It’s Time to Reimagine Learning & Development
For businesses across the globe, the pandemic cemented remote and hybrid working environments as the new norm. Company learning and development initiatives were required to make this shift as well, especially at the height of the virus when social distancing protocols prevented employers from holding in-person training.
As with many facets of remote work, utilizing digital tools for learning and development programs has introduced a number of benefits, like greater convenience, accessibility, and worker productivity. Now employers are reimagining their approach to training, taking initiatives a step further to include immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR).
These mediums allow workers to experience real on-the-job scenarios while having the flexibility to experiment and make mistakes in a safe environment. What’s more, immersive training has shown to be more effective than traditional methods, reducing training time by 40% and improving performance by a staggering 70%, according to IBM. Here’s why it’s time for your organization to reimagine learning and development.
Workers Can Learn at Their Own Pace
Digital training solutions provide employers and workers alike with enhanced flexibility. Employees can learn at their own pace and leaders can utilize data to determine strengths and weaknesses and prioritize certain topics to meet individual needs. Innovative learning platforms, like Talespin and ConveYour, have the ability to create engaging learning content to accommodate varying stages of an employee’s development – from onboarding to automated training modules for ongoing development.
A customized, self-paced learning program empowers learners to better digest and retain information. Workers can progress through the training as their schedule permits, eliminating the costly and time-consuming need to travel for learning sessions. Implementing a microlearning strategy to break up content into bite-sized exercises helps reduce cognitive barriers and keeps staff engaged.
It’s a Cost-Effective Approach
Immersive learning and development may require an initial investment, but provides long-term cost savings. From cutting expenses associated with transportation and securing physical training spaces to eliminating the cost of materials and equipment, this more strategic approach to learning and development will ultimately maximize ROI. It’s also cost-effective because it bolsters staff engagement and retention, while facilitating quicker knowledge adoption – meaning new hires can be out in the field, driving customer satisfaction and profitability faster than traditional means.
A Wider Scope of Capabilities
From step-by-step instructions on troubleshooting a specific piece of equipment to annual state-required safety training, virtual learning and development platforms offer a wide breadth of learning opportunities.
Whether a physician is safely practicing a new surgical technique, staff are collaborating on group training exercises, or learners are developing their leadership skills, a diverse range of subject matter can be taught in new and creative ways to bolster engagement. You can even curate specialized programs surrounding specific certifications and track an individual learner’s progress through the course material.
Digital Content Offers an Agile Solution
In today’s unpredictable world, organizations need to be able to pivot as needed to accommodate things like technology rollouts and new market demands. VR-based learning and development programs offer an agile solution, allowing employers to stay aligned with the fast-moving nature of the market. New and relevant digital content can be produced as needs arise without needing to perform a complete overhaul of your training strategy.
Moving the Needle Forward for Learning & Development
Emerging technology now offers employers a flexible and effective way to personalize the training experience in a manner that nurtures learners across varying skill sets. At Concannon, we help organizations develop the right infrastructure and strategy needed to scale the business and optimize ROI. To learn more about how our team of experts can support your learning and development initiatives, contact us today.
