Effective Approaches for Workplace Training

Organizations frequently require compliance training for their employees. Topics include legal compliance, such as sexual harassment, IT security, such as data privacy, and workplace competency, such as role-specific skills. Online formats can be exceptionally effective for organizations with employees across multiple locations or with varied availability. But how to begin?

Creating an online training course is easier said than done. An effective course requires much more than turning a policy into a PowerPoint presentation and recording a voiceover. Here are five things to consider when creating a digital learning or training program for your workplace. 

1. Context is key. Employees should be able to quickly understand how and why the training applies to their job. Which risks will the training mitigate? Or which benefits will it provide? For example, when requiring IT security training, make it clear how a data breach could negatively affect customers, employees, and even the company’s viability
2. Lessons and examples should be relevant. Consider how the audience can relate to a fictitious scenario. Examples should feel authentic and realistic for the learners, not robotic. Everyday scenarios, such as workplace interactions or tasks, are most effective, as is appropriately placed humor. Don’t forget to update these examples to ensure they remain relevant.  
3. Value the learner’s time. Consider what suits your group best? Online, asynchronous formats as well as features that track progress allow learners to stop and start as their schedule allows. In some instances, a dedicated time for all participants to complete the training together is more valuable. 
4. Engage the learner. A split-screen with an instructor and visual cues is helpful but interactive elements will produce stronger learning outcomes. Lessons should be short—two to three minutes—and incorporate activities such as quizzes, drag-and-drop exercises, text prompts, and hands-on assignments. These elements will help the learner to reflect and retain information.  
5. Accessibility is essential. Accessible features create an inclusive world where everyone can contribute and participate regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer the POUR principles as a framework. The POUR framework stipulates that digital content should be:

• Perceivable: easy to see and hear
• Operable: equipped with straightforward navigation features
• Understandable: coherent and logical
• Robust: thorough and compatible with assistive and advancing technologies

There are a multitude of tools and resources available to help you enact these principles into your training programs.

Online formats have become a common approach for compliance training in the workplace. Once developed, these programs are often time and cost-effective to deliver. The on-demand format allows new or transferred employees to quickly acquire knowledge that fully integrates them into their role and the organization. It’s crucial, however, to establish clear communication about the goals and desired outcomes of the training. A mutual understanding increases learning engagement, drives completion rates, and adds value for both the employee and the company.