The 21st-century learners are the modern learners who have some standards when it comes to online training. Their expectations are completely different and want modern solutions to answer their questions. Unlike the previous generation of employees who were comfortable and satisfied with lecture-based training, the modern generation doesn’t want someone who lectures them, rather they want someone who can help them build new skills and knowledge which are in great demand.
Often, many organizations design and create eLearning programs without taking into account what employees want from them. This can lead to the production of courses and content that hardly makes sense to employees. For instance, excessive dependence on text-based resources, while the employee wants resources in videos or audio format, makes your content and courses ineffective.
The modern workforce wants meaningful learning experiences. Inability to meet their expectations can result in employee turnover, lower engagement rates, and decreased productivity.
In this article, we’ll try to understand what employees expect from their training programs and how can you prevent them from leaving you.
Expectations of employees
Employees expect anytime and anywhere learning
Managing work and training simultaneously can be nerve-wracking for employees. Employees expect that they should be able to access their eLearning courses and resources anytime and anywhere. They don’t want time and space boundaries to hinder their training.
No matter where they are and what the time is, employees, seek flexibility when it comes to training. Hence, you must try to make knowledge available anytime. The employees should be able to access learning materials in the middle of anything.
Employees expect training resources to be concise and organized
No one wants a cluttered eLearning platform that is difficult to operate and navigate. Also, when the resources are filled with unnecessary information, employees might refrain from using them.
Employees expect that their training resources are crisp and to the point. This allows them to retain information for a longer time. Also, when the eLearning platform is properly organized and the resources are well consolidated, employees can stay focused on what is really important, i.e., learning.
Employees expect that they can access the training platform on any device
Gen Z learners use diverse devices to access training platforms. Sometimes they want to learn on PC, sometimes on their iPad, and sometimes on their android mobile phones.
Hence, you should consider investing in an LMS that is compatible with all devices (PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and all operating systems (Windows, iOS, or Android). By integrating mobile learning with microlearning, you can allow employees to focus on time-sensitive topics which can be accessed on the run. For instance, you can create a three-minute product description video for the sales team which they access quickly before their sales pitch.
Employees expect to learn skills that can be applied to the real world
Modern learners have a high curiosity to learn. They’re always excited to learn new things that ease their life and help them achieve their goals.
Some organizations simply focus more on theories without linking the topics to the real world. This can disinterest and frustrate employees. The new learners expect that whatever they learn from their training programs should not just be informative, but relevant and can be applied to real-life situations.
Employees expect that you allow them to set their own goals and schedules
Almost all employees want that they should be given the freedom to decide on training schedules. Modern learners don’t like being micromanaged, as it indicates a lack of trust and confidence. This means they should have an upper hand in choosing the time to learn that fits their schedule. Likewise, they also expect that you allow them to set their training goals.
Your employee training system should adapt to the needs of your employees. Encourage employees to set the pace and goals of their learning. For instance, let them decide the eLearning courses they need to take when, where, and how. Let them also decide the suitable time and space for training. When you offer so much flexibility to them, they will be more motivated to learn. So let them take ownership of their training.
Employees expect they get the freedom to interact with their peers
Online training often makes employees feel isolated. Since they are geographically apart and operate in different time zones, it becomes difficult for them to interact.
But man is a social animal who cannot survive without interaction. The employees expect that you provide them with social learning tools and activities that promote collaboration. For example, discussion forums, chat rooms, video conferencing, etc, are tools that facilitate interaction among employees. You must try to organize group activities that bring employees together. A group assignment or group project can help in a great way.
Employees expect interactive and engaging resources
One of the top employee training expectations is that you provide interactive and engaging resources. After all, no one wants to gaze at dull and boring text-based resources like PDFs.
Try using various media like videos, audio, podcast, animations, etc that can draw the attention of employees. By making information and knowledge interactive, you make employees more excited about their training.
Most importantly, using different multimedia ensures that the learning needs of all learners are met. For instance, an auditory learner can learn through podcasts and audio recording while a visual learner can learn effectively through videos.
Employees expect you to give regular feedback
It might be a surprise for you to know that the majority of employees want regular feedback from their employers. They wish to know how well they’re performing and what more can be done. Constructive feedback is imperative for their professional growth and to avoid any miscommunication.
Feedback promotes the professional growth of employees and helps them overcome their weaknesses. Timely, regular, and constructive feedback can instill confidence in them.
eLearning professionals can provide feedback to employees by fixing virtual meetings. Automated reports can be sent to employees that show their graphs and milestones achieved to date. By giving feedback to employees, you show them that you’re concerned about their performance and training.
Employees expect you to appreciate their achievements
A pat on the back, an encouraging smile, and small rewards can help in establishing a vibrant work environment.
Employees crave appreciation and recognition. They expect you to praise them for their contributions and achievements. When you appreciate them, they’re unlikely to look for a new job.
In an online training setup, you can reward employees through gamification. On completion of different levels of eLearning courses, you can give them badges, trophies, and virtual coins. Such rewards will boost the motivation of employees and push them to complete their courses promptly.
Employees expect you to provide them with a positive work culture
Organizational culture is a way of life that is characterized by its values, attitudes, goals, and vision. The culture of an organization represents how an organization treats its employees and clients and is the driving force behind financial success.
Employees expect a positive work culture where their voices are heard, opinions are considered, and contribution is acknowledged.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, we can conclude that employees have many expectations revolving around different aspects. But in the end, what they seek is satisfaction and happiness. The happier the employees, the better they’ll perform, and the greater will be their contribution to the organization.
