Winning Strategies for Training Remote Workers
As the world becomes increasingly dynamic, the only certainty is change. Whether it's a slow and steady or a sudden shift, professionals must adapt to new circumstances to maintain productivity. In this new era of remote work, distributed teams need the right resources to thrive. A recent survey found that 7 in 10 remote workers require additional training from their companies. If you want your remote employees to learn better and remember longer, here are some winning strategies for creating engaging remote training programs.
Encourage self-directed learning Less is more when it comes to learning. People can only process 3-4 bits of information at a time. Fire hose training and information dumps actually detract from learning. Therefore, focus on what is most important to learn and practice. Provide what is “nice to know” as optional outside resources.
Help people become self-directed learners
By giving your remote workers the resources they need to direct their own learning, they will be able to take ownership of their professional development. You can provide them with tools like online learning modules, e-books, and other resources that they can access on their own time. This will empower them to take charge of their learning and develop the skills they need to be successful.
Create a learning journey rather than a one-time intervention
Instead of cramming all of the information into one long session, it is beneficial to space out learning and provide opportunities for learners to practice and get feedback. This allows them to learn from their mistakes and build long-term capabilities. Additionally, promoting mentoring opportunities can allow learners to learn from their more experienced colleagues.
Don’t try to recreate the in-person experience
Instead, rethink your activities and content to take advantage of the online environment. Breaking your content into multiple, shorter sessions allows for more flexibility and avoids overwhelming the learner. Blending online learning modules with other resources like short videos, job aids, or interactive eLearning courses can also be effective.
Imagine your learning audience is next to you
Whether you’re recording or delivering online content live, it is important to address your learners as if they are in the room with you. Creating a persona for your audience and using sensory language can make the experience more engaging and memorable. Encouraging participation and collaboration, and building in repetition and deductive questioning can further aid in memory retention.
Ask questions and run online polls
These interactive tools can be used to involve the learner and encourage engagement without the need for advanced technology or features. By creating engaging visuals, walking learners through various media, and involving them in the learning process, remote workers can be kept engaged and motivated to learn.
Chunk learning into small pieces:
Breaking down complex information into smaller, more digestible chunks can be effective in avoiding overwhelming the learner. By teaching each chunk until reaching the greater whole, remote workers can fully learn the concept being taught.
Create a ‘micro lessons’ library
Micro lessons are brief, concentrated courses on a single topic that can be completed in 5 minutes or less. This format is ideal for busy remote workers who need to fit learning into their busy schedules. By offering these resources, companies can allow their remote workers to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
In conclusion, with remote work becoming the new normal, it's essential for companies to provide thoughtful and engaging training to help their distributed workforce thrive. By following these winning strategies, you can create training programs that engage remote workers and help them succeed.
