What Are the Best Training Methods for Your Employees?
Employee training benefits your business on multiple levels. It enhances employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Most importantly, it boosts performance in the workplace and minimises the risk of human error. So, what are the different types of training methods and how do you choose the right ones for your employees? Here are a few employee development methods to consider.
1. Roleplaying
During roleplaying, your employees can practice what they have learned in simulated situations. Instructors ask trainees to work through one aspect of their jobs in a controlled scenario. They need to consider various viewpoints during role-play training.
For example, the role-play training method is effective in sales and customer service training. Employees can walk in customers’ shoes and understand their problems and frustrations.
That is a popular training methodology because it prepares staff for real-life situations. However, when it comes to presenting straightforward topics, roleplaying may be time-consuming and even unnecessary.
2. Simulation
The simulation training method has gained momentum with the rise of advanced technologies. Instructors often provide it virtually, using augmented reality and virtual reality devices. These advanced tech solutions make simulation training more accessible to businesses.
Despite the costs of purchasing VR tools, simulations provide trainee health and safety. They are necessary for employees in high-stakes industries. For instance, pilots, police officers, and healthcare professionals often undergo simulation training.
However, you can use it in other industries. Simulation training methods could be invaluable in the construction industry, where workers face numerous safety risks. It is also an effective solution for transportation professionals handling hazardous materials.
Best of all, simulation training is learner-centric. Employees can learn at their own pace and adapt training to their busy schedules.
3. Online Training Methods
Since the Coronavirus outbreak, online training methods have gained immense popularity.
There are many types of online training delivery methods, including:
- Videos
- Web-based training
- Audioconferencing
- Videoconferencing
- Webinars
- Collaborative document preparation
These modern training methods offer multiple business benefits. Here are some of them:
First, staff members are not limited to physical classrooms. They can learn remotely from multiple locations and devices. That increases training availability, which is perfect for distributed teams. That way, it saves your company’s money on travel expenses.
Second, electronic training methods increase employee engagement. They often rely on gamified components, quizzes, videos, online calls, and interactive activities.
Third, e-learning is personalised and adapts to an employee’s learning pace. As such, it is a perfect tool for self-directed learning. That is essential for busy industries, such as healthcare. Many training providers now offer online ACLS certifications and recertifications.
4. Computer-Based Learning
Computer-based learning is often defined as online learning. However, these two training types are not the same.
E-learning is hosted online, via webinars, teleconferencing, or cloud-based platforms.
Computer-based training (CBT) is a broader term. It includes any training type that takes place on trainees’ computers. It imitates classroom-style teaching by providing a voiceover with visuals to support the content.
With computer-based training, employees work through learning materials at their own pace. They can learn at a time that is most convenient for them.
On the other hand, CBT courses are often unmonitored. Therefore, it may be challenging to track the effectiveness of the training program.
Another disadvantage of this mode of training is the lack of trainees’ interaction with instructors. If they have questions, there is no one to ask.
Choose interactive computer-based training that has comprehensive training evaluation methods. For example, they can take quizzes, answer questions, and participate in interactive modules. That way, you ensure employees are paying attention to learning materials.
5. Team Training
Team training methods focus on connecting your employees and building trust within the team.
Employees do not operate in isolation as in the previously discussed teaching methods. Instead, they need to work together to solve tasks.
As such, that is one of the most interactive training techniques. These team-teach methods are perfect for boosting trainee or learner engagement, communication, and collaboration.
6. Instructor-Led Training
Instructor-led training is one of the traditional training methods. These training delivery methods take place in the classroom. They imitate the classroom training method, where instructors prepare and deliver experiences. They use a lecture-style presentation with visual elements.
Instructional methods used in training can be highly effective, especially when training a group of employees. They learn from skilled instructors, who can provide real-life examples to facilitate information acquisition and retention. Above all, they can ask questions and get accurate answers faster.
One disadvantage of instructor-led training is that it lacks flexibility. Trainees cannot learn at their own pace. Instead, they adapt to the rest of the class. If a group is large, this can also affect one-on-one interactions between instructors and trainees.
7. Coaching or Mentoring
The coaching and mentoring training method have characteristics similar to hands-on training.
Both types of employee training methods focus on the one-on-one interaction between an employee and an industry professional. That can be their supervisor, coach, instructor, or veteran employee. They can be delivered either in-person or online.
Even though these two practices sound the same, there is a difference between coaching and mentoring.
Mentoring
It focuses on the relationship between new and experienced employees.
However, it can be expensive in terms of employee hours. You expect your top-performing employees to take time away from their tasks to train new team members. While it can deliver spectacular team-building results, this method requires a little sacrifice.
Coaching
The coaching training method involves bringing in a qualified instructor. While it can save you both time and money, it does not offer the relationship-building process that is essential in mentoring.
Choosing Training Methods for Your Employees
That is not a definitive list of employee training methods, but they can serve as your solid starting point. You can further break them down into various methods of training.
Sure, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing training methods. You need to consider your training objectives, employee needs, and resources when investing in them. Most importantly, use different training assessment methods to analyse their performance.
What training methods for employees do you choose?
Bonus read: Our comprehensive report on the training industry.
