Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/295251
[ 31 ] APRIL 2014 | www.hrotoday.com training materials give employees the option to learn "how to" instructions whenever the need arises. Simple tests given at the end of video lessons act as memory refreshers that identify what an employee has learned and what they still has to master. 7. Take full advantage of developing trends like cloud computing enterprise software. In 2014, cloud technology will become more commonplace and employee cloud training presents an opportunity for increased productivity. Organizations should take advantage of the rapid advancements in online and mobile technology to help employees work whenever and wherever they desire. The change from local-only to cloud software will increase productivity, reduce cost, facilitate collaboration, and provide more flexible work options. 8. Explore 'rapid content' deployment. The shelf life of training content is growing shorter and shorter. Rapid content deployment (RCD) embraces short- form and object-oriented content; it simplifies and speeds up the sharing of fresh, updated information. RCD will help avoid company-wide training sessions every time Google Drive issues an update. RCD helps reduce ongoing content needs and training costs by simplifying content changes. When information needs to be updated, RCD tools let you remove and update content seamlessly. Training departments can even update content already deployed, enabling true rapid learning changes. 9. Put learners in charge of their own learning experience. On-demand training is efficient and effective. Staff can access the information they need whenever and wherever they want. There's no need to wait for a scheduled class or for an instructor or trainer to come to their aid. Its always on, always available, and constant. When online training is offered on-demand, it can help solve immediate problems and concerns as they arise. When knowledge is not available at the critical moment of need, it results in decreased performance and productivity. Also, since voluntary on-demand training can be taken during off-hours when employees are off-premises, it extends hours worked without adding to your payroll. 10. Offer training to all levels of your organization. In some organizations, there is a tendency to offer the majority of training to the most experienced staff, often neglecting to offer a robust training program to younger employees. Making training available on a more equitable basis benefits all levels of your organization. Young workers especially view training and development as critical to their job satisfaction; they welcome the opportunity to learn skills that will make them more valuable to the company. Job satisfaction pays short- and long-term dividends in productivity and employee retention. Jeff Fernandez is co-founder and CEO of online-learning platform Grovo. Since voluntary on-demand training can be taken during off-hours when employees are off-premises, it extends hours worked without adding to your payroll. Learning