Training programs are usually a starting point for teaching essential skills to new and older employees in a standardized manner. Introducing a training program is an organized way of facilitating the development of specific skills related to specific roles through education, guidance, and practice.
The training program offers valuable learning opportunities. It can be used to help new employees fit into the organization seamlessly. Not only the new hires can benefit from a well-made training program. All employees can take part in ongoing training, so they are aligned and informed on all relevant knowledge. The business will benefit as well – Training programs improve employee retention and loyalty which can bolster the growth of the company.
What is a Training Plan?
If you are unsure about how to get started with your training program, it will be helpful to map a training plan. By setting up specific objectives and short-term goals, you will be able to streamline the operation of your training program. Once you have identified the strengths and weaknesses of the company and the employee base, it will be easier to craft a feasible but efficient plan and invest in it.
Characteristics of Training Programs
It is important to remember that you will not create the perfect training program immediately; it will improve as you collect feedback from your employees along the way. However, some common characteristics of all training programs include:
· Flexible management
It is unlikely for a rigid training program to enjoy long-term success. Being open-minded and allowing room for improvement will make the program more adaptable to developments.
· Aware of the needs of the company and employees
Identifying the needs of the company is the first step to building an effective training program. Moreover, it is also important to consider the best learning tools and methods for adults who already know the basics.
· Measurable goals
You have to measure the success of your training program to introduce changes accordingly. Hence, it is important to establish a set of objectives and targets that you can evaluate with the help of certain metrics.
· Easy to access
If you want to implement a successful training program, you have to ensure that all employees can access it with ease.
· Technologically forward
Your training program has to reflect the technologically forward approach of your organization. It is important to take advantage of new learning tools.
Examples of Training Programs
There is a multitude of things you can teach your employees to help them perform better. Some key training program examples are:
· Managerial and supervisory skills
Consistent managerial training allows employees to learn the rules and ethics of the organization so they can avoid conflict and adapt to the global work sphere. Leadership training courses will also help train the future managers of the company to handle the responsibilities.
· Client Communication and Customer Care
No organization can progress without happy and satisfied clients. The employees representing the organization have to be good at client communication. It is important to hone soft skills and learn conflict management, so that customer or client interactions happen smoothly.
· Creative thinking skills
Being creative and open-minded allows employees to succeed in their careers and find new avenues of progress. Nurturing employees’ creative thinking skills will help them gain a new perspective towards different situations and promote innovation.
· Workplace Ethics
Employees, irrespective of their position in the organization, have to learn about workplace ethics so they can promote a safe and friendly culture. Every single person at the workplace needs to feel safe to ensure maximum productivity.
· Technical knowhow
With newer technologies coming to the forefront every day, it is now more important than ever for employees to be technologically proficient. If the organization plans to install modern machines and technologies at the workplace, it is beneficial to train the employees first.
Types of training programs
There are different types of training programs available.
· Instructor-led training
This traditional training approach is still effective. A professional trainer conducts sessions for your employees using prescribed materials and tools. In-person learning is especially helpful for difficult subjects and topics. However, this method can be expensive and time-consuming.
· Simulation training
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices allow you to train your employees in an immersive, simulated environment. High-stake industries can take advantage of simulation training to teach employees about complications and problems without real-life consequences.
· eLearning
Online learning has proved to be a boon for employee training. Gamified components, cloud repositories and unlimited access have made it easy to train large batches of employees together even if they are geographically apart. Online training programs are easy to set up and you can even evaluate the progress of your employees virtually. Bites is a great tool for promoting online learning among your employees.
· Hands-on training
Practice makes perfect. Employees are encouraged to learn by doing during hands-on training. It is a time-intensive process, but the employees learn to be self-sufficient so hands-on training has to be integrated within the training program.
· Case studies and role-playing
Examining case studies with your employees will help foster a learning and discussion culture. Coupled with role-playing, it encourages employees to consider different perspectives and think on their feet.
· Mentorship
This hands-on employee training program allows employees to learn the ins and outs of the workplace under the guidance of a mentor or supervisor. The trainees are free to have one-on-one discussions with their mentors and clarify their doubts.
· Lectures
The lecture style of training is not popular anymore because of its impersonal nature. The trainees want to feel connected to their educator which is implausible in this situation. However, lectures are still an effective way of imparting information if you have no other choice.
Why Bites?
Bites is a unique learning platform that allows you to create your own training modules through short, easily digestible videos. You can curate playlists on individual subjects that you want to cover in the program. Video content will help you engage with your employees in a professional sphere, and they will be more likely to remember the nuggets of information you are providing. Bites can be easily integrated with common platforms used by your employees so they can have easy access to the modules. The analytics panel will help you track the progress of your employees and evaluate them accordingly.
Bites is the modern training approach you need to onboard new employees and train existing ones. Try it out today!