When you want to visit a new location, do you get in your vehicle and automatically drive to it? Probably not. Most people use a map or a GPS system to ensure they arrive at their intended destination with minimal problems.
This same analogy applies to employee training programs. Many employers train new employees or educate workers from memory or notes they’ve jotted down. Often this training is incomplete. When employees make mistakes, the business owner or manager must take time to correct the problem and provide new information to employees.
Developing a training plan will ensure employees receive complete and consistent information. And, you may have extra time to invest in other areas of the business. Here are seven tips for developing an employee training plan:
1. Identify the training goals – Write down what you want to achieve with each training program. For example:
- Educate new hires about the focus of your business, mission, products, services, and job
responsibilities (by job type). - Teach current employees about new products or features of existing products and services
or introduce new customer markets. - Provide training to ensure all employees meet compliance standards.
2. Organize the training plan – For each training goal identified, develop an outline of the topics you want to cover. List the subtopics or key points under each topic. It may be helpful to have a colleague or seasoned employee review the list to ensure you cover all the points. Finally, add more details to flesh out each topic.
3. Define the materials needed – Using the training outline, identify the best resources for communicating the information, such as
- workflow charts
- lists and photos of products and services
- charts and graphs on customer demographics
- maps showing customer service areas
- photos of office locations and key team members at each site
- company videos or product videos from partners
- pictures of the business that fit training topics
4. Use an online training software program – Many businesses have discovered that an online Learning Management System (LMS) is a great solution for training employees. Many online LMS programs enable employees to view training courses at any time from anyplace, providing greater flexibility and convenience over in-person meetings. With online training software, you also can check on employee progress in completing each module.
After spending time developing the training strategy, creating the messages, and securing the
materials, you need an eLearning program that is easy to understand and set up, such as Traineaze. That way you can upload your PowerPoint presentation, videos, and photos, and edit them as needed to keep information fresh and incorporate new communication techniques.
5. Identify the best communication tool for each topic – For each training topic, identify the most-effective method for sharing the information. Some training topics may need a PowerPoint presentation to communicate complex material, or a video may be helpful to showcase your products.
To keep employees engaged throughout the training, use a mixture of communication tools. For example, when designing a training program for new employees, consider including short video messages from team leaders or welcoming messages from key employees in each area. Include current photos or go-pro shots of the business, parking lots, meeting rooms, or dining areas.
When preparing the training messages, be authentic. Employees don’t want polished videos or
portraits. They want natural images, so they feel comfortable as they learn new information.
6. Provide training quizzes – Since employees can complete the online training software program independently, consider including a quiz up at the end to verify that they understand the material. You may want to quiz employees on the key points. Or, a formal “final exam” test may be required that covers all topics to meet compliance standards.
7. Recognize employees – After employees complete the training program, acknowledge their
efforts with a certificate or other reward. Many employees appreciate receiving public recognition, so take time to thank them for completing the training modules.
One of the most important keys to effective training is to do it. Developing a training strategy helps ensure you provide the detailed information employees need. Employees will feel knowledgeable about their work responsibilities and the business products, so they can confidently perform their job and serve your customers.
