Embracing Online Training for the Long Haul
Even though employees have returned to the office, all signs point to online learning and training becoming more prevalent in the years to come. The numbers show that what started with hybrid and remote work being necessary during the pandemic is now a permanent part of everyday business.
The Numbers
The percentage of U.S. employees working primarily from home has tripled in the past three years. 1Additionally, 83% of those surveyed in 2022 (515 participants) said hybrid and remote work forced companies to look at how they handle learning and adapt to the new business environment. On top of that, 159% of those surveyed believe traditional in-person learning will die out.
Research also shows a potential increase in online learning due to expanding training. This possible increase also indicates a shift from solely focusing on full-time employees. This expansion will include customers, external stakeholders, contractors, gig workers, freelancers, and service providers.
What Does the Shift to Online Learning Mean for Your L&D Team?
When creating virtual learning, one must anticipate different user preferences and varied degrees of digital literacy.
- Digital solutions equal a better alternative
- 2These solutions should accommodate basic user needs more efficiently than in-person training—closed captions, playback speeds, testing capabilities, etc.
- Use an intuitive U.I.
- 2Convoluted user interfaces put your training product at risk of alienating those with limited digital skills, which is about 1/3 of working-age U.S. citizens.
- Virtual environments should facilitate individual choices
- Offer personalized learning choices and experiences through various modalities.
Over the last three-plus years, we have all adjusted our work lives. Learning and training are no exceptions. But as our workplaces continue to evolve, the need for training will remain. Think of it as L&D job security.
1 Lewis, Bobby. “Say Goodbye to In-Person Training.” T.D., February 2023, pp. 9
2 UMU. “4 Tips to Be Digital and Diverse.” T.D., February 2023, pp. 64