8 top employee training expectations and tips to meet them

Modern learners have certain standards when it comes to online training. Standards that organizations must meet in order to retain their top performers and improve ROI. In this article, I highlight 8 employee training expectations, as well as tips to address them in your online training strategy.

Employee training expectations and how to meet them

You want to keep your employees content, so that they stay productive on the job and aren’t tempted to take their talents elsewhere. One of the most cost-effective ways to improve staff retention is to offer them online training resources that promote personal growth. But not just any online training course will do, as your team members already have an idea of what qualifies as a successful online training experience. Here are 8 top employee training expectations and tips to meet them.

1. The training content will be personalized for my job role and responsibilities

Employees expect that the online training resources will address their job roles, tasks, and responsibilities, instead of being forced to sit through course after course that doesn’t relate to their position or department.

Give your employees the power to choose their own path by developing customized eLearning course maps or catalogs that allow them to pick their own online training activities. You should also pre-assess their skills and knowledge to set the benchmark. Then, customize the online training content based on their specific needs.

2. I can access the training platform anytime, on any device

Modern learners use a multitude of devices to access crucial online training materials. At least, they should be able to do so. The catch is that many organizations still cater to PC users instead of creating multiplatform-friendly content.

Consider investing in responsive eLearning tools that automatically adjust the layout based on the employee’s device. You can also offer a mobile-ready microlearning library that allows them to focus on time-sensitive topics from anywhere in the world. For example, brush up on product knowledge before heading out to the sales floor.

3. Online training activities will tie into real-world applications

For most employees, participating in the online training that ties into real-world situations and challenges is a given. But some organizations still stick with theory instead of practical context.
Whether it be to help employees use a newfound skill or apply product knowledge to increase their sales figures, every online training resource you include in your design should promote real-world application. Simulations, branching scenarios, and serious games are just a few of the tools you can use.

4. I’ll be able to set my own goals and training schedule

One of the top employee training expectations is the ability to access learning resources whenever it fits into their schedule. Likewise, they expect to be able to set goals that matter to them and their job duties.

Your online training program must be flexible and adaptable to employees’ needs. Encourage them to identify long-term goals and the milestones they must follow to achieve them. You can even use gamification rewards to increase their motivation and help them stay on track. Lastly, give employees the ability to go at their own pace and pick online training resources that align with their learning preferences.

5. The organization will provide me with ongoing support

You cannot simply assign online training courses and expect employees to do it alone. It’s true, some might take initiative and accomplish the goals. But even the most experienced staff members need help from time to time.

Ongoing support resources during every phase of the employment cycle are among the most common employee expectations. This might include tutorials, one-on-one coaching sessions, or FAQs. The key is to give them all the assistance they need to benefit from the online training courses you provide. Otherwise, you may find learner participation diminishing by the day.

6. Online training will extend beyond the new hire phase

It’s a given that employees will have some form of new hiring training when they begin their employment in your organization. They may be dreading it, but they know it’s part of the job description. But there’s also another expectation you must meet: to provide them with continuous online training.

Go beyond the onboarding phase and refresh knowledge periodically. Create a just-in-time online training repository that employees can use to bridge skill and performance gaps along the way.
Learning and Development should never be a one-time event that’s reserved for new team members. Continual online training can help you retain your valued employees and keep them more productive in the workplace.

7. I will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers

One of the most common pitfalls of online training is overcoming feelings of isolation. Employees are geographically dispersed and create their own online training schedules. This makes it difficult to interact with remote peers.

Integrate social learning activities to promote online collaboration. For example, group activities that require video conferencing tools or project management platforms. Or even social media discussions and live events that allow them to share their ideas in real time and exchange feedback.

8. The organization will clarify learning objectives and expectations in advance

Your organization is providing employees with training resources to achieve specific goals and outcomes. So, it only makes sense that you would make employees aware of why they’re participating in these courses, right? Sadly, many organizations don’t opt for full transparency.

If you want employees to actively participate, it’s crucial to emphasize expectations, learning objectives, desired outcomes, and benefits. Clarify the learning objectives in advance, and explain how employees are expected to engage with the online training content.

Your employees may have high expectations for your online training, and rightfully so. After all, you expect them to perform at their peak in the workplace and to help your organization achieve success. It’s only fair that you give them all the online training resources they require to live up to their potential and be the best representatives for your brand.

Are you meeting employee expectations from day one? Start by discovering the 6 reasons why new hires dread onboarding online training so that you can fix the problems and create the best experience for your employees.