GlobalBX

In tough economic times, every corporation needs to guard against waste and inefficiency. That’s where corporate training can prove crucial. But are employees receiving the correct training and in the most efficient format?

1. Classroom Doldrums
Many employees like outings. They are a chance to get away from the pressure and tedium of their jobs. An outing (even if it’s only down the hall to the corporate training center) can prove a refreshing distraction—almost a “paid vacation.” But the class itself frequently doesn’t live up to its promise.

Sometimes even the mid-level execs who exit these training sessions can be heard mumbling their disagreements—lack of consensus. But all too frequently, the bulk of employees can be seen marking time, doing texting on their cell phones, doodling and the like. They’re bored, but at least they’re getting paid for it.

2. Trainer Blindness
Many corporate trainers are nominally good at what they do, like many teachers in public school. They may know training, but they may not always know the material. Sometimes the trainer is only freshly trained in the material themselves; they are not seasoned veterans. In other words, they can’t answer the tough questions. That’s embarrassing.

Also, without the proper background experience with the material, the trainer can miss opportunities to illuminate the material in a way that can prevent future problems—like an awareness of computer security weaknesses. There may be “conventional wisdom” that everyone may have heard about, but then the frontline experts may see it differently because of empirical experience. Having the wrong trainer can worsen this kind of disconnect.

3. E-learning Incompetence
Online training courses are a wonderful alternative to the old-style classroom approach. They give the opportunity to take the training without adversely interrupting production. (Sorry, no more “paid vacations” in the training room.) The employee can take it at their own pace and at their own schedule, pausing as needed. In fact, they can come back to where they left off, days later, if need be.

Sometimes, though, for all the benefits, the training can prove lackluster or even gag awful. The material may be presented in a boring format or with uninspired support materials (graphics, charts, video). They effect can be lack of long-term retention. Another wasted effort.

Solution
Online corporate training is certainly the trend these days and for good reason. The “training footprint” in the work-a-day schedule is greatly reduced, no overhead for classroom training space, and no expense of hiring a trainer.

Perhaps a far better approach for corporate training needs involves a new breed of educational approach—the corporate training marketplace. Multiple vendors providing their wares on the same subjects, competing for your attention. A corporate training officer or human resources manager can select a group of possible courses from which to choose, or allow the affected department manager choose the appropriate courses. Such flexibility allows the use of the best training possible—one that’s informative, engaging and interesting.