In light of the unprecedented challenges presented by the onset of Coronavirus, the global work culture changed drastically. The crisis demanded the prioritization of the safety of employees and so companies throughout the world shifted to remote work.
This also led to the hiring, onboarding and training being conducted digitally. While interviews are being conducted virtually through video conferencing softwares, remote workforce training is being imparted through the Learning Management System (LMS).
Powerful and user-friendly LMSs like Docebo have not only made it possible to deliver online training effortlessly but also reduced the training costs significantly. Whether employers want to provide structured eLearning modules or instructor-led training, everything is possible with the help of technology.
But every technique comes with its own set of challenges. However effective virtual learning may be, it does present some obstacles that must be overcome to enhance the impact of the remote training program. We have compiled a list of 4 major remote workforce training challenges and how L&D professionals can tackle them.
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Isolation and disconnect:
Due to the absence of social engagement, remote employees often feel isolated learning alone through eLearning modules. Even in instructor-led training, there is a certain disconnect as employees can only interact through a machine and virtual platform.
To tackle this, instructors should practise active listening so they can connect better with an employee when they want to discuss a topic. Leave out some time for interaction amongst coworkers so they can discuss the training topics without the involvement of the instructor.
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Unappealing training content:
Sometimes, L&D professionals take up the printed material distributed during an in-person training and build a text-based online training course with it. This makes a very poor and unappealing training program that employees will find too boring to engage with.
To prevent this from happening, make use of eLearning authoring tools that help you build highly interactive courses with multimedia elements like graphic images, videos, timed-quizzes and gamification features. This will pique employee interest and they will learn more efficiently.
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Complicated training platform:
Often employees are provided an eLearning software or app for accessing training content which takes time to understand. Additionally, they have to navigate through a lot of unwanted data to find what they are looking for in the software. This disengages them and they get annoyed at the thought of starting the training.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, pick an easy-to-use platform with clear navigation aids. This will save employee time whenever they want to engage with the learning content. Also, make sure you choose a platform that minimizes the chances of any possible technical issues.
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High number of distractions:
Work from home is prone to distractions, and so is learning from home. Sometimes employees get a work email in between a training session and have to leave the training to reply to the email. Other times it’s a kid crying in the living room or a delivery person ringing the bell. This causes inconsistency in learning.
To solve this, build a professional environment just like a classroom training session and ask employees to put their phones on silent during an instructor-led training. Provide employees the autonomy to schedule their work the way they want so they can learn through the eLearning modules as per their convenience.
Conclusion:
Remote learning comes with a myriad of benefits and a few challenges. With the right approach it is possible to amplify its benefits and tackle the challenges so employees can get the most of the remote training program. Make it clear for the employees in the very beginning that it is a formal training program that requires undivided attention during the instructor-led sessions and webinars.
