Today, we’re talking about employee training best practices.
Jumping right into it, here we go with our top 10 employee training tips that your organization can use to create effective and engaging training programs.
Ten essential employee training tips
1. Assess training needs regularly
Learning and Development (L&D) teams and heads of units should conduct regular assessments to identify skill gaps and align training with organizational goals, especially for new employees and high performers.
Company and employee needs change frequently. For the employer, market trends, new technology, hirings and departures, and shifting business strategies lead to an evolving training landscape. On the employee side, changing career goals, new interests, or emerging industry requirements may sway them to upskill or reskill.
Because of this dynamic nature, businesses should routinely assess training needs. There should, at a minimum, be a formal annual training assessment. For this, employers could integrate it into performance reviews to align training with individual and professional development.
Another technique to continuously assess training needs is through regular feedback sessions with workers, digital pulse checks, and analyzing performance data (what’s working and what’s not).
Having a systematic approach ensures training stays relevant and effective.
2. Set clear, achievable objectives
Define specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives for each training program to guide employee development.
“A goal without a plan is just a dream.” A classic workplace cliché, but it rings true. The success of your employee training strategy can only be gauged with clear objectives.
That said, setting objectives is a two-way conversation between employer and employee. What does the worker want to achieve? What does the employer want the worker to achieve?
Make sure it’s achievable, and don’t over-promise. If the organization doesn’t have the resources to support the employee in reaching this particular objective at this time, be honest and adjust expectations accordingly.
Defining these objectives together will develop alignment and employee self-motivation.
3. Develop a structured training plan
Create a comprehensive plan that includes content, timelines, and delivery methods tailored for training employees.
A training plan is a tool – a map – that both the employee and managers can use to navigate the learning journey. It should outline the training objectives, content, and methods, ensuring a clear path to skill acquisition and application.
We’ve gone into detail (and even shared a handy template) to help you make a training plan to develop employee skills. It covers everything from people skills, soft skills and technical skills, to leadership and communication. Check out our guide on how to create an employee training plan here.
4. Choose the right training methods
Training comes in all different shapes and sizes. Which methods are best for your organization? And which methods are best for each individual?
Select training methods such as e-learning, workshops, or on-the-job training based on training goals and the preferences of staff. Consider the effectiveness of each method in achieving the defined objectives and how well it aligns with the learning style of your employees.
For remote and hybrid teams, investing in a digital workplace solution with a built-in Learning Management System (LMS) is the most practical way to ensure widespread, inclusive training.
Within your LMS, it’s easy to offer proper training paths that match employee learning preferences. Diversifying training methods can accommodate each learner and help keep training fresh, fun, and dynamic to enhance employee engagement.
5. Prepare engaging training materials
Use your LMS to develop clear, interactive, and accessible training content that supports effective employee training.
High-quality training material produces the best training outcomes. Training should include practical examples, visuals, videos, and interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, and experiential learning to reinforce learning and maintain interest.
Of course, make sure content is relevant and tailored to the specific needs of the employees. If your LMS supports in-platform course authoring (like this one), even better. It’s the most simple and efficient way to design, edit, and distribute training and keep track of performance data.
6. Manage scheduling and logistics efficiently
Plan training sessions to minimize disruption and fit with the availability of new employees. This involves coordinating schedules, managing resources, and making sure that training sessions are held at convenient times.
Better yet, why not asynchronous training? With a digital employee platform, your staff can access training when and where they want. Digital training modules with interactive content and video can be followed when they have time, without disrupting their schedules or forcing them to travel.
Whether in-person or digital, scheduling around the needs of your employees helps maintain workflow and ensures that employees can participate without unnecessary stress or overlap with their daily responsibilities.
7. Engage experienced trainers and facilitators
Choose trainers who are knowledgeable and skilled at engaging and motivating new employees during their training. It’s just not good enough to have “anybody available” give a training session. Teaching involves the right mix of knowledge of the subject and how to effectively connect with students.
Experienced trainers, and subject matter experts, bring valuable expertise and can deliver content in an engaging manner. They are capable of addressing questions, leading discussions, and adapting their approach based on feedback and learner needs.
