Empowering Hands-On Workers Effectively
Not all workers have desks. And not all workers have traditional office jobs. Manufacturing workers, construction workers, retail associates, hospitality employees, truck drivers, restaurant staff, healthcare professionals, and field service representatives are only a few of so many common examples. As well as essential employees needed in emergency or crisis situations. The question remains: how do you reach these on-the-go employees via eLearning? It’s about tailoring offerings to non-office-based workers’ needs and wants.
Organizations in certain deskless sectors encounter unique hurdles in delivering comprehensive training. Employees in this sector, for example, may often perform specific tasks such as operating machinery, quality control, logistics management, or manual, on-the-ground labor rather than desk-based roles. This makes standard online training formats less effective.
What’s next? Embracing specialized eLearning tools is essential to empower these workers, bridge knowledge gaps, and promote a culture of continuous learning and compliance.
What’s Happening Now In eLearning For Non-Office-Based Workers?
Typically, training libraries are dominated by online courses and digital content. Often, there’s a lot of catering being done for computer-based roles but what’s being overlooked in the meantime is the vast number of workers without such setups.
There are unique hurdles in reaching deskless workers. For example, these employees might depend on personal smartphones or tablets for training. But this can be inconvenient due to varying levels of tech proficiency, lack of access to devices, poor connectivity, or the absence of chargers and outlets, especially for those working outdoors.
eLearning often involves self-paced modules, which can be challenging as companies need to ensure the content is engaging and accessible. Additionally, inconsistent internet access can hinder continuous learning.
What Needs To Happen?
Investing in accessible and engaging eLearning solutions tailored for non-office-based industries can offer significant advantages.
What Are The Benefits Of eLearning For Deskless Workers?
1. Accessibility
For workers not based in traditional office environments, accessing eLearning can be challenging due to limited internet connectivity. However, utilizing eLearning platforms that support offline access, allowing materials to be downloaded and accessed without an active internet connection, can make training more feasible and effective.
2. Flexibility
eLearning allows employees to learn at their own pace and on their own schedules, which is crucial for those with nontraditional work hours. This flexibility is especially valuable in industries like construction and manufacturing, where workflows can be unpredictable and demanding.
3. Engagement
eLearning can be more interactive and engaging than traditional classroom settings by incorporating multimedia elements, hands-on activities, and simulations. Non-office-based workers often benefit from practical and interactive training methods that align with their daily tasks. Interactive modules and gamified content can enhance overall engagement and interest.
4. Retention
eLearning supports better information retention by allowing learners to review content at their own pace and focus on relevant information. Job aids or informational posters integrated into eLearning platforms provide easy-to-digest reminders and reinforce key concepts, aiding long-term retention.
Practical Applications Of eLearning
On-Site Training
In deskless sectors, on-site eLearning is crucial due to the hands-on nature of the work. Downloadable manuals, safety guidelines, and instructional videos can be accessed directly at work locations without needing a constant internet connection. This approach enhances efficiency and reduces dependence on continuous online access. Even something as simple as a flyer posted in a break room can drive a big positive impact in ensuring critical messages reach employees.
Remote Project Sites
Depending on the industry, many workers often operate in remote areas with unreliable internet connectivity. eLearning resources that can be accessed offline ensure workers can access necessary training materials and guidelines regardless of their location, maintaining consistency and quality in training.
Training During Downtime
Industries with periods of downtime or breaks between tasks can utilize these intervals for productive eLearning. Employees can engage in self-paced learning through downloadable materials, educational videos, or eBooks on their devices, even when internet access is unavailable.
Portable Training Resources
Interactive training modules, simulations, and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences stored on portable devices like tablets or smartphones allow workers to carry educational materials to job sites. This portability makes learning accessible during commutes or idle times, fostering continuous learning opportunities.
Compliance And Safety Training
eLearning is particularly valuable for industries with strict compliance and safety regulations. Employees can access training modules, instructional videos, and safety guidelines offline, ensuring they are well-informed about industry regulations. Tools enable organizations to create, review, modify, and distribute safety instruction materials, promoting collaboration and ensuring content remains current and aligned with organizational objectives.
Four Key Things To Know
- In industries where non-office-based workers are prevalent, such as manufacturing and construction, eLearning offers a more accessible, flexible, and engaging method to train employees.
- By addressing the unique challenges these workers face, eLearning solutions bridge knowledge gaps and empower employees with the practical skills and compliance knowledge necessary for their roles.
- Organizations that invest in eLearning tools can cultivate a culture of continuous learning and compliance, ultimately enhancing productivity, safety, and employee satisfaction.
- As the workforce continues to evolve, integrating both online and offline eLearning methods will be crucial to meeting the diverse training needs of all employees.
Final Thoughts
eLearning is vital for training non-office-based workers, providing accessibility, flexibility, engagement, and improved information retention. By implementing eLearning strategies, organizations can ensure their workforce is well-equipped to handle the demands of their roles, maintain compliance, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and safety.
Deskless workers must not be left behind and the opportunities to train those in nontraditional roles are vast. It’s merely about increasing awareness of what’s possible, and why a new approach is needed.
