Online training programs for employees
Training is an essential activity in every organization. Training helps in imparting skills to employees that help them do their work in a more effective way. Training is one of the best ways to bridge the gap between the requirements of the job and the profile of the employee. Training can enhance the competence of the employee that can positively affect work performance. Traditionally, training has been conducted through classroom sessions where employees assemble in a hall and are trained by a trainer. The problem with this model is it restricts training to a few hours and necessitates employees to be made free during this time.
Organizations are into customer service would find it difficult if many employees are taken off duty to attend training. Online training methods for employees is thus preferred as employees can take up training during their free time. It ensures that training is not restricted for a few hours but would happen over a long period of time. Online training is available at any time and any place and convenient for both employer and employees.
What your organization gains from employee training:
- Increase your profit and growth
- Good reputation for your company
- Reduced employee turnover rate
- Develop skilled workers
What your employee gains from employee training
- Opportunity for career advancement
- Help with self-development
- Enhanced and develop better productivity
Types of Online training
While there are various types of training, the following six types of training are most essential for employees and would be valuable for every organization.
1) Orientation training
The orientation training is the initial training conducted for all new employees. It involves inducing the new employee into the organization. Key topics covered would include:
- Organization vision, mission, and objectives
- Organization structure and history
- Organization culture
- Introduction to organization activities
- Important policies and procedures
All these topics can be effectively covered through online training modules.
2) Onboarding
Most people confuse orientation with onboarding. Orientation is a one-time activity done when the employee joins. Onboarding takes place over a longer duration. Apart from the initial introduction, it ensures the employee get adjusted into the department or function, where he/she is placed. It ensures that employees understand their job profile and fit into their work smoothly and effectively. This may require training that is conducted over multiple sessions. Online training would be suitable to ensure regular training until the onboarding is complete.
3) Product training
An organization sells its products or services to customers and every employee must be aware of this. Depending on the nature of their work, they need to know all about the products. The product type, the need for the product, its history, product features, unique proposition value the product offers are some of the things every employee should be aware of. Those who interact with customers need in-depth product knowledge so they would be able to handle any queries posed by customers. Whenever new products are introduced, training is needed so that employees are aware of the latest developments.
4) Technical training
To do his/her work, an employee needs technical skills. These are skills in the subject area related to the employee’s jobs. These skills help the employee to do their work as per requirements. If the job is a marketing job, then the employee needs to have marketing skills and skills in handling customers. If the job is related to software development, the employee requires in-depth knowledge of the development tool. Most technical skills are gained during education. In reality, there is a large gap between what a person learns at college and what is required for a job. Frequent employee development programs can help the employee to fill those gaps and develop into an asset for the organization.
Training can help update the employee with the latest developments related to their work area and the technology used. It allows employees to gain the skills that they need. It can be at a beginner level or a higher proficiency level. Online training allows employees to acquire these skills in a structured way at their pace and convenience. The immediate superior can monitor the effectiveness of the training and suggest additional training wherever required. Online training program also allows for assessment of training effectiveness that would be valuable.
5) Soft skills training
Apart from the core technical skills, employees need soft skills to be able to do their job in the best possible way. Some of these skills are:
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Time management
- Stress management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Decision-making skills
- Work ethics
- Conflict management
These soft skills help to build the overall personality of the employee. It gives them the confidence needed to do their job well.
6) Mandatory training
This includes training on mandatory topics that may be required by law or regulations. It can be training on prevention of sexual harassment, training on work safety, basic first-aid training, fire safety training, training on office rules, etc.
These six types of training can be delivered online. This ensures training can be done at the trainee’s convenience. It allows the trainee to learn at his/her own pace. Online training program can be made interesting through the use of multimedia and is a highly effective media for training delivery.