Practical, hands-on learning and development (L&D) and fully engaging in job tasks is a beneficial learning approach in any industry — from baristas and software developers to high-level executives. As the adage goes, “True learning persists until it finds application.” That’s why on-the-job training continues to be an effective learning methodology.
On-the-job training can be a powerful development opportunity, because it prepares workers for real-life tasks, inducts them into the organization’s unique work culture and provides opportunities for organic mentorship and team building — powerful ingredients for employee satisfaction, performance and retention.
On-the-job training also can afford managers in-depth insight into individual employees’ capabilities and areas for improvement. With the continuous rise of remote work, learning leaders should consider capturing the power of in-person on-the-job training in a virtual setting as a training strategy. And for in-person workplaces — like in health care and customer service — virtual on-the-job training can offer new value to L&D for employees and their organizations.
Going Virtual
Most facets of work are going digital. Training has become a much more hybrid-friendly activity for many organizations, although some continue to use in-person training. It’s easy to imagine why: There’s an inherent disconnect between the virtual training environment and physical workspaces. While there are examples of virtual mentorship and coaching for jobs that are already highly digitized, jobs including food service, retail, manufacturing and construction depend on interaction with the physical workspace and other workers.
For customer-facing jobs, on-the-job training can often be the informal part of the training program. In-person on-the-job training can be challenging to capture virtually and they lack the richness of sharing a meal in person, reading co-workers’ moods and body language and/or having a casual watercooler conversation.
As new tools and technologies are added to the virtual training toolbox, it can enhance the effectiveness of virtual on-the-job training. The proliferation of videoconferencing has already made for a richer experience and better context for building organizational and team cultures and norms. Technologies, including augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), can offer future possibilities to virtualizing on-the-job training.
Interactive elements.
Incorporating interactive elements in the virtual training landscape is paramount to keeping employees engaged and actively participating in the learning process. Integrate simulations, virtual labs, quizzes and scenario-based exercises to create a dynamic learning experience that goes beyond passive content consumption. These interactive modules can reinforce knowledge and encourage employees to apply what they’ve learned in a risk-free environment. Such elements can transform the training process into a dynamic and participatory dialogue that enhances engagement.
Collaborative virtual tools.
Virtual training environments can benefit significantly from integrating collaborative tools that simulate a team atmosphere. Incorporate virtual team projects and online discussion forums to allow employees to work together on real-world tasks and engage in meaningful conversations related to the training material. This collaborative approach can foster a sense of teamwork, shared responsibility and the spontaneous discussions that occur in a traditional workplace. By leveraging these tools, organizations can bridge the gap and create a cohesive, virtual learning community.
Immersive technologies.
Immersive technologies, such as AR/VR, can offer a transformative dimension to virtual on-the-job training. By providing realistic simulations and 360-degree virtual tours, employees can immerse themselves in lifelike scenarios relevant to their roles. This level of immersion is precious for hands-on and customer-facing functions. For instance, AR can simulate customer interactions that enable employees to practice customer service skills in a virtual environment. The use of immersive technologies can enhance the learning experience and contribute to a more profound understanding of real-world job requirements in a virtual setting.
Getting more with virtual.
Integrating virtual training within the on-the-job experience also can allow employees and organizations to benefit from technologies, like machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), that can provide custom learning pathways, feedback and even custom instruction. These tools can be deployed virtually at the learner’s pace without disrupting workflow in an environment like a restaurant kitchen or construction site.
For organizations, virtual on-the-job training can also help collect and track data and metrics. This data can be analyzed to derive business insights but can also contribute to regulatory compliance. On-the-job training can be very efficient because workers can learn the required content during their work. Still, because the work is not always reported or recorded, in some instances, the learner must repeat the exercise in a formal context to satisfy compliance requirements.
Consider Enhancing Instead of Replacing
True learning continues until it’s put into action. Whether virtual or in person, on-the-job training can still benefit from new virtual training tools, building better trained and more satisfied workers and unlocking new business value.
