Traditionally, video was considered an expensive and complex option when developing corporate training. Hiring a camera team and a lengthy postproduction process were just two of the reasons organizations often avoided this challenging format. However, L&D is increasingly delivering training programs that include highly engaging video content. Here are five reasons why.
1. Accessibility
A product that previously took weeks to develop, with a range of expensive tools and teams, can now be created and accessed in seconds. Advances in technology mean that each of us carries a mobile recording studio. We can now easily use HD cameras, microphones and apps to create, edit and publish high-impact content at low cost. There are a number of applications that can be used to easily produce a range of engaging training solutions and add interactive features and assessments to track learning and ensure progress.
2. Responsibility
Just as Amazon and eBay have allowed us to become more educated consumers, technology has similarly disrupted education and training. Previously, employees would wait to attend a professional development class and could only participate in an event that was scheduled to take place on a specific date and time, delivered at a predetermined venue. It was difficult for ambitious individuals and teams to advance their careers. Video now provides learners with complete autonomy, allowing them to access self-paced e-learning, webinars and animations, pulling on information and developing key skills when they need them most.
3. Mobility
In an effort to attract and retain talented employees, a greater number of organizations are considering flexible scheduling. In fact, a recent survey found that 43 percent of employed Americans spend at least some time working from home, an increase of 4 percent from 2012.
There can be many benefits to both the employer and employee in committing to flexible scheduling. However, there can also be concerns. How does a company continue to engage its workforce? How does an employee remain part of the team? How can the organization maintain productivity? In addition, how does a company continue to develop its workforce? There are several outstanding platforms that can use video for ongoing, engaging one-to-one and team development opportunities.
4. Processes
Highly effective organizations regularly reflect on processes to ensure maximum efficiency. Onboarding is just one area that is under constant review to ensure the experience is rewarding for the participant and profitable for the organization.
However, video isn’t just being used to enhance the onboarding process. It is also being used by L&D teams to create pre-boarding content. Producing short microlearning videos on company culture and values is a great way to engage employees before they even set foot in their new workplace.
Completing this process is off-boarding. Organizations are exploring the power of video in an effort to capture the wisdom and skills of experienced company veterans with an aim to promote consistency and continuity for the next generation.
5. Expectations
Training and development in 2017 is not just for millennials. Whether they are 17, 77 or somewhere in between, learners have higher expectations than extensive travel to corporate headquarters to experience death by PowerPoint.
Just as we all expect to be able to book a vacation online or arrange for our groceries to be delivered at our convenience, organizations should now be providing employees with the opportunity to develop themselves on demand – at any time, on any device.
Video allows this convenience, as it provides the foundation to deliver soft skills, technical requirements and other essential job competencies in a format that is quick, impactful and fast becoming expected by the modern workforce.
