5 Popular Employee Training Methods For Workplace Training
Effective training is never approached as a one-size-fits-all method. But with all of the options available, identifying and selecting the best training method for your employees can be overwhelming. So, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you find the perfect training method for your needs.
1. Classroom-Based Training Programs
Usually led by a qualified facilitator, classroom learning takes place over one or more days in a physical venue on- or off-site. Groups of employees go through a series of presentation slides and activities, like case study assessments or information on company policy issues.
The advantage of classroom-based training is that a group of employees can attain large amounts of knowledge at the same time. Unfortunately, the disadvantages are many: hired venues, travel, and catering make this training method costly. Employees also find this approach to training boring.
2. Interactive Training
One of the most effective training methods in the workplace, interactive training actively involves learners in their own learning experience. This training can take the form of simulations, scenarios, role plays, quizzes or games.
By practicing their new skills and applying them in realistic work scenarios, learners are not only more engaged but more likely to retain what they’ve learned, too. However, it can be time-consuming when done in person, especially when learners require regular feedback from a content expert.
3. On-The-Job Training
With on-the-job training, not only are employees actively involved in learning, but they also participate in real activities that relate to their current or future job. This is one of the most effective training methods for succession planning.
This type of training can result in rapid learning because employees are thrown into the proverbial deep end. This experience can be a little too stressful for some employees, let alone time-consuming, because of the frequent input required.
4. Social Learning
Originating from Albert Bandura’s work in the ’70s [2], social learning is commonly defined as learning from others by observing, imitating and modeling their behavior. Social learning can be a very intentional workplace training method, too.
Social learning isn’t found in many of the common training methods, mostly because it’s not as easy to structure, measure and control. Yet it can be very effective, because employees are pushed beyond the boundaries of their daily roles, acquiring new perspectives and problem-solving skills.
5. Online Training
eLearning, or online training, has become one of the most widely recognized solutions to the challenge of how to train employees effectively. Online workplace training programs can include eLearning courses, webinars, videos, etc., and allow information to be presented and tested in many different ways.
The variety that online training offers means that employees can learn according to their style and immediate needs. It also means they can learn on the go. The downside? Little more than the initial development costs and service fees of a reliable Learning Management System (LMS).