The End Of Traditional Corporate Training?

Before COVID-19, corporate training was already in the midst of a shift away from traditional “classroom-based” training. With the pandemic accelerating this movement, face-to-face training could soon be a thing of the past.

Michael Gullan, CEO of digital training company G&G Advocacy, explains that a combination of depopulated offices and digitally competent employees has seen a dramatic shift in the way workplace training takes place. “The future of workplace training is informed not only by the depopulation of offices, but also by the entrance of a more technology savvy generation into the workforces.”

Gullan says that modern organisations are shifting to better-quality, shorter training material. “Due to the high-energy, high-disruption workplace, adult learners no longer have the time or the inclination to attend training that is generalised. They require short, relevant, highly engaging training material. The days of sitting in multi-day training sessions is not practical any more, and digital solutions simply deliver this experience in a better way.”

Play smart

Gullan adds that digital games-based learning creates a more engaging training experience for the new, tech-savvy generation of employees, while providing incentives is also a strong motivator. “The human brain processes visual information 60 000 times faster than text. Gamification is not a fad; it’s the future. Meanwhile, tying learning into real-world rewards and incentives is a hugely important step in developing participative learning experiences. Building an authentic rewards and incentives system improves the organisation’s competitive interests, employee performance and esteem, and lowers staff turnover.”

Gullan points to G&G Advocacy’s Content Capsules training methodology, which empowers adult learners to learn when, what and how they want to online. “Technology is evolving at an unbelievable rate, and has created significant changes to the skills required in a large majority of roles in all sectors. This means HR needs to be extremely competent at assessing the skills that are required for the workforce and identifying appropriate solutions to upskill and develop for the future-required talent.”

AI makes inroads into corporate training

Although still at the very beginning of its adoption, the value of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating more targeted, customised training experiences for adult learners is being recognised by corporate training providers and the clients they serve. Michael Gullan, CEO of G&G Advocacy, points out that AI is starting to be implemented on a number of platforms. “We see AI being used in chatbots and providing intelligent feedback to learners, but most commonly its power is being harnessed to provide more customised content pathways
for learners.”

Gullan says that AI can alleviate problems with “spillage”, whereby between 50 and 80 per cent of lessons and concepts learned during traditional corporate training are never applied to the job. “This can be done by tailored learning pathways that develop knowledge and concepts that can be immediately applied, while minimising less useful information, and maximising return on investment for the organisation and the learner.”

Gullan says that with workforces becoming more tech-savvy, most adult learners respond well to digital training solutions, as long as they are properly implemented. “Sophistication can be poorly implemented if not in the best interests of a learner. The current generation of employees entering the workforce has grown up with a level of technological sophistication. They not only feel comfortable but also have a preference for technology and automation.”