The Ultimate Guide to Employee Training in 2024.

While entering the year 2024, the Employee Training methods are expected to change significantly. The e-learning system, AI-driven programs, and incorporation of games in the learning process are some of the trending strategies that organizations are adopting when proffering training. The World Economic Forum captures this change saying that by 2030, more than 1B people will need to be retrained as 42% of core tasks for current occupations were expected to transform by 2022. Indeed, employee training is not just advantageous from the company’s viewpoint, it is essential in a competitive business environment.

The existence of these facts may come to surprise you because a business that provides organization-wide training, has 218% more income per employee than a business that does not. It should be noted that these companies also have a relatively higher profit margin that is 24% higher than those of other companies. This contrast underlines the differences between the outcomes of properly designed training courses and organizational results.

In this detailed guide, we will take you through a step-by-step understanding of Employee training in 2024.

Why Employee Training is Crucial?

Employee training is a cornerstone of organizational success, fostering growth, innovation, and resilience. Here’s a detailed look at why investing in training is indispensable:

Employee Training at Workplace. Image by freepik.

Benefits to Employees

Skill Enhancement and Career Growth- Training equips employees with the necessary skills to perform their current roles effectively. For instance, LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their career development.
Job Satisfaction and Retention- Training programs boost employee morale and job satisfaction. A study by Udemy showed that 80% of employees feel more engaged when learning new skills. Effective training reduces turnover.
Adaptability and Innovation- Training helps employees adapt to technological advancements and changing market conditions. PwC found that 77% of adults would learn new skills now or completely retrain to improve their future employability. Well-trained employees are more likely to contribute innovative ideas. Google, known for its robust training programs, attributes much of its innovative culture to continuous employee development.

Benefits to Employers

Increased Productivity and Efficiency- Training leads to higher productivity. The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) found that companies with comprehensive training programs have 24% higher profit margins. Trained employees perform tasks more efficiently, reducing errors and saving time. Companies that invest in training see a 6% increase in productivity per hour worked.
Improved Customer Satisfaction- Well-trained Employees provide better customer service. Companies known for excellent training programs attract top talent and loyal customers. For instance, Apple’s extensive training programs are a key component of its stellar customer service reputation.
Competitive Advantage- Continuous training ensures that employees are up-to-date with industry trends, providing a competitive edge. Deloitte’s research shows that 83% of executives consider building the organization of the future as a top priority. Offering development opportunities makes companies more attractive to potential employees.

Popular Courses for Internal Employee Training and Development

Courses	Examples	Importance
Leadership and Management Training	Situational Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Advanced Management Skills.	Equips current and future leaders with skills to effectively manage teams, resolve conflicts, and drive organizational success.
Technical Skills Training	Coding Bootcamps, Cybersecurity Essentials, and Data Analysis with Python.	Keeps employees’ technical skills up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
Soft Skills Development	Communication Skills, Time Management, and Conflict Resolution.	Enhances interpersonal skills that are critical for teamwork and client interactions.
Compliance and Safety Training	Workplace Safety, Anti-Harassment Training, and Data Protection Regulations.	Ensures that employees are aware of legal and safety standards, reducing the risk of legal issues and enhancing workplace safety.
Sales and Customer Service Training	Consultative Selling, Customer Service Excellence, and Negotiation Skills.	Improves sales techniques and customer interactions, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training	Unconscious Bias Training, Inclusive Leadership, and Cultural Competency.	Promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, enhancing innovation and employee satisfaction.
Product and Service Knowledge Training	Product Launch Training, Service Protocols, and Industry-Specific Knowledge.	Ensures that employees have a deep understanding of the products and services they represent, improving customer trust and sales effectiveness.
Project Management Training	Agile Project Management, PMP Certification Prep, and Scrum Master Training.	Enhances the ability to manage and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Emerging Trends in Employee Training!

As the landscape of work evolves, so do the methods we use to train and develop employees. Here are some of the most exciting and effective emerging trends in employee training:

E-learning and Online Courses

E-learning has revolutionized the way employees learn and develop new skills. Accessible from anywhere and at any time, online courses offer unparalleled flexibility and a vast array of topics.

