7 Popular Workplace Learning Methods – Types of Workplace Training

This article discusses workplace learning methods and the most popular types of workplace training.

In any workplace environment, there is a certain level of learning to extend employees’ skills and improve the way they complete their job roles. This is in the company’s best interest as it can improve the quality and level of work produced. It also allows employees to self-develop which boosts morale and allows for more job satisfaction. Learning can come in many forms, and there are a variety of methods to do so which each have their own merit.

Did you know that 24% higher profit margins can be the result of companies who invest in training and 76% of employees say that a company would be more appealing if it offered additional skills training to its staff? With stats like these, it’s definitely worth investing the time and money into workplace training.

Types of Workplace Training Methods

When choosing training methods in the workplace you must consider your budget. The ideal solution is to find something that gives the most effective training at the most economical price. Of course, this all depends on the content of the training and how many employees need to learn. There are many effective workplace learning methods to adopt, that will enhance your employee’s performance, whilst teaching them valuable new skills at the same time.

#1. Coaching

Coaching asks an experienced professional to work one-on-one with the learner. This method is perfect for something more challenging as it allows the employee to have a constant mentor who can answer queries and offer support throughout.

A learner engaging in this kind of teaching should be able to gain an in-depth knowledge of the subject and become experienced much faster. This drawback is that working one-on-one tends to be more time-consuming and therefore more expensive. Even if the trainer is teaching as they work, they won’t be able to perform as efficiently as they could as they will still need to be coached.

#2. Hands-on Training

The saying “learn by doing” is often thrown around, but hands-on training has a variety of benefits and for some people is the most beneficial way of working. It gives learners a perfect opportunity to actually solve the problem their facing and allows them to experience the situation in a controlled environment.

It also means they have a trainer on hand to correct and assist them to ensure they are getting the most out of their training. Hands-on learning is thought to have increased engagement as learners are fully submerged in what they are doing. This type of learning tends to be more expensive and time-consuming than other kinds, although it’s a great method for learners to retain information.

#3. Lecture Theatre

The lecture style of teaching is perfect for a large group. The person teaching the training will stand at the front and speak or present whilst the learners take notes. This type of learning would be ideal for a programme designed for a whole office or company, as with a theatre-style lecture you can present to hundreds of people at once.

This saves money on individual training although an offsite venue is likely to be needed to facilitate the presentation and speaker facilities, as well as the number of guests. A drawback of this training method in the workplace is that it is far harder to cater to an individual’s needs, particularly if the content of the training is more challenging.

Training Methods for Employees – New Staff

There is a difference when training existing employees and developing their skills. New employees will often need a more hands-on way of teaching which will span for longer. For example, an apprentice will need to spend significant time learning about the products and the company before they are ready to complete tasks to the same standard as other employees.

#4. Onboarding

Onboarding training is a technique used when an employer is new to the company. It’s a more effective way of submerging them in the understanding of the way the business works so they can do a more effective job. It allows the learner to feel valued among other employees and invest time in a training programme that meets their needs.

Although onboarding can be more time-consuming, ultimately it can be a faster way of ensuring the new employee has a full understanding of their new role. Onboarding is a type of training that is an investment and can improve the way a company works altogether.

#5. On-the-job Training

On-the-job training is exactly what it says on the tin. You learn as you work and have first-hand experience with what you need to know. This type of training can be experienced on many levels, from days worth of on-the-job training to learning a whole new job role.

This is an efficient way of working however if the trainee is working in a “real” environment if they make a mistake it may have more consequences than if it was a “sandbox” training space. On-the-job training is commonly used for apprenticeships and internships. It is popular with younger learners who are able to be paid a lower wage in order to learn on the job.

eLearning

There are so many of our everyday activities that are carried out online. This includes training methods.

Although face-to-face training is always important, in some instances it may not be possible. Working from home is the future and the modern workplace needs to learn how to adapt to this. Often this means that your employees will be based all over the country, instead of locally.

eLearning and online training programmes are a great alternative to classroom training and can help increase learning and development for staff members who are based long distances. They are able to have interactive learning experiences in bite-size amounts. This is a new way of learning and goes against traditional training methods.

It saves money on training space and instructors and allows the trainee to be taught efficiently. It also means learners can complete the course at home on their own devices if needed. For the modern workspace, eLearning is absolutely ideal.

#6. Mandatory Training

In most companies, there is legally mandatory training that new employees need to complete, and those existing employees will need to revisit the training once a year or so. For example, the fire procedures of a business are often mandatory to revisit every year.

Other similar training includes food hygiene, emergency protocols and warehouse safety. These courses can be easily taught through an interactive eLearning platform which all employees can complete. This saves time and money on physical training and is just as effective.

#7. Product Training

If your learner is starting their job in a warehouse or service which involves having detailed product and service knowledge, this kind of training is vital. From the product number, features, functions and history, the learner needs to be knowledgeable on every product.

When communicating with the client, the learner must be confident to recommend and give information on all the products that are on offer. eLearning is the perfect way of doing this. The majority of companies store all product information online, so the learner has a platform to revise the products during their onboarding.

Workplace Learning Methods Concluded

We hope you have enjoyed this article on workplace learning methods and are now fully prepped and ready to start training your employees. There are so many more types of workplace training, but the 7 we have outlined are our favourite and most cost-effective and efficient ways to train staff.

As a recap, when looking at types of employee training methods, our top 7 workplace learning methods that will enhance productivity and save you money are:

1. Coaching
2. Hands-on training
3. Lectures
4. Onboarding
5. On-the-job training
6. Mandatory training
7. Product Training

Training Venue in Oxfordshire

If you are looking for a venue to train employees, look no further than Milton Hill House. We are a venue based in Oxfordshire with all the facilities you need for a successful training event. Choose from 20 meeting rooms for your employees to learn and develop their skills.

No matter how large or small your session is, we can accommodate you. If you and your guests are travelling, we can offer guest rooms for a comfortable night’s stay. We also have a range of catering options for the training session and for our overnight guests.

If you have special requirements, let our team know and we can assist. Contact us today to book or for further information.