Designing Digitally
10/15/2018
Our employees are our greatest asset." The refrain is so common it has become cliche. Companies often say it but rarely live up to it. All too often, training is seen as too expensive, too time-consuming, or just not worth it. Statistics say otherwise, though, with training experts showing 10% gains in productivity, 24% gains in profit, and 9-12% decreases in employee turnover through training.
Training simulations offer a whole new breed of online training programs that provide effective learning solutions and bring various benefits both to your learners and organization. Some of these benefits include:
The onboarding process can be long and arduous for companies with existing training departments. For smaller companies that are looking to grow, onboarding often consists of 'on-the-job' training or having new employees shadow existing employees. While shadowing is a great option, why not equip new employees with a full set of tools, first?
Learning simulations can speed up the onboard training process by hours, getting your employees out of training and into earning revenue. Your employees can be ready to start with fully developed learning and training simulations. Customized learning simulations can familiarize your new employees with any proprietary CRM, design or service programs without the need for long classes, trainers, or manuals.
When it comes to teaching core company values, there are two approaches you can take.
On the one hand, you can take the old fashion route. You can spend time writing, revising and editing an employee handbook, user manual, etc. You can bring all new and existing employees into a conference room and give lectures on the best ethical practices, digital security, safety, etc. For your efforts, you can expect most of your employees to ignore the handbook, ignore your speeches, ignore your lectures and tune out all of the information on company values.
On the other hand, you can utilize digital training simulations or learning simulations. Rather than having information disseminated to them, your employees can actively engage in a simulation. A simulation can come in the form of a game which may actually entertain them while educating them. Learning simulation programs may come with a test at the end, and a well-designed program will actively challenge the employees to think about their answers.
Which of those scenarios sound better? Nursing studies from 2016 showed immense gains in competency through simulated learning. For the implementation of company values via an ethics policy, simulated learning is a no-brainer
Simulated training using 3d modeling or even virtual reality is a growing field. In medicine, simulated training gives prospective doctors the chance to hone their skills without having to cut anyone open. Practice techniques for surgery, emergency care, and even simple bandaging cut training time and expense at medical schools, hospitals and clinics.
Hands-on simulation-based training also produces immediate results for 'hands-on' career paths, such as mechanics, engineers, and even artists. The opportunity to practice in a realistic digital environment makes learning simulations extremely valuable. Airline mechanics, train mechanics, and engineers of all levels of experience use simulated training to practice their skill-set without risking any lives.
Matters of life and death are trusted to simulation programs! Think of it this way: if training simulations and simulation-based training are good enough for surgical education, it is certainly good enough for your business.
Many employees like their current job but wish they either had more authority or a larger paycheck, and many employees want both. Development is a large predictor of employee turnover. 74% of employees feel that they are not living up to their potential, according to research completed by Middlesex University. Greater opportunities for development and advancement will lead to lower employee turnover. Engagement and commitment are vastly improved with development opportunities.
Consider offering simulation-based online training. Giving employees the chance to hone and improve their skill-set will help reduce turnover. Just as important, development training offered as an elective choice will separate those seeking to achieve more from those who wish to merely get by.
No matter how you choose to implement a simulation-based training program, you can expect lower turnover as a result.
The benefits of simulation-based training are obvious. What may not be obvious is just how inexpensive, efficient and easy it is to get simulation-based training started. Your company can take a giant leap into the modern business world by starting new training, onboarding, and development programs today.
Designing Digitally creates online simulation-based learning solutions that are customized to meet the specific needs and initiatives of your organization and learners.
Contact us today to learn more about implementing simulation-based learning at your company!
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