Modern employees today are expecting workplace autonomy more than ever. The main motivators for a multigenerational workforce are flexibility and freedom to improve their skills and interests. In a work environment where Gen Zs and millennials are dominating the worker population, it’s important to establish a workplace that promotes comprehensive workplace training programs backed by technological advancements.
Companies are becoming more fully equipped to provide employees with resources to facilitate personal and professional development. One example is CrimsonLogic, lauded as one of the best employers in Singapore, which has been pouring resources to help employees upskill. The rapid emergence of digital software programs provides employees the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in areas related to their interests that will subsequently benefit the company.
However, not all employers recognize the benefits of using technology in employee development. They think it’s costly and time-consuming, which they believe will rob employees of the time devoted to work. In reality, focusing on employee development programs will benefit the workforce and the company and management as a whole. To recognize the role of technology in employee development, here are some examples of technologies that support workplace training.
Cloud-based learning
Cloud-based solutions have played a critical role in facilitating workplace interactions amid remote work arrangements. They have allowed employees to access company resources and interact with team members despite far distances.
In relation to employee development, cloud-based learning software aid in providing learning materials and online courses over the internet, which employees can access anytime and anywhere. Their self-directed nature provides employees the freedom and flexibility to expand their skills and knowledge based on their interests and not fueled by obligation, which results in higher engagement.
Another great appeal of cloud-based learning is the ease of access. Employees can use them outside office hours and at their own time and pace. In-person training courses have a reputation for being too stale and boring, which contributes to poor engagement. It’s hard to force employees to undergo training if they’re not in the mood for it. With cloud-based tools, employees are free to do the training without any pressure. At the same time, learners can customize their training based on their educational level and experience, allowing them to absorb lessons effectively when it’s convenient.
In turn, employers should provide extra points or incentives to encourage employees to accomplish training programs. This will help them gravitate toward training opportunities that are collaborative and interactive.
Gamified training
Collaborative learning is beneficial, but a little competition wouldn’t hurt. Most employees tend to be competitive, especially if it involves handsome rewards. In this case, competition can be an effective motivator to encourage employees to commit to a training course.
For instance, customer service agents have KPIs and sales targets that measure performance. But using a gamified leaderboard will promote healthy competition and motivate employees to do better and maximize their performance.
It’s about time to move past “employee of the month” schemes. The young generation is dominating the workforce, and employers should find ways to retain top talent and their level of engagement. There’s no need to wait by the end of the month or year to check their performance evaluation since gamified leaderboards will provide results in real-time.
Gamification in employee development will also make trainings more engaging, fun, and exciting. It adds game-like features, badges, points, and other game elements to otherwise regular training modules and courses, giving employees an interactive avenue to learn. Like cloud-based learning, employees can play during their off-hours, which makes it an effective method to engage them in the meaningful aspects of their jobs, including creating and achieving goals.
Continuous feedback loop
If there’s one thing that technology has helped mankind the most, it would be the streamlining of communication channels. Companies should maximize digital tools to make the review process and goal-setting more convenient both for the managers and employees.
Managers and HR teams have to wait for several months before providing performance feedback. If you have a remote team, real-time messaging platforms and videoconferencing apps will help leaders close the communication gap. This is possible by integrating continuous feedback into the company culture via real-time feedback apps that boost productivity. This allows managers and staff to request feedback, submit ratings, and share recommendations on their job and point out their strengths and weaknesses.
There’s no doubt that technology has proven its ability to enhance employee development and support the company brand. If done well, great outcomes and top talent await companies who invest in modern technologies to support employees’ skills and knowledge. As more employees work from home, these tools will encourage a stronger sense of connection and belonging between employees and the company.