Employee and partner training: classic and new formats

Which format to choose

There are many formats and technologies in distance learning: dialog simulators, simulators, video lessons, e-learning courses. The choice should be based on the company’s objectives.

For example, simulators are often used in retail and banking. They help managers memorize the script and learn how to answer questions competently.

Each dialog is based on a specific business case from real practice. An employee has to present a product correctly or calm down a dissatisfied customer. If he makes a mistake, the simulator prompts the right answer.

They use video tutorials and simulations to teach enterprise software.

Simulators are a complete copy of the interface of a computer program. The user trains without the risk of making a mistake. For example, Mobis Parts, a company that supplies spare parts, uses simulators to teach newcomers how to work in the crm system.

Webinars are used when you need to talk about a new product, reiterate safety techniques, or teach something new.

Another technology that has made its way into the market is virtual reality (VR). It allows an employee to immerse himself in a work situation and practice any skill. At KFC, this is how trainees are taught to cook, and at Walmart how to serve customers quickly on Black Friday.

The subject of online training is becoming more and more widespread: for example, in addition to professional development and personal effectiveness programs, employers are increasingly offering employees courses to broaden their horizons: for example, Alfa Capital held courses for managers on art history and wine-making. And at Tele2, employees are told how to identify a person’s type based on facial features.

Benefits of online learning

1. You can train hundreds of employees to a single standard and scale quickly. “Dodo Pizza”, for example, launched online training when, due to the growing number of restaurants, the training center could not cope with the flow of new employees. “Now we remotely train the whole of Russia, partners from Central and East Germany, as well as from England. It is no longer necessary to come to Syktyvkar for courses,” says Olga Lyutoyeva, a business trainer.
2. Online training reduces team development costs – no need to pay for plane tickets, travel and hotel expenses for coaches.
3. Helps to increase employee engagement in learning. You can learn anytime, anywhere. No more “it’s not convenient for me” excuse
4. You can quickly check the level of training of the team from each branch, all you need to do is to put together an electronic test. Johnson & Johnson spends two days to scan the knowledge of 600 sales representatives in 60 Russian cities. Previously, it took two months. Thanks to the summary statistics, Johnson & Johnson sees the best employees.