In today’s talent-driven world, attracting and retaining great people is a real priority. An organization’s outlook and approach to talent development and its onboarding process are vital for long-term success. What kind of first impression do you create as an organization recruiting new staff? In your training, are you exploring new ideas? Have you been exploring different training and onboarding methods such as e-learning as a means of employee onboarding? Have you been testing a blended solution that incorporates a mix of different training types?
New Hire Training For A Global Workforce
Global industries are continuously expanding. More people than ever before are working in different geographic locations, and consequently, the need for new forms of training is essential. While classroom training is a highly effective form of onboarding training, it may not be the most viable option. Many modern organizations may need to induct new employees in different countries where branch offices are non-existent. Using e-learning for ‘global’ new hires and classroom training for those based at HQ or central office locations is an approach that works well for many organizations today.
Blended Learning v E-Learning
In its early years, e-learning was often marketed as a means for individuals to learn everything they needed to know about a particular topic by sitting alone at a computer. It quickly became apparent that this was not the case. While e-learning has many benefits as a standalone medium, it is more powerful when combined with other training modalities. Blended learning mixes different learning channels that complement each other. Learners have their own preferences for learning – what works for one may not work for another. A blended approach increases the chance of successful learning because of the variety of available learning channels.
Interesting Facts about Blended Learning
- Blended learning involves combining several training strategies to achieve a specific instructional (performance) goal. It may combine both traditional and e-learning strategies. Traditional training strategies include instructor-led training, on-the-job training, self-paced learning, and job aids. E-learning strategies include virtual classrooms, WBT/CBT tutorials, self-directed e-learning, and e-job aids.
- Learning experts agree that combining different training techniques is the best strategy for meeting organizational learning goals.
- Over the past two years, blended learning programs are facilitating a transition from live group learning activities to self-paced learning. They are making use of mobile technology, game-based training, and social learning to improve learner retention, increase completion rates, and produce measurable results.
How Blended Learning Can Benefit Your Onboarding
Personalizes new-hire training: blended learning gives an organization more flexibility to create a training program that complements their brand and identity and makes the learner feel like the training has been developed for them specifically.
Increases engagement: offering new employees variety in their training program (combining e-learning and classroom training) is likely to increase engagement and focus.
Enables effective team building: blended learning often involves learning in groups. The learning experience is more interactive and can be more constructive as a result. In a multi-hire scenario, group learning would be an ideal method of training new employees, where they are trained and have the opportunity to interact with and get to know one another.
Creates a “transformational” effect: blended learning may result in staff feeling more empowered and confident in their jobs. Giving new employees confidence will undoubtedly enable a smooth transition into their new role and make them more motivated and productive.
Crosses the divide between formal and informal learning techniques: in addition to making employees feel more involved, a blended approach takes learning into the workplace and demands that learners apply new knowledge and skills to their daily working lives.
Improves digital skills: because blended learning usually involves digital media, it can assist new employees lacking digital skills and gives them the opportunity to improve before they get started in their new role.
Although blended learning may not always be the right approach, it is proven to bring some of the best results in improving knowledge and skills, building confidence, increasing morale, and bringing organizations and their staff closer together.
The only way to have a successful workforce, is to implement a high quality onboarding strategy. Designing the right type of onboarding program with the right blend of learning concepts is the best place to start.
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