Companies like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning provide comprehensive courses ranging from data science to soft skills like communication and leadership.
IBM’s digital learning platform helps its employees stay ahead in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

Microlearning

Microlearning focuses on delivering content in small, manageable chunks that employees can quickly digest and apply.

Lessons typically last less than 10 minutes, making it easier for employees to fit training into their busy schedules.
Research from the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that microlearning results in 17% more information retention compared to traditional methods.
Walmart utilizes microlearning through its Spark City app, which simulates real-world scenarios for store associates, improving their skills in a fun and engaging way.

Gamification

Gamification integrates game mechanics into training programs to make learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Leaderboards, badges, and rewards motivate employees to complete training modules and strive for excellence.
A TalentLMS survey found that 83% of employees feel motivated by gamified training, and 61% of those who receive non-gamified training feel bored and unproductive.
Deloitte’s Leadership Academy uses gamification to train executives. The program has seen a 37% increase in weekly users due to its engaging, game-like environment.

Personalized Learning Paths

Personalized learning paths tailor training programs to the individual needs, preferences, and learning styles of each employee.

Platforms like Cornerstone and Degreed use AI to recommend courses based on employees’ roles, skills, and career goals.
Accenture’s internal training platform uses AI to curate personalized learning experiences, helping employees build relevant skills and advance their careers.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

VR and AR technologies provide immersive training experiences that simulate real-world scenarios.

VR/AR allows employees to practice tasks in a safe, controlled environment. For example, Walmart uses VR to train employees on how to handle Black Friday rushes.
Boeing uses AR to guide technicians through complex assembly processes, reducing production time by 25% and improving quality.

Common Approaches to Employee Training and Development!

On-Job-Training (OJT) – This is a kind of training where the workers learn while carrying out organizational activities with the help of other co-workers or trainers.
Training and Development – Many organizations have structures where senior or experienced workers can assist the junior or less experienced ones.
Classroom-based training- Conventional face-to-face training meetings where a set of trainers train the candidates in a classroom.
Online and E-Learning and Courses and Training- Training provided through tools that can be accessed through the internet and stretching self-paced learning.
Workshops and Seminars- Discussions that are practical where there is extensive use of exercises and or debates.
Construction of simulations and role-playing- Here, employees act out or role-play in a given situation to master certain skills in a controlled manner.
Gamification- Use of game products or processes in training to increase learners’ motivation and engagement.
Hybrid Learning- A combination of face-to-face training and web-based training as a way of training the learners.
Job Rotation and Cross-Training – This is where the employees change their desks to another department in the firm intending to enrich their experience in the firm.
Employment Training- The training that is done outside the organization includes; Employees attending external courses, workshops, or even a conferences that are relevant to the industry.
On-job training- Employees engage in learning from their working environment as amply as possible without being directed by their trainers or managers.

Best Practices for Implementing ET Programs!!

The overall success in the creation of a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and hardworking organizational staff is highly dependent on the proper strategies and plans for the implementation of each employee’s training. When the specific measures aimed at improving the training schemes are tailored to the best practices, organizations can ensure the effectiveness of training processes and, therefore, achieve long-term beneficial outcomes.

Evaluate your organization’s specific skills and knowledge gaps from the surveys, performance appraisals, and feedback. This helps to make the training programs more specific to the organization or business, for effectiveness. Define specific goals concerning what is to be expected from the training program. Employ the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals analysis to control the progress and the effectiveness of the work done.

Prefer training methods depending on the learning behaviors of the employees and the set objectives of the training program. Regardless of how it will be delivered – e-learning, workshops, or VR simulations, the selected methods should enable the right information to be passed. Proactively engage in the use of technological solutions in the dissemination of training material. The incorporation of E-learning platforms, and; AI-driven ‘learning pathways,’ and ‘Gamification’ can improve engagement and delivery.

Follow up and support over the term through affiliations such as training, counseling, and feedback provisions. This enables the employees to put into practice what they have learned and enhance their skills. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and development within the organization.