For those in management and HR, employee performance remains one of the hot topics in companies across the United Kingdom. At its core, employee performance is about inspiring and sustaining motivation. Managing employee performance effectively means going beyond financial bonuses and praise; it involves using professional training as a key tool. Surprisingly enough, training and development itself is often overlooked, which could result in stagnant growth and low morale in the workplace. With growing numbers of employees coming from the “newer” generation, you best believe it’s high time to revise the way training is being delivered. In this article, we will delve into the top 5 training methods that can help organisations achieve their goals and boost employee performance.
But First, What Are Training Methods?
Training methods refer to the various approaches and techniques used to equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their jobs effectively. These methods can range from traditional classroom settings to newer methods such as online platforms. For instance, while traditional methods include lectures and workshops, newer methods might have you using virtual reality (VR) simulations.
One might say that the “traditional” methods have worked in the past and changes might be unnecessary. However, with the younger generation now entering the workforce, there is a pressing need for employers to adapt their approaches to match the pace and expectations of their younger employees. According to a study by PwC, millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Z (born after 1997) now constitute a significant portion of the workforce, and their preferences are reshaping workplace dynamics. These generations value continuous learning and development opportunities more than previous ones, and they expect employers to provide modern, flexible training programmes that cater to their tech-savvy and dynamic learning styles (PwC, 2020).
Top 5 Training Methods to Boost Employee Performance
1. E-Learning
Have you considered how e-learning can fit into your employees’ busy schedules? E-learning is an excellent solution for providing continuous learning opportunities without disrupting daily operations. This method allows employees to access training materials anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace. For example, platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer a vast range of courses that can be tailored to specific job roles.
2. On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training (OJT) is a powerful method where employees gain skills and knowledge directly through their daily tasks. This approach is especially effective as it offers practical, hands-on experience that theoretical learning often lacks. For instance, a new sales representative might shadow a seasoned colleague, picking up effective sales techniques in real time. With some people thriving in such practical training environments, some may find it easier to grasp concepts and apply them immediately via this method.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) Training
Virtual Reality (VR) training offers an immersive learning experience that can be incredibly effective for complex or hazardous tasks. Imagine training a construction worker in safety procedures through a VR simulation where participants can practise scenarios without any real-world risks. Hence, VR might make an exciting yet cautious approach to take for those in the HSE-related training.
4. Coaching and Mentoring
How can coaching and mentoring be integrated into your current training programme? It’s worth considering for its potential to build strong and collaborative teams. Coaching and mentoring involve more personalised forms of training where experienced professionals guide and nurture less experienced employees. This method fosters a supportive learning environment and promotes long-term professional development. For instance, a junior marketer might be paired with a senior marketing strategist to learn advanced techniques and strategies.
5. Workshops and Seminars
Have you found workshops and seminars effective in the past? They offer a traditional yet highly interactive approach to training. These events allow employees to learn new skills, engage with experts, and collaborate with peers. For instance, a customer service workshop might involve role-playing exercises to practise handling difficult clients. These methods could also be particularly useful for team-building and developing soft skills.
Conclusion
By varying your teaching methods, embracing change and injecting a bit of excitement into the classroom, it can go a long way in making learning both enjoyable and impactful for you and your participants. While financial incentives have their place (rightfully so), the transformative power of well-crafted training programmes cannot be overlooked – and the methods used can play a huge role. Whether you choose to implement strategies such as e-learning, on-the-job training, VR training, coaching and mentoring, and interactive workshops, you can cultivate a motivated and highly skilled workforce through your training sessions. However, remember that relevance is also key – so do try to ensure that your training content is updated and directly relevant to your team’s needs.
Some articles :
- The Digital Transformation Guide for training companies: how to get team members on board
- Here’s Why You Should Consider Professional Training
- The Power of Mentoring Programs for Individuals and Organisations
- How can you get involved in the onboarding process as a trainer?
- What are the advantages of digital learning courses?