8. Encourage a culture of feedback
Make it a routine to seek and act on feedback from employees to keep improving your training programs. Use surveys and one-on-one meetings to get their thoughts on the training experience. This feedback is crucial for understanding their perspectives and making the necessary tweaks to improve content and methods.
With a digital employee platform, you don’t have to let your survey results go to waste. Employee satisfaction survey tools can help you turn raw data into actionable insights. This helps your organization improve training and helps employees feel like their feedback is being heard.
9. Use (the right) technology effectively
A great LMS offers on-demand learning, tracks training progress, and integrates advanced tools like peer discussions, internal messaging, and interactivity through video and gamification. Finding the right LMS and digital employee platform that works for your organization is essential for a successful training strategy.
Technology can provide flexibility, scalability, and a more immersive learning experience. But choosing the wrong platform can lead to unmotivated staff, dissatisfaction, and poor training.
Choose tools that align with your training goals and enhance the effectiveness of your programs while catering to diverse learning preferences and flexibility.
10. Support continuous learning
Organizations who don’t encourage lifelong learning could find themselves left behind. With the global skills demand changing at unprecedented pace, investing in training for the jobs of the future is the only effective long-term strategy.
Promote ongoing development for all employees – not just the new ones – through additional resources, follow-up sessions, and career growth opportunities. Encourage employees to seek further training and development programs, and provide access to resources that support their continuous learning journey.
Regular follow-up sessions and career development opportunities help sustain engagement and develop a lifelong learning outlook.
Why employee training matters
Employee training is crucial for both individual growth and organizational success.
For individuals, effective training directly contributes to professional development, enhances job satisfaction, and prepares them for future roles within the organization. It helps employees gain new skills, adapt to changes, and perform their tasks more efficiently, motivating them and contributing to their overall career progression.
For organizations, investing in employee training results in increased productivity, improved employee retention, and a stronger competitive edge. Well-trained employees are better equipped to meet organizational goals, adapt to industry changes, and contribute to a positive work culture. On top of that, training programs can help in aligning employees’ skills with business objectives, ensuring that the workforce remains competent and motivated.
New employee training tips for 2024 and beyond
As we touched on, employee training is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing learning needs. In 2024 and beyond, several trends are shaping the future of training:
Advanced technology integration: We’ll see virtual reality and augmented reality transforming training methods. These tools can be used to develop immersive simulations that enhance certain skills traditionally difficult to teach in a classroom setting.
Hybrid training: With the hybrid work model here to stay, training programs must adapt to include virtual training solutions and fully online courses. This asynchronous approach provides flexibility and accessibility, allowing employees to participate in training regardless of their location.
Data-driven insights: More than ever, advanced data analytics track training progress and outcomes which helps organizations refine their programs and design them to meet specific needs.
Personalized learning paths: Customizing training experiences based on individual learning styles and career aspirations enhances effectiveness and employee engagement. Personalized learning paths cater to the unique needs of each employee, promoting more effective skill development.
Increased cross-training: Cross-training employees in multiple roles or skills not only enhances their versatility and career growth but also creates a more adaptable and resilient workforce. This approach improves team member collaboration and can help address skill gaps, making sure your team is prepared for various challenges.
Optimize your training strategy
How many of these employee training tips is your organization already following?
Want to learn more about how to integrate technology to re-shape your training strategy for the future? For more personalized advice and to discuss how these tips can be refined to your specific needs, talk to an iTacit expert today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best training new employee tips?
If we had to choose one tip, for new hires, it’s essential to be on the same page and set clear objectives. With that, their training journey can be mapped out and aligned with both organizational goals and individual aspirations. This clarity not only guides their development but also helps in tracking progress.
Each step of their training can be evaluated and observed how and if it contributes effectively to their role and career growth.
How can technology enhance training for all employees?
The right training technology that fits with your organization enhances training by offering on-demand learning, tracking progress, and incorporating various advanced tools. These features create engaging and effective training experiences, catering to diverse learning styles, schedules, and workplace flexibility
How often should employee training programs be updated?
Training programs should be reviewed and updated regularly, ideally every six to twelve months, to ensure they stay current and relevant for new employees.
For high-compliance industries, regulations should be continuously monitored and training adjusted accordingly. This is most efficient with a digital workplace training solution.
