Training and development is the key to overall company health and stability. Companies need to continue to train and engage employees. Employees need training and development to learn, improve, and move to the next step.
What does 2019 have in store for employee training and development?
- Personalization
In the past, training was creating a curriculum and delivering to people again and again. With technology, we are better able to create individualized, personalized training to groups and to individuals. Training programs will be developed with a learner-centered design.
- Microlearning
What is microlearning? Microlearning provides bite-sized chunks of learning content, completed in three to five minutes, that makes learning easily digestible. Check out HRSS’ microlearning here.
Successful microlearning encompasses different mediums including videos, podcasts, blogs, and eLearning. This content can be segmented into smaller parts, so employees can learn where and when it suits them. Microlearning is delivering the right training at the right time in the right way to the right people.
- Ability to measure
As we mentioned earlier, technology allows us to do more things with less. One key advantage is the ability to measure the success and effectiveness of training programs. In the past, we were not able to measure beyond the immediate testing of courses. Now, with big data, we are able to see the real-life impact on business objectives.
- Gamification
Gamification will continue to have a big impact on training and development. Gamification is defined as the application of typical elements of game playing (e.g. point scoring, competition with others, rules of play) to other areas of activity.
Gamification has shown to increase participation, engagement, and retention. For more information on gamification, check out our Gamification article.
- Multiplatform
This goes along with microlearning systems. Training tools will be readily accessible across many platforms. Instead of being a desktop-only application, we will see more tablet and mobile platforms being used. Employees expect to access content anytime, anywhere via a mobile device.
- Virtual reality and augmented reality
We started to see the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) on training content in 2018. This will continue to be a trend as we see the technology improve and be more available (and more accessible across all platforms).
- Online communities & social
Corporations are starting to see the benefit of building online communities and online culture. Not only does it lead to better-trained employees, it also leads to a more committed workforce culture. By providing a community online, training participants can learn from each other, give feedback, and improve the overall training with constant engagement. Employees are encouraged to work with their peers to solve everyday challenges and share their experiences. Online communities are also a great way to implement mentoring (both formal and informal) programs to get the most out of both your senior-level employees as well as your newer employees.
A combination of #9 and #10, we may see more ‘selfie-video’ as employees become more comfortable socially sharing their curated content.
- Employee-led instruction
Many of the top organizations allow employees to add to training and development. Why? It allows the company to massively increase training programs without the extra cost. It encourages a stronger culture (think Google). It provides an interdependent system of learning among all employees at all levels. According to PageUp, 87% of employees say that sharing knowledge with their team is critical for learning. Employees also have a better understanding of what is missing from the current curriculum. Rather than have them complain about what’s missing, many companies are giving them a chance to fill in the blanks as needed.
- Machine learning/bots
We have already witnessed AI/machine learning in our emails and other programs (giving us prompted responses). We may see a rise in machine learning for creating and scheduling training for various types of employees as well as using bots for tracking and encouraging certain behaviors or activities (providing feedback). Bots will play somewhat of a coaching role as well as providing FAQ type help on content.
- Video/storytelling
The power of a narrative to get people and keep people engaged will continue to be a trend. We will continue to see videos across all platforms.
- Learning databases
We are seeing more companies purchase training libraries to have hundreds of courses available for their employees. Many outside companies are making it easier for small and large companies to access such as Udemy, Skillsoft and more.
What trends are you seeing or do you anticipate for 2019 and beyond?
