The 5 most effective training techniques for companies

Training programs are designed to improve the efficiency of employees and eventually increase their productivity. Companies invest a huge sum to develop an effective training program for their workforce. On average, organizations spend 11% of their budget on learning tools and technologies. But employees sometimes tend to associate training with free time and boredom. So they don't really get much out of their training program, and the time and resources invested by the organization are wasted.

Learning and development teams are now finding ways to make training more fun and engaging. They want employees to be active participants in the learning process, rather than passive spectators. But now, with multiple training options available, companies are unsure which training method would be the most effective and beneficial for their employees. Of course, all are proven methods, but every organization has different goals to achieve. Thus, they need to analyze which employee training program is best suited for their workforce.

Here are the 5 most effective training techniques that companies can choose from to improve the efficiency of their workforce.

eLearning – Anytime and Anywhere

Online learning has become as common as classroom learning and is actually considered more effective than classroom training. Many organizations have already incorporated eLearning into their training programs. eLearning includes computer-assisted learning and mobile-based learning. 

It is considered beneficial for the employees as the course content is accessible anytime and anywhere. Employees do not have to be in the office to participate in a training program. They can access training materials from anywhere via any mobile device. With uninterrupted access to content, eLearning makes the learning process easy and convenient.

eLearning doesn't have to be isolated learning. This can be done in a classroom environment with a trainer who can explain concepts and strategies. It is, by far, the most common type of learning technique that is used by a number of corporate organizations. It also eliminates the need for physical manuals and booklets, as employees can preview the information they need on their computer or mobile screen.

Video training

There's a difference between watching a movie and reading the plot of a movie, right? You'll remember the story and scenes from an hour-long movie better than the plot you've read.

Videos are no longer just a means of entertainment. Today, the use of videos to deliver corporate training is constantly increasing. 95% of companies use video to learn, according to the Brandon Hall Group 2015 Video for Learning Pulse Survey.

There's a reason why people go to YouTube to search for tips and techniques to perform a certain task or to gather more information on a particular topic. People prefer watching content more than reading documents. Videos have more retention value. And that is precisely why companies are developing corporate training videos for their employees. 

This helps keep employees engaged and interested in the training program. Visual content with moving clips and audio is easier to remember and recall.

Gamification – Engage employees with gaming elements

In order to make training more engaging and interactive, companies are integrating gamification into their training programs. Gamification means including game principles in the training process. You can incorporate the concepts of levels and points in your course module, where the employee must pass certain levels and achieve points in order to unlock the next module. Or you can award them badges or another tangible token as a reward for completing a particular level or completing a task. Putting up leaderboards in visible places in your workplace will show where each employee stands in terms of performance. This will motivate them to perform better and improve their scores.

You can include interactive assessments in the course, giving them instant feedback on their performance. This will help them analyze their work and learn from their mistakes. Gamification is mainly included to make training more competitive and allow employees to perform well in each task.

Simulation Training – Providing Hands-On Experience

The simulation mimics real-life situations, and as a result, companies use this method to provide trainees with a near-real workplace-like experience. 

Employees can test their skills and apply their knowledge here. It is a totally risk-free environment, allowing employees to make mistakes and learn, without actually damaging the organization's reputation. They gain first-hand experience of the tool, product or software. It is well known that real work experience helps you improve your skills and understanding needed to do a job much better than reading and studying about it.

Sometimes employees need to choose a specific option in order to proceed with the task. In case they choose the wrong option, they are allowed to try again until they are correct. This method of trial and error helps them recall and recall information for a longer duration. Employees get interactive training, and simulation training helps them learn in a fun and hands-on way. 

They can try out new ideas before implementing them directly on the job, and trainers can give them immediate feedback on the practicality of their ideas and solutions.

Group activities to improve collaboration

Collaboration is an important factor for the growth of an organization. Companies can include group activities such as brainstorming, role-playing, case study discussions, etc., to stimulate collaboration and communication among team members. 

Training that includes constant discussion and communication will keep employees engaged throughout the training program. They are more likely to remember concepts and theories that have been discussed.

Group activities force them to listen to each other, analyze problems and possible solutions, and agree on a common solution to solve the problem. These problem-solving activities help employees improve their critical thinking skills. 

Including team-building activities in a training program allows them to work in groups. This gives way to healthy debates. Getting all employees to work in harmony and communicate with each other is good for the progress and overall success of an organization.

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