When work-from-home policies were introduced in droves upon the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset back in early 2020, many employers at the time probably didn’t expect that, more than two years on, a large proportion of their workers would be continuing to work from home on a regular basis.
According to recent research mentioned by Euronews, about a quarter of workers worldwide would quit their current job or start seeking a new one if told to return to the traditional workplace five days a week. So, how should you train remote employees?
Offer a wide range of employee training courses
It is thought that, by 2028, more than 73% of all departments will comprise remote workers, as FE News reports. Furthermore, according to the same source, 76% of employees are seeking career development opportunities.
With many employees willing to leave a company if it fails to offer such opportunities, it is in your interest to make sure that your company does not disappoint on this score.
Use the right employee training software
You might have originally anticipated training your remote staffers by sending them to in-person training seminars and classes. However, you could have underestimated the ease with which employee training opportunities can be delivered online.
One important trick here is to use employee training software you and the trainees can genuinely rely on. It would bode well for you to turn to a reputable software purveyor like ON24.
Place a strong focus on microlearning
It would be understandable if you ask at this point what microlearning actually is. It involves information being presented — and consequently digested — in smaller chunks than would be usual, making it easier for trainees to absorb what they learn.
So, rather than sending each of your remote staffers a thick manual in the post, you should take things one step at a time with the educational information that you feed these people.
Allow your remote employees to work ‘on the go’
As remote workers also tend to follow flexible schedules compared to those employees still based in the traditional office, it would be convenient for you to provide online training that can be made use of in a wide range of settings rather than simply a home office environment.
Imagine, for example, remote trainees being able to listen to classes while washing cutlery in the sink, or studying digital course materials on a smartphone while travelling on public transport.
Track the trainees’ performance
It’s easy to assume that instructors are unable to supervise remote learners as closely as those who take courses in person.
However, with employee training software, you can get access to automated reports on how trainees have fared. These reports can actually be more insightful than what would be provided manually in an in-person environment.
Therefore, as the instructor, you will be able to more easily see what certain employees are struggling with, paving the way for you to provide strategically targeted guidance. You could also fine-tune the learning materials in response to this feedback.