutions that allow them to introduce materials and knowledge to disperse workforces. Additionally, they need to take steps to ensure engagement, leading to better knowledge retention. Fortunately, adjusting your training program for the “new normal” isn’t as challenging as it seems. Here’s how to get started.

Embrace eLearning

eLearning is ideal when you need training that serves remote or distributed teams well. These platforms are typically accessible through any device with an internet connection, relying on a web browser or companion app to deliver content. Plus, many eLearning platforms support tools and media types that can boost engagement. Incorporating videos, infographics, quizzes, and interactive scenarios is often an option, allowing learners to participate more actively in the overall experience. In many cases, eLearning is also more time and cost-effective. After creating courses, no further interaction is necessary until the information becomes outdated. The active modules don’t require long-term compensating live trainers, as all the material is provided digitally on-demand.

Refine Training Paths for Relevancy

One of the most critical steps companies need to refine their training programs is to ensure all materials are highly relevant to specific learners. In part, this is due to higher expectations regarding personalization. However, it’s also about efficient use of time and alleviating the boredom that classically comes with reviewing material that the learner doesn’t find pertinent. By creating customized learning paths based on an employee’s position, workers aren’t encountering courses that won’t assist them with their duties. In turn, the coursework is more engaging, and training efficiency improves. Additionally, using artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust training paths is wise. Allowing AI to assess an employee’s existing knowledge base can eliminate courses that aren’t necessary for that worker. Again, this boosts engagement since it doesn’t require employees to cover information they already know, all while increasing efficiency.

Use a Microlearning Approach

Traditional in-person learning is highly cumbersome. Similarly, long training sessions offered remotely over Zoom or similar web conferencing solutions are often tedious. In either case, engagement often suffers. Plus, they aren’t easy to coordinate when you have a distributed team across multiple time zones. You increase engagement by opting for eLearning with a focus on microlearning modules. The modules are intentionally concise, so there’s less concern about learner fatigue. Additionally, the shorter time requirements make learning simpler to fit into busy schedules, making learning feel less cumbersome and disruptive, leading to higher participation.

Partner with Clarity Consultant to Expand your Training Programs 

At Clarity, we have 30 years of experience in L&D, giving us the knowledge and expertise to provide support and guidance to adapt your training program to the new normal. Clarity can be your candidate search ally if you’re trying to expand your internal L&D team, connecting you with top talent when needed.