How Simulations are Transforming Millennial Workplace Training

A report by Deloitte shows that only 6% of organizations believe they have a sufficient leadership pipeline. The rest are not as confident. More than 700,000 people are scheduled to retire in the years to come. They will take their skills and expertise with them when they leave. On the other hand, the millennials are taking over the market. By 2020, they will replace almost 50% of the present workforce. They are well-equipped to take responsibilities but expect flexible and relevant development opportunities.

The modern workforce is extremely tech-savvy. They may not have the hands-on job experience like their predecessors, but they are really good with technology. This young generation of employees will take over the future workplace in a decade from now. So, it is critical that they have the right training to develop their skills and enhance their knowledge.

Simulations are quite popular with millennials. They are an effective tool that can bridge the experiential gap between the older and the younger generations through realistic scenarios. Since the millennials are tech-savvy, 2D and 3D simulated training make learning fun for them. But that is not to say fun is not effective!

Why choose business simulations for millennial training?

#1: Offer real-life experiences

Simulations replicate the real-life environment for the learners. They create situations and imagery similar to what the learner faces in their job role. This way, the learners can identify with the training and recall the knowledge and skills when faced with a similar situation at work.

#2: Help retain knowledge

When you ask learners to go through a course or podcast, they retain some the information. They may forget the content after a few days. But, when you make them apply the knowledge they gained, they will remember the facts better. It is easier to remember concepts when they have hands-on training.

#3: Provide instant feedback

Simulations provide immediate feedback. The learners know where they have gone wrong and where they are on track. This prevents learners from committing incorrect behaviors to their long-term memories. With instant feedback, they can hone their skills and master them.

#4: Offer a no-risk platform

When your employees know that even a minor mistake can cause significant damage to their reputation, they shy away from experimenting with their tasks. But, unless they practice and try out new methods of working, they may not be able to enhance productivity. Simulations help them overcome the fear of failure. In a virtual environment, learners can practice and fail without causing any real-world damage. The more mistakes they make in the virtual scenario, the fewer errors they commit at work.

#5: Offer measurable metrics

Simulated training can be measured. You can track and report the data on your learners’ performance. The report helps in modifying and improving the training program for the future. It also helps assess employee proficiency.

#6: Allow collaboration

In business simulations, employees can collaborate together on a specific scenario. Cooperation helps train the employees on their team-building and collaboration skills. It also adds a dose of healthy competition to the learning.

Simulated training is interactive, unlike traditional rote memorization techniques. It activates the memory and increases knowledge retention. Much like gaming, the learners are actively invested in the lessons. They apply their knowledge and learn by doing. Application is by far the best way to learn. Simulations help them better understand the business goals and align their activities to it.

At Designing Digitally, Inc. our team of instructional designers has been created creating simulated learning experiences for decades. They range from a completely simulated 2D software experience up to a 3D immersive experience. We approach the simulations with a learning-centric design. Our designers ensure that the end product is immersive, engaging, and achieves the purpose it is built for.

Get in touch with our experts today to learn more about custom simulations and how they can impact your company’s learners! Don’t forget to download our white paper, “Training Simulations Create Success for Corporate Education”, too!