Developing Human Capital at Home

What do we know about remote employee development and skills training?

BY ANDREA AMATO

Employee development and the growing importance of human capital remains an invaluable investment for employers and firms. HR professionals believe this development comes from targeted skills training (Pricewat erhouseCoopers [PwC], 2016). As a result, most organisations following a globalised approach invest in training and development functions as part of their organisational strategies.

Although a lot of discussion surrounding employee development stems from the responsibility of the employer, employees want to train too. PwC’s (2021) latest survey found that 77% of employees are ready to train in new skills or retrain previous ones. Therefore, employee development remains an important consideration in successfully progressing organisations.

In adapting learning programs to take place virtually, prioritise how these will be organised including relevant stakeholders. Other important details to consider include the platform where these programs will take place and the particular topics that suit an online environment.

Explore a multitude of strategies that meet your business requirements and establish novel practices that supports your new virtual learning program.

Create a Dedicated Learning Team

Effective communication is always important in organisations, and this is especially true for virtual teams. Your learning team should be organised according to relevant stakeholders such as IT technicians and HR personnel. Keep a calendar available to all employees so lessons can be organised efficiently.

Define clear action points and what to do if a learning program is cancelled or employees require further information. Prioritise relevant and important lessons such as onboarding information and remote management skills.

Support your Employees During In-office Programs

Your organisation may choose to hold certain learning programs in the office rather than online. With an ongoing pandemic, ensure your employees feel safe and prepare a document outlining the learning program and what protective measures your organisation will apply accordingly.

For example, you can set up learning stations that are socially distant. Follow reliable sources such as the WHO where updated regulations can influence how your learning programs take place in-person.

For those who do not feel comfortable to come to the office yet, you can decide to hold a hybrid learning program that takes place both in office and online. If you choose to go ahead with this model, ensure your employees have the necessary tools required for the lesson to take place virtually.

Promote E-learning

It is no secret that the working society will continue to benefit from technological advances. E-learning, simplistically defined as formalised teaching through the aid of digital resources, was popular before the pandemic. The working society is beginning to move remote and with it the need to maintain workplace collaboration.

E-learning is a great way to make employees feel that they are working together to achieve a common goal. Where possible, social opportunities can take place with your learning programs such as an online discussion board. Even during challenging times, e-learning can provide an enjoyable platform where colleagues and employers unite to catch up and collaborate.

Prioritise your Employees

The pandemic has undoubtedly caused job security concerns globally, contributing to people’s anxieties about the future. Whatever learning platform your organisation chooses to apply, communicate with your employees their needs and what training you can provide to ensure they adapt comfortably to a new working environment. Ensure your employees all have access to your learning platform and that there are no obstacles.

Upskilling and training opportunities are great ways to support your employees and develop their skills on an equal ground. Constructing a collaborative platform will leave employees the onus to learn with a sense of purpose, creating a positive organisational culture that drives your company forward.