Hybrid workforce integrates on-site and remote employees. Overcoming geographical challenges, explore 4 training solutions for this dynamic work model.
After the pandemic, companies have adopted a more flexible approach to their working structure. The flexible structure I am talking about is the hybrid workforce structure. As of now, it feels that times have changed for the better. The presence of a hybrid workforce has turned more into a necessity rather than a choice. Due to the dynamic nature of the corporate world, techniques and technologies that are ideal for the training and development of employees keep changing.
Facing Issues While Training Your Hybrid Workforce?
Here are 4 effective training solutions to help you:
- Minimization of on-site training
- Inclusion of immersive and experimental learning opportunities
- Introduction to Metaverse
- Implementation of collaborations and informal learning
As much as the existence of a hybrid workforce is necessary, training them accordingly is a totally different challenge on its own. Some employees would be working on-site, while some would be remotely working from home. Adding more fuel to the complications, some of the remote workers might belong to different countries, which implies the adjustment according to different time zones. To minimize the issues faced while training and managing a hybrid workforce, companies are constantly looking to level up their training programs. Here, I will be suggesting 4 such training solutions for the hybrid workforce that will have a positive impact on the working environment.
4 Effective Training Solutions for the Hybrid Workforce
1. Minimization of on-site training
This might sound a bit odd and highly debatable but consider it from a global point of view. What is the most common characteristic of a hybrid workforce? Its appeal to the global audience. When a company decides to continue the approach the on-site training and prefers it over online training, the whole narrative of a hybrid workforce is deemed to be irrelevant. To enhance productivity within a hybrid workplace, training of the hybrid workforce should be switched from traditional on-site programs into online eLearning solutions. Employees living anywhere in the world can be trained properly and effectively if the approach itself is shifted towards remote learning.
2. Inclusion of immersive and experimental learning opportunities
An experimental learning approach that is immersive and engaging for the hybrid workforce can be created through several techniques. Some of them are:
- Realistic, scenario-based eLearning that includes use-cases as well
- Augmented reality and Virtual reality
- Microlearning
- Gamification techniques such as a simulation
Every technique has to be properly crafted to increase the engagement of learners while making their experience more fun and exciting. Such immersive and experimental learning techniques will help the employees in a hybrid workforce to understand different points of view and explore potential errors and malpractices with their best-suited solutions.
Get to understand the basics of scenario-based learning in detail through this free webinar recording.
3. Introduction to Metaverse
Previously, I mentioned AR and VR, this is an advanced stage to basic implementation of AR and VR in your training programs. Metaverse is basically a whole new universe where your internet self is considered an individual entity. To put it in simple words, metaverse refers to an integrated network of 3D virtual worlds.
Users access the metaverse through VR headsets and navigate using their eye movements, air gestures, controllers, voice commands, and other sensory technologies. Metaverse creates a sensation of physical presence in a virtual environment.
Now consider all the characteristics of the metaverse and assume your office or workplace is embedded in a metaverse. You can practically attend your office, interact with other employees and take part in other on-site activities while staying in your bedroom. If I keep going about the metaverse, the base context would get deviated so let’s conclude with the fact that the future of a hybrid workforce lies within the metaverse.
4. Implementation of collaborations and informal learning
The collaborative approach within a hybrid workforce enhances communication among employees and helps them to develop an informal work relationship with each other. Collaborations lead to improved adaptability among teams and the respective individuals working either on-site or remote. Practices such as discussions and debates along with surveys can promote the concept of social interactions that will eventually provide the best results for a hybrid workforce. Different teams within an organization can collaborate virtually over calls, meetings, or a webinar to deliver a project that would help them to know each other across the globe and work accordingly. Modern technologies support a remote collaborative approach toward hybrid workforce training and harnessing new tools and technologies will only ease the overall process.
Wrapping Up!
A hybrid workforce is the potential future of the corporate world and to keep the workforce engaged, multiple advancements have been made while a few are in development. Companies that are still against the existence of a hybrid workforce are lacking way behind in terms of productivity, employee engagement, and an overall healthy working environment.
Another effective modern training solution for the hybrid workforce is to stimulate mobile learning within the organization’s training practices. Mobile learning is a necessity and one of the major advancements in the field of learning and development. Try implementing mobile learning in your training strategy and refer to this free eBook if you are stuck somewhere in the implementation process.
