When you need to train your workforce, finding an effective approach is often a priority. Understanding what does and doesn’t work in the current landscape is a must. That way, you can create a learning strategy that serves you and your employees well.
If you’re trying to decide what approaches are best, here’s what you need to know about training your workforce in a post-pandemic world.
How Is Learning Changing?
The Fall of Classroom Learning
While traditional classroom-based learning can be effective, it fell out of favor due to the pandemic. While vaccine rollouts are making gathering less risky, social distancing recommendations – if not full mandates – remain in place in many areas.
Additionally, employees are broadly concerned about their safety and health, making many fearful of large group gatherings. There are also many professionals who are still working remotely – either full-time or part-time – who may not be able to easily head to a classroom.
You also can’t overlook that the classroom-based strategy isn’t always ideal for effective learning. Many employees struggle to stay engaged during long lectures, and some aren’t keen on participating when they are part of a large group, hindering their experience.
In many ways, the pandemic made classroom learning an undesirable approach. While it may still have its place, the odds of it returning in full force are ultimately minimal.
Virtual Training Takes Center Stage
During the pandemic, stay-at-home orders made working remotely the norm. As a result, companies had to rethink their training practices, embracing virtual courses to keep employees on track.
As time passed, many organizations discovered the power of virtual training. It’s efficient, mobile, and cost-effective. Plus, coursework can be customized to the learner, ensuring everyone has access to information they needed without having to cover topics that weren’t relevant to their role.
Finally, virtual learning can be far more engaging. You have the ability to incorporate a variety of approaches, including text, infographics, videos, quizzes, real-world scenarios, and much more. This promotes effective learning, leading to better knowledge retention.
Introducing Collaborative Learning Tools
At times, collaboration is crucial for the learning process. When employees have a chance to discuss topics, share ideas, and help one another solve problems, they get to learn from each other’s experience and perspective, all of which is valuable.
In a post-COVID-19 landscape, collaborative learning tools will remain a valuable part of the equation. Whether it’s a forum, group on social media, or similar technology-based approach, they create opportunities for sharing, ensuring discussion remains a part of the learning experience.
As a benefit, many collaborative learning tools offer a degree of longevity. Since most involve written conversations, employees can review past discussions with ease. This can help them find answers, refresh their memories on recommendations, and otherwise use the conversations as long-term resources, giving the approach value far beyond the initial discussion.
Do You Want to Update Your Training to Meet the Needs of Today’s Learner?
If you want to update your training to meet your workforce’s needs today and would like support from leading learning and development (L&D) professionals, the Clarity Consultants team wants to hear from you.
With over 25 years of experience in L&D, Clarity has the expertise you need to revamp your approach efficiently. Plus, if you’re trying to recruit new L&D staff members, Clarity can become your candidate search ally, helping you connect with top-notch talent right when you need it most.
If you’re ready to partner with top L&D professionals, Clarity Consultants is here. Contact us today.
